Younger moms preferably or who was a young mom?

Question

How did you afford all the things for your baby?

Did you carry on working or college/uni after your baby?

I'm 19 and 17 weeks preg, im training to be a nurse, so dont get a very good wage, im TRYING to get another job, but failing, my bf works but we just about manage to pay our rent, bills and car things, hw do i afford a baby. No horrible answers like should of thought of it first, yeah thats true, but im over them answers now x

Answer 1

I'm not sure about UK laws, but there are programs out there that help low-income, working mothers. Check in with a local clinic; most of them will have brochures and referrals for those types of things for you to call and get information. I'm in the US myself, and 19 and expecting as well - it's just a matter of what you're willing to sacrifice to provide for your child. You might not be the most comfortable, but your baby is what matters. Budget like your life depends on it - buy your child the discount diapers, leave out everything but the necessities for you and your boyfriend, and leave the rest for diapers, formula, savings, etc after your bills are taken care of. See if your boyfriend could pick up another part-time job for you, to help cover childcare expenses. Regardless, it can be done! You just have to have faith, and tighten your purse-strings a bit. You might want to consider too, once your lease is up with the current place you're living at, finding some cheaper places to live that are still suitable for you and your family.  

Answer 2

I had a baby shower with my first baby.. my ex's (the father of my first child) mother set it all up. This time around, I'm in a new relationship and I have alot of things from my first child, but my MIL put up the money for the crib and change table, and the rest of our resources come from social assistance, and monthly child tax credits. I wasn't working through either pregnancy, and my hubby works full-time (though it gets deducted from the social assistance, so it doesn't make much difference).

Answer 3

I totally understand! I was 23 when I had my first baby & I had just started nursing school when I found out I was pregnant & working full-time- I had to stop going to school b/c I was sick & missing to much but when you have a baby you learn to give up things & save money any way you can-before I had kids I bought shampoo that was $28 a bottle -now I buy shampoo at the dollar store! It will be hard but you get use to it & your gonna love your baby so much it won't matter that you don't have everything you need as long as your baby does! I just turned 30 & now have 4 kids & I'm going back to nursing school in 2 weeks! The dollar store will become your best friend & they even sell baby stuff there too!! Here in the US we have a place called BirthRight -they help people get baby things crib, clothes etc.. You can google it & see if it's available in England if not look at craigslist & buy used items! Good luck & congratulations!

Answer 4

I was 16 when I had my daughter and 17 when I had my son. It was tough and we didn't have much money. There are state programs that will help with daycare, food and things like that. I did all my shopping at yardsales and thrift stores and at Wal-Mart. Babies don't need fancy clothes because they outgrow them so fast. I hope that it all works out for you.

Answer 5

There is always W.I.C which can help you with food and formula after the baby comes.  Also I'm sure friends and family would throw you a shower to help you get some of the things you need.  I'm pregnant no, and I plan to continue college.  Sometimes the state will cover childcare for that.  Try t work out a schedule with your bf.  Since my husband and I are both college students he goes three days a week, and I go two days so we won't need a sitter this semester.  Also, closer to your due date, inform your professors.  They might be willing to work with you.

Answer 6

I had my first baby at 19. One thing to think about when it comes to bigger items for your baby is thrift stores and yard sales (assuming they have these in England)

Before you by a baby bed tho, make sure you know what the standards for saftey are and examine the used bed to make sure it is sturdy and safe for your baby.

A car seat is something you need to get new. You neverk now if one has been thru a crash and could be compromised.

It isn't easy being a young mom and still trying to get your schooling and/or work, but you CAN do it and definitely continue your education.

I am sure you and your baby will do fine.

Answer 7

My husband and I were married very young, he was 19 and I was 18.  Our first baby was planned and she was born when I was 20.  Both my husband and I worked - he full-time and I part-time - plus we both went to school - he part-time and I full-time.  It was very hard, but it was what we wanted and chose to do so we made it work any way we could.  We did not have much money at all and struggled financially in many ways.  We had just bought a house about 2 months before she was born.  It was a very tiny house in a safe neighborhood, but it was an old run-down area of the city we lived in at the time.  We are blessed with close and loving family and our parents helped us out quite a bit.  If we hadn't had their support, I am not sure how we would have made it.  What we had to do was review all our income and all our spending.  Then we cut back or eliminated nearly everything that wasn't absolutely necessary for our existence.  We relied on second hand stores sometimes for both our clothes and our baby's clothes as well as household furnishings.  We also limited ourselves to eating out only 1-2 times a month and we became grocery shoppers who planned their menus around sale items and used lots of coupons.  You have to be creative and think of things in terms of wants and needs.  If you want it, but it isn't a true necessity, it may have to wait for a few years until you have a different job.  I strongly suggest you do build in some fun into your budget.  We both love to bowl, so we kept our weekly bowling league and built it in to our budget.  We had to give up some things, such as packing lunch instead of eating out, but it worked for us.  In our early years, if we hadn't had helpful family, we probably would have had to resort to some form of government help temporarily.  Our next 2 kids came when I was 23 and 26.  After I graduated from college, I was a stay-at-home mom for 6 years and received several newsletters from organizations who gave tips on how to save money.  My kids are now 29, 26, 23, and 11 (she was our little "caboose" baby, conceived unexpectedly when I was taking birth control pills reliably for 11 years!), so I didn't have the internet when my older kids were young.  You are fortunate to have that resource, so I suggest you do a search for something like "How to live thriftily" or "Tips to cut household expenses" or "Raising a baby in today's economics".  I was surprised and I think you will be, too, at the number of good ideas out there to help manage your money more efficiently.

