Childcare Costs

[McMum2b]

Hi, me and my partner have decided to start trying for a baby which I'm over the moon about but I've been looking at childcare and it actually makes me wonder if I can afford to have a baby as I don't know how I am going to be able to afford nursery or a childminder. Unfortunately my Mum has passed away and my Dad lives too far away and my other halfs parents are unable to help.

I know a lot of people say there is never a time that you can afford a baby but for a local I'm looking at around £600 a month and we just don't have that kind of money.

My Maternity leave is only 6 weeks and then I am hoping I will be able to work from home full time for a month and then drop to 3 days and home and then 2. It is difficult though as I am on the phone to clients and candidates all day. I am also unable to be a stay at home mum as again I can't afford to do so.

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thanks x

Just a well done from me OP for looking ahead and doing some responsible planning around how you're going to care/pay for a baby. You sounds like you and your partner have your heads screwed on.

I don't think the childcare voucher scheme is around anymore, there is a new system where you can get tax free childcare, or you might be eligible for other support. This is a useful website: www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

You can’t work from home and look after a baby. I’d pause TTC and save up so you’re not worrying about money.

thank you @StepBackPlease

Similar to other posters you would need to access tax-free childcare rather than childcare vouchers they’re not open to new members I’ve never had a problem with tax free childcare I actually find it more straightforward than the vouchers as it’s much more flexible

Your company might have allowed you to work from home one day a week but I cannot believe that was on the understanding that you would be providing childcare and working at the same time it’s just not possible to do justice to both at the same time and it’s not something employers allow

Childcare is expensive my youngest is still in nursery four days a week up until his 30 hours funding we were paying up to £900 a month I don’t know how we did it.

I think you need to work out a really detailed list of everything you are spending money on now. How many times a month do you have a night out/meal out/coffee/buy lunch etc. Once you have a baby, these things will naturally decrease so you will be saving money. Ounce it’s written down, you should be able to see if there are any areas you can make savings on.

Do you have high housing costs?

Childcare Costs are eye watering, but once your child turns 3, they get 30 hours funded childcare which helps most families A lot. Until then the 20% tax savings from childcare choices.gov really helps, so you would need to sign up for that. Also don’t fall in to the trap that paying the most money gets you the best childcare. It really isn’t a sliding scale where the cheapest is the worst and the most expensive the best, so do have a really good look round and compare childcare options.

@Maryann1975 thank you. I appreciate it