Big baby wish, but I'm having doubts because of finances.

Hi,

I think 300 a month for a baby is actually quite a lot. You don't need daycare since you don't have a job, so that cost is already gone. As for stuff, you might be able to get a lot (for free) from friends or via MP (the only thing I'd really buy new is a car seat, but you can get older models in older colors for 50-60 euros that are still approved).

What do you really need for a baby in the first year:
Diapers: about 35 euros per month (4 packs of diapers on sale)
Food: breastfeeding (free, just buy your own nursing bras etc.) or bottles for the first 6 months, that's one pack of formula per week (I think it's about 8-9 euros per pack)
Food from 6 months: making your own in jars, so it hardly shows up in the costs anymore.
Clothes: almost nothing in the first year, you can probably get a lot, and otherwise just shop sales.
Insurance: nothing extra, covered until 18.
So you can manage well with 150 a month.

When they're 2-4, you might spend a bit more on clothes, because crawling/falling wears them out more. But even then, it's easy to estimate what's needed.

I don't see any obstacles, maybe only advantages. The market will pick up once your little one starts school!!

300 euros for a baby should be totally doable. It also makes a huge difference when you can buy a lot of second-hand stuff, which keeps your costs even lower.
If the desire is strong, I’d go for it. The rest usually falls into place around it, and it’s better to take care of your child first and then go back to work than to work and then go on leave (or maybe even stop) because you’ve had a child.
And... you can work until you’re 67, but you can’t have babies forever

Thanks for your replies. They've put me in a much better mood! If the finances work out, that's one less worry.
Working until you're 67 and not having kids is a pretty good motto. If people start nagging me about my 'stupid' choice, I'll remember it.

Hi Sophia81

I also posted this question on babbels.

I'm unemployed too and looking for a job. My husband works and earns well, but unfortunately we pay a lot in rent and other fixed costs, and we don't qualify for subsidies or allowances.

We won't be able to save much in the coming period, and we're doing our best to get our finances in order as quickly as possible because we really want a baby. It's a desire that only grows stronger, and it's sometimes quite frustrating for me because people around me are getting pregnant and I'm not.

If you're able to save €300 a month for the baby, I think it's definitely doable. I'd definitely do it myself!

€300 x 9 is €2,700. If you check second-hand sites carefully and compare lists of baby gear, I think you can manage! And if you're already pregnant, you don't have to buy the entire baby set right away—you can wait until you're a few months along. Just keep delivery times in mind when ordering.

One tip: don't buy a full baby room setup. You don't need to buy a cradle either; you can go straight for a cot. You don't need a changing table if you have a low dresser where you can change the baby comfortably (without straining your back), and you can use that dresser to store baby stuff and clothes.

Also, you don't need to buy a baby bath seat if you're having the baby in summer. If you need it later, you can always buy it then!

Another tip: compare websites and go for the cheapest items (but do read what others say about the product first).

If you're unsure, maybe it's wise to wait a bit longer. For example, if you wait three more months, you'll have an extra €900 to spend, which might give you a better feeling. You'll also avoid financial stress while you're pregnant and after the baby arrives.

If you want to get pregnant, you can start taking folic acid now. There's lots of info about folic acid and its benefits on brabbels and online!

Good luck with the decision you're going to make!

I'd go for it. You can work for the rest of your life, but you can't just have kids. And with 300 you'll really make it. When the little one is a bit older you can always start working gradually, and maybe there's someone willing to babysit for you. Even if it's just one day, you'll have a bit more income, and if things get really tight you can always do work from home. E.g. folding letters, etc. It doesn't pay much, but every little bit helps. In short, think about it: where there's a will, there's a way.

This also kept me very busy, the financial side.
I always had the impression that a baby is very expensive.
When I hear what people (family members) say.

This also kept me very busy, the financial side.
I always had the impression that a baby is very expensive.
When I hear what people (relatives) say.

Hi, I'm 32 and we have two boys, aged 3 and 7. My husband and I also have a desire for another child. Now I'm pregnant (not planned), but we've been living below the poverty line for 2 years. My parents have to help out sometimes, otherwise we can't make ends meet. The only solution would be to get another job where I could work more hours. Right now, everything is just about holding together. I'm so torn. My heart is against abortion, but my head says it's the best option right now. On the other hand, I'm already 32 and I don't want to be too old when I have my third. There are so many pros and cons that I don't know what to do anymore! Any advice?

Dear Sophia,

My boyfriend and I are both 28 and both want children. He has a permanent job but earns an average salary. He can do some extra work in the evenings, which helps. I don't have a permanent contract, and because I've been unemployed a few times already, we've put off our desire for kids several times. I'm currently working through an agency, and I'm pessimistic about getting a permanent position. We do have a mortgage with normal monthly payments.

Half a year ago, the desire for a child was so strong that we decided to go for it anyway. We weighed the pros and cons. We already have some savings and can continue to save normally now. That helps.

If you can give your child all the love in the world and provide for their basic needs, I'd personally say go for it! No one has job security or financial certainty these days. But that's just my opinion.

I say just go for it! After tough times, good times always come. How many women don’t work less precisely because they have a child? A child does cost money, but with a little cutting back, you can cover it. If you work, you also spend money on childcare, and often the choice is made to stay home due to childcare costs. Just do it if you can; not everyone can get pregnant. Stay positive, and everything will be okay. Hugs!