Financial position and getting pregnant

Hi Zoe,
I think it really varies from person to person. I’m also trying to get pregnant right now and have already started looking around for strollers, cots, and baby clothes. You can make it as expensive and fancy as you want.
You spend a lot on diapers, but you can also choose cheaper brands like Etos or Kruidvat instead of name brands. And with formula, there are many different types.
If I were you, I’d just go around and see what you’d want to provide for your baby... That way, you can get an idea of how much your baby will cost.

Hi Zoe,
I recently posted a question here on the trying-to-conceive forum as well. Maybe you should look it up; there were some responses there too.

My husband and I also really want a baby, but we’re not financially ready yet.
You can save money by buying second-hand items instead of everything new.
But even second-hand, it’s a lot of money, and I think you always end up spending more than you initially planned.
My husband and I don’t have any issues with buying second-hand items, but we’ve decided to wait until we’re in a better financial position. We’ve made serious plans together and are now consciously saving up.

You should also think about whether you want to breastfeed. If you can and want to, you’ll save on formula etc., but if you don’t want to or can’t, that’s an extra expense.
And how are you insured for pregnancy and childbirth? These are all points that can lead to additional costs.

What I did was pull up wishlists from websites and check roughly how expensive the products I needed would be. This gives you a good idea of what you need to buy and/or arrange. Maybe you know someone who could give you baby stuff?

My husband and I decided that when we get our baby, we want to give our child a good future without risking debt etc.
It’s very painful, and I don’t like it at all, but I think it’s the best for the baby we hope to have someday!

Good luck with your decision!

Hi, my partner and I are really struggling financially and I got pregnant unexpectedly. Our son is now 6 weeks old and everything is actually falling into place now. Of course we have worries, but as soon as you hold that little one, you forget about it. Our situation is so tough that we're literally just surviving. Sometimes we don't even have money for a decent meal. But I'm breastfeeding so I need to eat well. Then my partner eats a bit less. We also often eat spaghetti or macaroni. Anything to be able to buy diapers. And we get them at Kruidvat, they're thicker than Pampers and cheaper.
To put together a baby set, I made a changing table from an old cabinet with drawers, got a stroller with basket and seat for when he's older, a cradle, maxi-cosi and stand, and lots of clothes from the thrift store. I spent no more than 75 euros in total on this. Bottles on sale at Euroland and we had a baby shower where we received a crib and bassinet. So you can decide for yourself how much you want to do. And when Nathan is older, I'll keep browsing the thrift store, because they outgrow their clothes so fast.
I can tell you that money ruins a lot (or the lack of it) but the arrival of a little one makes up for it more than enough. You can also choose to breastfeed and if that works out, you won't have to worry about formula for the first 0-6 months. That saves a few euros. So if you really want children, you have the strength and certainty deep inside you to handle it all. Because your financial situation could still be the same in 5 years, and age is also a factor, you'll regret not doing it sooner. Lots of strength and if it really has to be, you'll be so creative that you'll end up with money left over (joke).

Greetings Charley