Could you cover all your baby’s costs for 2012 for $1000? I can!

I find it always interesting what people say you “need” for your first baby. The truth is that it is really subjective. Every baby situation is different. After we had our third child, I donated nearly every baby item I had. We thought our child bearing years wear over. However, we learned last summer that was not the case — #4 was on the way! Hence I was basically starting over with all the baby things.

I felt like a first time mom. What did I need? How much would it all cost? Could I get any deals, etc.  While I started planning…we received a most generous check from a family friend for $1000. I started to make a budget and determined that every thing I needed had to fit in under $1000.

Since Frugalette #4 is due toward the end of March, I will only need to cover nine months worth of essentials.

Here are my details and items I already own:

Mr. Super Frugalette’s insurance plan is going to cover the doctor visits, lab appointments, and delivery fees 100%!

I own a car seat and stroller base for the car seat.

We own a crib which #4 Frugalette will use when he is about 6 months old. Currently the crib is occupied by #3 Frugalette.

What I purchased for $1000….

Clothing – $574

I owned one baby outfit when I found out I was expecting. (Basically I did not get around to selling it on eBay). This was the only reason I had it. Thus, I needed clothing for size 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12. The total amount that I spent on clothing seems like an incredible amount of money to spend on clothing. I did purchase a couple of items on eBay. I did not go to garage sales or thrift stores. I have never had success at such stores and regarding garage sales, we have other activities to do on Saturdays and Sundays, so that type of shopping is unavailable to me.

I purchased Hanna Andersson pajamas in various sizes. I have been purchasing Hanna Andersson pajamas for years. They are very high quality cotton, so they hold up after many washes. Moreover they are organic certified. I know that my baby will not be covered in chemicals and I know the workers harvesting and processing the cotton will not be exposed to harmful chemicals as well. Thus, when I can afford it, I will pay more for organic baby items.

For size 0-3, I purchased 7 different pajamas (some Hanna, some not) because at this age there are “blow-out” diapers and babies tend to need to be changed more frequently. The total cost for the 7, was around $61. Size 3-6 will be worn in the summer so I had to include a sunhat and short sleeved outfits. My total for this season was $130. For size 6-12, I spent a big part of my budget on two dark colored sweater outfits from Hanna Andersson. I needed something warm so the sweater fabric was perfect. The dark colors are essential. The hues protect against messy diapers and first time eaters. First time eaters are a disaster. Food gets everywhere and I will not have to be concerned about stains on either of these outfits.

 Baby Carrier – $108

With several small children in my house, I find a baby carrier essential. I find that babies like being attached. When babies are attached, then I have two free hands. I need two free hands — it is essential to a SAHM. I have used a Bjorn in the past, but I do not like the Bjorn for infants. It causes the infants to sit in an awkward position. I liked the Ergo carrier. It received good reviews and it was in NAVY, but it was pricey…around $140 and I had to purchase a separate insert for an infant. I also had a sling once, but every time I bent over I worried about the infant falling out.

wren cobalt

I decided on a BabyHawk. It fits size newborn to 40 pounds. I was able to customize the look. I could not get navy straps but I did opt for steely blue straps which compliments navy. I even was able to select a print for the insert. I opted for “wren cobalt”. I guess I like bird themes…

Bouncy Seat – $29

I needed something to put the baby in when he is not in the BabyHawk. I love Moses baskets but they have such a short lifespan…perhaps two months or less. They are designed as a quiet sleeping place, but there is nothing in there to entertain a baby. Thus, the seat is far more pragmatic. It will last longer. I considered purchasing a swing, but did not want to invest the money in case the baby was not into the “swing”. If I have a fussy baby who is not calmed by swaddling or being attached to me in the BabyHawk, I am willing to spring for a swing.

Diapers – $288

I estimated $32 a month for 9 months for diapers. I have used cloth diapers in the past. However, after using cloth diapers for a year. I have retired. I never was able to get them “smell free” or “stain free”. I had to use so many extra washes to get them cleaner and drying them increased our electric bill.

Total – $999

How much have you spent on baby gear? Have I missed anything?