Unexpected Expenses for new parents

[jlw617]

There aren't many...we too had to supplement with both our babies, our first dd was 6lbs 12 oz but she was lethargic and I was really uneducated so when the pedi told me I should supplement, I did and it killed my supply, my second was even smaller, 6lbs 5oz and once again they started to freak out when she wasn't gaining as quickly as they wanted her to and said I needed to start supplementing except she had severe gerd and had to be on super expensive hypoallergenic formula, it was $20 for the small cans so it was crazy expensive, all in all I feel much more educated now, I'm quite a bit older and have changed my views on a lot of things when it comes to natural living, when my midwife asked me about breastfeeding and I told her about my past breastfeeding experiences, she told me she couldn't believe that my pedis told me to supplement as early as they did, this time I'm not going to let them freak me out about the initial 10% loss...I guess it was just easy to freak out when your babies are tiny to begin with and your child's dr is scaring you! Anyhow after that novel, I really think babies are not as expensive as people can make them out to be!

Wow, so she had you supplement right from the start? I'm at least happy that my ped didn't step in until he was a few months old I'm so sorry that you had to deal with that! I am much more confident this pregnancy about breastfeeding with this one than I was with my first. I had a bunch of doubts instilled in me, I was shy and conservative with where to feed him and I wasn't very confident in my ability to feed him. That all has changed and now I know what signs to look for as far as the poor latch and the tongue tie and everything.

Yep both my pedis scared me and wanted me to supplement right away and told me they were too small, in fact with my second I was going to the office every other day for weight checks, no wonder I didn't make it long with her, I was so stressed out! I'm glad you're feeling much more confident this time around, I am too and plus I have a great support system from my midwives to my husband and our pedi is very naturally minded as well!

 

[tu123]

Erf car seat was the unexpected for our first. Far too long and fat for the infant carrier by 6 months so we had to spend £350 on an extended rear facing car seat. So car seats were our main thought out purchases for subsequent children.

 

[xdxxtx]

This is my fourth baby, and I am a stay at home parent and very frugal. It's a little late in the season now,but I buy 90% of my baby/toddler clothes at yard sales for $1 or less pre piece. I am currently fully stocked on clothes up to size 8, with my oldest currently in a size 4. I do focus on buying things in perfect condition at the sales and also buy things new from stores on very clear clearance - around $2-3 per piece. I rarely buy clothing outside of used or clearance, but I will if it's on sale and reeeeeally cute. I once bought a faux-leather jacket for $15 at BabiesRUs.

I hand down whatever clothing isn't stained (and I try really hard to get all stains out before giving up on them) and isn't ripped, but I'm not afraid to throw clothes out so my kids always look cute.

I use cloth wipes and cloth diapers.

I nurse, but my second-born was not able to use my milk, dropping down to the 1st percentile in weight, so we switched him to formula and had to use the liquid, specialty kind. My insurance covers all formula, plus a co pay, but it was still way more than I was looking to spend. He was then diagnosed with celiac, and the gluten I had eaten was making him sick. We are now gluten free.

I use freezer recipes to prepare for baby's birth. I was actually really bored and enjoy cooking gourmet meals when my oldest was a baby. I am an ex-chef, and cooking is important to me, but these days, I only cook elaborate meals once a week, sometimes more often with my kids' help. I also cook EVERYthing from scratch. I bake several loaves of bread once a month and freeze them in portions. Pinterest - freezer cooking. I don't normally like the recipes, but they'll at least show you how to prep meals for freezing and give you great ideas as time and money savers!

MEAL PLAN. I spend $100/week on groceries for myself, OH, three toddlers with big appetites, and my parents (I take care of them, and they live with me). We eat only real, organic foods, 100% gluten free, 90% Paleo.

I make my own laundry detergent and all natural cleaners.

I have a Dyson vacuum. I had my first one for 10 years before we lost it in a house fire. I've had my current vacuum for 3 years. My sister buys a new Shark every year - I dunno what they're doing with the thing. Lol

Savings, savings, savings. We keep a huge amount in savings at all time, in case of emergencies and which gets used for our annual vacations.

Holiday shopping starts in July. Birthday shopping starts as early as possible, too.

Ziplock Storage bags work great for putting away clothes that no longer fit baby, a big space saver.

I could go on all day about saving money with little ones.

 

[hellojello25]

this is my fourth baby, and i am a stay at home parent and very frugal. It's a little late in the season now,but i buy 90% of my baby/toddler clothes at yard sales for $1 or less pre piece. I am currently fully stocked on clothes up to size 8, with my oldest currently in a size 4. I do focus on buying things in perfect condition at the sales and also buy things new from stores on very clear clearance - around $2-3 per piece. I rarely buy clothing outside of used or clearance, but i will if it's on sale and reeeeeally cute. I once bought a faux-leather jacket for $15 at babiesrus.

I hand down whatever clothing isn't stained (and i try really hard to get all stains out before giving up on them) and isn't ripped, but i'm not afraid to throw clothes out so my kids always look cute.

I use cloth wipes and cloth diapers.

I nurse, but my second-born was not able to use my milk, dropping down to the 1st percentile in weight, so we switched him to formula and had to use the liquid, specialty kind. My insurance covers all formula, plus a co pay, but it was still way more than i was looking to spend. He was then diagnosed with celiac, and the gluten i had eaten was making him sick. We are now gluten free.

I use freezer recipes to prepare for baby's birth. I was actually really bored and enjoy cooking gourmet meals when my oldest was a baby. I am an ex-chef, and cooking is important to me, but these days, i only cook elaborate meals once a week, sometimes more often with my kids' help. I also cook everything from scratch. I bake several loaves of bread once a month and freeze them in portions. Pinterest - freezer cooking. I don't normally like the recipes, but they'll at least show you how to prep meals for freezing and give you great ideas as time and money savers!

Meal plan. I spend $100/week on groceries for myself, oh, three toddlers with big appetites, and my parents (i take care of them, and they live with me). We eat only real, organic foods, 100% gluten free, 90% paleo.

I make my own laundry detergent and all natural cleaners.

I have a dyson vacuum. I had my first one for 10 years before we lost it in a house fire. I've had my current vacuum for 3 years. My sister buys a new shark every year - i dunno what they're doing with the thing. Lol

savings, savings, savings. We keep a huge amount in savings at all time, in case of emergencies and which gets used for our annual vacations.

Holiday shopping starts in july. Birthday shopping starts as early as possible, too.

Ziplock storage bags work great for putting away clothes that no longer fit baby, a big space saver.

I could go on all day about saving money with little ones.

teach me your secrets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!