Advice for first baby budget

[Hippolyta20]

My husband and I are trying for our first baby. We are both self employed and want to start saving some money each month to cover the initial baby costs. Does anyone have any advice on what kind of figure we should be aiming at? This is to cover all the "one-offs" (like cot, buggy, car seat, baby clothes, maternity wear, bottles, stair gates etc). Also, as we are in Wales, we have to pay for our own 12 and 36 week scans. Friends estimating about £6k. Does this sound realistic?

Rimmed - sorry meant tommee

Thanks Starlight

i reckon we spent a bit less than £1500. But that included a changing table, cot, car seat, Quinny buzz (second hand), cloth nappies, clothes, toys.

We waited until DS was born to buy most clothes and just got a few white baby gros and two unisex outfits in advance. Since then we have bought the vast majority of his clothes second hand.

You get given a shed load of clothes for DC1 too (alot highly impractical but folk always give you an exchange receipt). People are so generous with a first baby.

Thank you for the advice on what you all spent out on. Where to go (especially the links) is also very helpful first time around.

Sadly won't get any maternity pay as self employed . Still, I think by shopping around and cutting out some "nice to haves" we can get the cost down.

Also, Ikea (and their Antilop highchair is THE BEST) do a good basic cot (Sniglar, I think it's called). We used it at a holiday cottage we had and it was just as good as our £200 one. And it's £25. Also, their bedding is much cheaper than Mothercare etc.

Can you not get maternity allowance-go to direct gov site to see but my friend got it as she hadn't been 26 weeks with employer before leaving?

Thank you lollystix. I didn't realise I might be able to get some maternity help. I will have a look at the governement website over the weekend. That would be good news!

Will also be checking out Ikea .

Just buy the things you need straightaway.

That is a car seat, pram, and somewhere to sleep (not necessarily a cot), some kind of baby bath and a changing mat.

You just need a few outfits for the baby at the beginning and most people receive a lot of clothing as presents.

How much maternity clothes you need depends on how often you are willing to wash.

You don't need to buy bottles or a stair gate at the beginning (or at all).

I would recommend buying nothing until you know you need it. In these days of 24 hour Tesco, you are never far away from being able to part with your money on baby products.

£6K is an outrageous amount. £1.5K would be extremely generous, and £1K more than adequate.

www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018869

I typed in 'maternity allowance'. If you're self emploed you can get £129 a week for 39 weeks. Better than a poke in the eye - hope you're eligible.

For the twins i spent about £1300. That included
2 maxi cosi carseats and bases
2 cots
2 moses baskets
changing table/bath
Twin buggy (out and about nipper 360)
Baby clothes (think i spent about £60 as i bought unisex so the twins could share)
Maternity clothes (couple of outfits that were washed to death)
blankets

Everything else you just kinda pick up on the way along.
Special offers on nappies no matter what brand as you dont know which will suit your baby.