How to spend £2000 in your baby’s first year

- by Isla Williams
Cashfloat teach payday loan borrowers how to spend £2000 in a baby's first year.

I anticipated the birth of my first child long before I became pregnant. Lo and behold, I was not let down. Holding Shelly with my own two hands was a sensational and moving experience, even though I felt so far removed from the strange little thing.

I can spend £2000 and no more? How?

A year has passed since then, and I’m wondering why I still have money in my account, don’t babies cost a fortune? The Money Helper website estimate that people spend about £4k on their baby in the 1st year only. Well, with your permission, I will share some valuable secrets on how to save yourself pay-day loans and spend £2000 in the first 365 days of your baby’s life.

Pram and car seat

You’ll learn during the course of this handy guide, that I am an ever practical person.Choosing the right pram called for a practical decision. For starters, how often was I going to use it? My partner has a company car, and it takes us everywhere. Was I going to spend a fortune on a pram that I was hardly going to use? Not me. I did plenty of research trying to find the perfect pram. It had to be lightweight, come with a car seat, be easy to fold and comfortable to push. When I was confident with my decision, I found a preloved one in almost perfect condition, for £145 (which I bargained down from £190) – less than half the original selling price.

As for a changing bag, I had a hard time deciding between a very pretty one for £40, and a plain one reduced to £12. Being adamant to spend £2000 and not more, I got the £12 one, and I’m happy with my decision. Between you and me, how much do I use it anyway? It’s not a fashion accessory, but it’s all I need, easily washable and has a matching changing mat.

Entertainment

Although not absolutely necessary, you may find a baby bouncer helpful once your baby can support her head. I’m referring to the simple, non-electric bouncers, not the overpriced little padded thrones with on board entertainment that you’ll see advertised. I received one as a gift, but it won’t cost much to buy. That said, my friend tells me her baby is perfectly content in his car seat, and she didn’t feel it a necessary purchase.

As your baby’s motor skills start developing, and they grasp onto objects, you’ll want some toys for them to hold. If you ask me, I’m all for home-made toys. I found that kitchen utensils and household items made the best toys. A toothpick holder as a rattle, a hand whisk, plastic ice cube tray, kitchen rolls, pots and pans – you name it! I even made my own simple mobile to hang over my baby’s cot! I did buy a bunch of toys from the car boot sale before she was born too, and they came into great use. A play mat, toys that make music, soft and squeaky toys, books, etc. were our best buys. I spent a total of £14, and haven’t bought another toy since. Car boot sales are the ideal place to buy second-hand toys. If you go at the right time, you’ll find tens of top brand educational toys in great condition. An important word of caution: Do make sure that any electronic toys work. If some buttons don’t work, or the sound isn’t perfect, the likelihood is that it’s a goner – in which case it’s not worth your while. (If the game works as a fabulous educational game without electronics, bargain a little, and go for it!)

Save on a short term loan and read more on how to budget correctly and spend £2000 on your baby’s first year in Part 2.

Here’s a fabulous infographic to help you to focus on managing your budget when the baby comes.

Cashfloat teach payday loan borrowers how to spend £2000 on a baby in their first year.
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About The Author
Isla Williams
Isla found her calling in writing early, with her first article published at age 9. An accountant by training, Isla now devotes her time to her true passion.
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Representative example: Borrow £700 for 6 months. 1st monthly repayment of £168.45, 4 monthly repayments of £224.60, last monthly repayment of £112.20. Total repayment £1,179.05. Interest rate p.a. (fixed) 185.39%. Representative APR 611.74% Our APR includes all applicable fees. Daily interest is capped at 0.798%.


Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk