Babies Don't Need to be Costly

Babies are expensive, right? They really don't have to be. In fact babies need very little; our warm loving arms, food, to be kept clean and protection from the elements.

In other words babies need only, a loving care taker, some clothing and our milk. Everything else is trimmings. We like to give our babies more and other items can make life convenient but they are really trimmings.

Carrying our Babies - Cheap and Nurturing

Of course if you want to go anywhere that is not by foot or public transit you need a car seat, if you can walk or take a bus you can may be able to do without but either way a sling or carrier can really make life easier and more comfortable for parents and babies. Babies are meant to spend a lot of time in arms (see our parenting page) , research the right type of carrier for you.

Make Your Own

If you decide on a sling or a wrap you can buy them or ask for them for a gift or sew your own. Elizabeth Lee Designs sells sling patterns and accessories. Try Fabric.com...Up to 70% off Retail for material. There are also patterns available to sew your own cloth diapers and of course baby clothes (though 2nd hand may be even cheaper).

Click here for closeout items at MyStrollers.com Closeouts on Car Seats, Strollers and more for baby.

Baby Care Inexpensively

Cloth diapers are a great way to save money and help the environment. You are also not exposing your baby to all the chemicals that are used in disposable diapers.

Feeding baby can also be very inexpensive. Of course breast milk is free and and saves on health care costs besides all the other great reasons to breastfeed. Once your baby is ready for solid foods, make your own, jars are expensive and you can use fresh, local, and/or organic ingredients. Remember baby cereals were not around for most of human existence and babies did fine. If you want to make your own baby cereal oatmeal is simple, put some whole oats in the blender so it's finer, cook as usual and share breakfast with your baby. You can use a little breast milk or even water to thin the cereal or add some pureed fruit if you baby has already tried the fruit before. Meats are a really important food for breastfeed babies around 6 months and you can cook them like you cook other foods for your baby, in a little water until done, then food process them or them through a baby food mill. To batch foods, put them in ice cube trays until frozen and then store in containers or zip locks, you've got lots of baby sized meals.

Budget Entertainment for Mom and Baby

Check out different Mom's groups in the area for a inexpensive day out with baby. Meet moms there who will join you for coffee, walking, park days. Visit the Cape May Zoo, it's donation only and set in a lovely park where you can picnic with some other moms and babies.

If you live in Gloucester County, NJ or nearby spend $2 a year and join the Learning Resource Center at EIRC. This is a state funded resource for parents and teachers. You can borrow toys, games, laminate cheaply, use their machines to cut out shapes and letters and so much more. For more information on their brand new location visit their web site.

Build Your Future Now for Economic Security Later

If you are staying at home with your baby, it's a great time to work on a new career or advancing yourself in the one you have so you can be ready when the time to work comes again or maybe you will find a great at home opportunity and never work 9 to 5 again. Explore on-line courses, honest work from home opportunities, think about the skills you have and how to start a business. New businesses start slow which is just the right pace while you are caring for your new baby and it can grow as your child becomes more independent.

Have More Tips?

Send me your other tips for raising a baby on a budget in South Jersey or anywhere. Contact Karen