nervous about child care.....

MeganBM

So my hubby and I are currently looking to buy a house, and are very comfortable with the payments etc... and are currently renting.  I am approx 5 weeks and decided to check out prices of day care- it looks like it would be around $900 a month! in no way shape or form can we afford that even in our current situation,  We / he would have to get new jobs, and I am nervous with all the extra costs that will come with the baby.  My nerves are so worked up right now.  How do you plan on making it work? any ideas? thoughts? 

kdjudd

We had this problem with my last baby. I decided to work at home so I could spend time with my daughter all day, but also bring in some money. I do social media work for the most part. It is quick and easy and it saves us so much in child care. I wouldn't want it any other way! Also, if you want to save money you might want to look into cloth diapers and breastfeeding. Diapers and formula are the most expensive part about having a baby (besides the hospital bill)

KdgTeacher

YOu could look into in-home options.  Those are often times cheaper.

Kstowe07

Have u looked into a home daycare? I didn't have to put my DS in one until she was around 6 months old but I did like that the expense wasn't close to what they charge for daycare. Plus my DS was not sick alot less kids. My neighbor referred us to a couple. They were like a grandma grandpa that loved children. It wasn't about the money. Ask around from people you trust.

Kstowe07

Not sure why it typed DS I have a DD lol!

amwest

I second looking at inhome daycares. We use one and it's 480 a kid for fulltime. I love the relationship my children have with their provider too. She is like another grandma to them.

kendra223

Having a child is very expensive but everyone figures it out. Just take a deep breath and start brainstorming on what will work for you.

If it came down to it, you could work days and he could work nights or vice versa. That way someones always home. You can look for an in home daycare and see if that's cheaper. You can actually try to work in a daycare... that's what I do now lol. I chose to do it for two big reasons 1. Its really a mothers day out, so its only part time 28 hrs a wk. 2. Daycare is free. 3. I got to be with her in the same room up until 17 months of age. Hmmm... could any of your parents help watch LO? Even if it wasn't all week.. you could still find a daycare who would take LO on the days your parents or relatives couldn't and that saves money. Can you cut back on anything? Can you or DH get a better job? Also.. there's help for people who meet certain income guidelines. Here its called CCMS.

So many options. It will all work out. I stressed pretty hard with my 1st about this too. But remember.. you must go to your states website to review the care provider.. children and family protective services? I believe that's what it is. And you must also follow your instinct because the most important thing is that your child is safe.

MrsWPT

If you're not comfortable with in home daycares, church daycares (at least in my area) are typically substantially cheaper than other daycare centers. 

PrimRoseMama

We saved a ton of money for this baby. We planned this pregnancy, but my first pregnancy was a surprise.

I would recommend taking a hard look at your budget. Cut the fat where you can. Fancy cell phone plan? Don't renew. Downgrade to something more basic.

Clip coupons. Eat in more. If you have cable you might look into discontinuing that. Basically cut out all the extraneous expenses on paper as an exercise. Then see what you'd have left over after food, rent and utilities.

I'd put off buying a house, truthfully. You don't need the added burden of a mortgage.

I hope that helps.

HopeSprings2012

What would you be comfortable paying for child care? You mentioned you are looking to buy a house. Could you revise that search to a bit of a lower budget or perhaps even rent for a bit longer?