Answer 8

We were fortunate enough to have loved ones who bought a lot of stuff from flea markets and things for us. As far as diapers, there are always coupons in magazines and papers, they don't seem like much, but every little bit helps we used cloth diapers sometimes too. We had to be on WIC for awhile too. This helped w/ me and trying to nurse and stuff. Some states have programs to help mothers and children in need financially, even if it is a one time only deal or once every so many weeks/months.  More than anything we trusted the Lord and He provided ways. I wanted to go to college right away, but we waited until the baby was born and then I became eligible for financial aid. I had to take a lot of classes, but I worked my a** off and found time to do homework at night or when little baby was napping. Online classes are really great. You have to be serious about the school though. The higher your grades stay the more eligible you become for even more grants. I remember one semester we got over 1,000 from grants. The classes had to be paid and I bought used books instead of new or had classmates who gave me used ones. So we had paid a bunch of bills ahead of time w/ the money. Also I asked the Lord if it was His wiil for me to go He would provide a way and make the classes open for me. There were many times I wondered why I didn't get one I wanted/needed, and it worked out bcuz of stuff that happened that semester. He knows what He is doing. The most important thing is to take care of the baby and yourself. Always think about how it can be worse and you will be very thankful it is not that bad for you. At least you are 19 and not 15 or something. I worked off and on, but soon just became a full time student so I could get it done faster and have more time for baby, but I was blessed w/ a hubby who works hard. As for that, we just went to the court and got married and bought a cheap little weddingband $80 nothing I know, but we have been together 5 yrs and stayed happy, being/getting married is never about the money like people think it is. I know when we can afford it he will get a nicer bigger ring but I don't really care. Anyway, he was only bringing home like 1200 a month. I know it seems like a lot but trust me it isn't not w/ a baby. But my in-laws once said if people could afford kids, no one would have them...especially in todays economy. I hope the best for you and things will get better, at least you are not having twins, it is much harder when there is more than one baby. Good Luck.

Oh, and there is no money in teaching if you wonder about that...also we now have 2 and are expecting again so it is not that bad anymore and a lot changes in just a few years.

Answer 9

i did a mothercare nursery plan & paid things up.  Get cot second hand just buy new matress.  Unfortunatly unless your on benefits you are not entitled to sure start payment of £500, which is totally unfair that you bother your a** to work, so therefore you get no help.  You could try applying for housing benefit towards your rent as they sometimes make contribution even if you are working.  Hope it all works out.  Its tough but you will manage!! xx

Answer 10

Wic and other government programs could be helpful to you. Baby having isn't really as expensive as people make it out to be. Atleast not the first while, until you get a steady paycheck. Get some clothes from either thrift store or have a baby shower. There are really cheap diapers out there. People get baby rooms and then everything that goes along with furnishing a new room which hikes up those bills. Your baby can sleep in a moses basket for the first long while, Instead of a crib. Just have alittle money away for emergency purchases like diaper rash ointment and stuff.

Answer 11

Continue to go to school, it will pay off in the end, try to work as much as you can know to safe up some money now, also look up the wic program they will help you with formula for the baby. Good luck  

Answer 12

We were 18 when our first son was born.  We lived with his family (my parents kicked me out).  I graduated from high school but never went to college although I am looking into it a couple of years from now.   You just make due.  You sacrafice things you need for things your baby needs more.  You don't have to have all the baby stuff right away - a highchair can wait, you don't have to have a bassinet or a changing table.  I have 3 kids and have never had a changing table!  Go to garage sales and consignment stores for clothes, blankets, a crib, car seat, etc.  Ask your friends/family who have had babies if they are still using their stuff, if not, maybe they'll sell it to you for cheap or let you borrow it?!!!  There are ways to make it work, you just have to be willing to put the effort into making things work.  You'll be fine!

Answer 13

I got pregnant at with my first at 19. My BF worked while I stayed home we were also living with his mother. You could try buying bigger items at second hand shops or maybe you know family and friends that can loan you their baby fruniture. I wouldn't buy a carseat used though that I would just save up for.

Answer 14

You can apply for government aid for low-income working moms.  I'm not sure of the program name, but I'm sure you'll get a answer that suggests it also.  

Buy cheap diapers, NOT name brands like Huggies or Pampers, waste of money.  If you have an Aldi's they sell diapers that work great.  Also Target brand is good too. Used them both and never failed.  Diapers will be a big expense.  Try to breastfeed and you won't pay a dime for formula.  Go to second hand stores for baby clothes and other things.  If you have supportive family, maybe they will buy your baby some stuff too.

Answer 15

depending on the state your in.. they have help for mothers with lower income.. like WIC or help with day care or housing!  

Answer 16

Well, maybe you can find a way to go into a home health program. You may also be able to see in the classifieds if anyone is need light housekeeping. It was hard, I was a mom at 16. My husband was making $7 an hour at his job. We just made sure that a majority of the things we got was from the outreach center or even the goodwill. I did not work at all- hubby was the only one that worked. But i also had some help from family. And the things you get from the baby shower will help out sooo much! also what could work is that everyone who attends the shower can help contribute some money towards a baby crib for you. But first i would get a bassinett. That would be what the baby will sleep in the first month or so of life. And that might also give you a little more time to gain the money to get a crib. You do not have to get an expensive crib. It was not until my daughter was 3 that i finally went to college and got a job. Now hubby works in oil field so i do not have to worry about working at this time.