Hello Ladies. My name is Sarah and I am new here, but I really really need some advice. I am a SAHM and my husband works.We have an almost 3 year old daughter Helaina. We are desperate to have another baby and an initial inspection of our budget showed that everything would be fine if we did. Upon further inspection we are now terrified that getting pregnant would be foolish. We are looking at everything we can do to cut our bills and so far aren't coming up with much, so I have come here for advice, encouragement. Whatever you have to offer me. Thanks for taking the time and if you want reply personally my email addy is lainiesmom329@aol.com

thanks again!

I have always thought that if we waited for the perfect time to have a baby, no one would ever have them. I also don't think having one child really costs that much more than having two, after diapers of course. I would suggest trimming expenses as much as possible in putting that money away for the little extras that might pop up. Use this summer to hit garage sales for some of the things you might need or borrow from friends. This is a wonderful site and if you poke around, you will find tons of ideas.

Welcome! and post often so we can get to know you better.

Kelly
mom of 2 boys, 5 & 7

Top things that come to mind are:

Do you have any baby items left from #1?
Are you able to breastfeed?
What are your expenses that cannot be cut back on? (ie; Rent/Mortgage, Hydro, phone, etc..)
What are you expensese that can be cut back on? (ie: groceries, clothes, entertainment, etc..)

Don't let money be your deciding factor on having another child. I have seen people wait to have another baby and then have difficulties getting pregnant (I'm not saying that will happen and hope that it doesn't, but it's something to consider). I'm not sure if you own or rent, work or stay at home, but those are some things to look at. Can you refinance your home or find a cheaper place to rent? Can you cut out your cable or extras like that? Can you make cuts on your groceries and other spending? If you write it all out on paper, it is easier to see what can be cut and where you can save. Good luck!! We are actually going to be trying for another soon and I know it can seem like it can't be done, but it can.

Thanks ladies. It just seems so scary. Our first baby was completely unplanned so I guess we don't even know how to plan for a baby.

I am a SAHM and that is extremely important to me. My husband and I were raised with a SAHM and it is something we feel is worth a little sacrifice.

We rent. We are moving in about 4 months to a 3 bedroom apartment that is almost twice as big as the 2 bedroom apartment we are in now. It is one of the cheapest in the community.

Thank you all for your suggestions. When my husband gets home tonight this is what we are tackling so I wanted to be well-versed on some ideas.


p.s. I am new to these kind of forums so I am not real sure if I am doing this right.

__________________
Stay-at-Home Mom to an amazing 3 year old Helaina:love:
Married to my husband for 3 years on 7-24-07



http://www.myspace.com/lainiesmom

I found that haveing another child hasnt increased my expenses very much. Diapers are the main thing. Food isnt that big of a deal becuase they two of them usualy shair. FOrtunalty I have two girls so the little one can wear sisters hand me downs.

Dotn let money stop you, if you do you will never have another one.

I completely agree with everyone who says do not let money be THE deciding factor in whether or not to have another child.

Besides the advice above I was just talking today with a friend about how many "baby things" companies try to sell you that you do not need - the previous generations never had all the bells & whistles!

Here are the things I thought were essentials for my babies:
crib
diaper bag
sheets & dust ruffle (bumper pads & comforters are not safe)
baby bath
car seat
stroller
blankets
clothes (from baby #1 - also no one child really needs as many clothes as we as parents
buy them)
baby monitor
Bassinet (I had a playpen with a bassinet that attached to the top)
Baby swing
sling (I made myself - easy to do and cheap)
white cloth diapers - to use as burp clothes

I cannot think of what else....
I know you can get tons of this at garage sales, consignement stores, borrow from friends, etc...

The things I did not have (and survived just fine):
Diaper Genie
Saucers, bouncers, etc...
Fancy baby bedding
Tons of baby toys, rattles, teethers
Wipes or Bottle warmer
Crib mobile
An excess of clothes


Nothing fancy really!

Now just try to look at where you can cut money in your budget - cell phone, cable, are you spending a lot of money eating out, renting movies, buying books, etc....
- The library is a good option & you can always make eating out cheaper!

Good luck and you did just fine in posting!
Erica

I agree with no letting money be the deciding factor. If we had waited to have kids until we could afford it, we still wouldn't have kids! (Ours are now 17 and 12)

If we had waited until I thought we could afford it we never would have had kids. You somehow find a way to live within your means. Once you have one child the second is usually cheaper because you have the baby items already. To save money on diapers I used Target generic version during the day and Pampers at night. I also breast fed both my girls.

Welcome!
I just wanted to echo what everyone else already said: don't let money be the deciding factor.
If you want another child, go for it. If it's important for you to be a SAHM, you will find a way. Whatever your financial situation, there have been people worse off than you who have managed just fine.

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~Jeweled