I wanted to get this out of that other thread. H and I have discussed already that we need to start purchasing diapers now. My MIL has bought us some blankets etc... She's pretty excited. All of her children are divorced and she doesn't get to see most of her sons children as she would like. Her daughter is several states away, so she doesn't see her son much either. My SIL said she's excited to have a grandbaby that will be around a lot. It's nice to see how excited she is, and I'm sure she'll help us out as well. She buys gifts etc... for OC, but she's buying us stuff already for a child that is several months away. I guess she knows our needs more since we don't see OC as often as we'd like.

I guess what I was trying to say is that XOW's priorities are just different than ours. I don't know what kind of bills she might have but she definitely always has new clothes and so does OC. H and I are trying to pay off bills and the CS does hurt us, but I know it is his responsibility to pay. I do worry what our kids perception may be about it one day. We dress nice, and our kids will have what they need, it just might not be new clothes all the time.

I've found a sitter that might be good and won't charge me on school holidays (I know most daycares do). I'm a teacher so there are quite a few holidays so that will help out. I had several references for her, and she's suppose to get me a list. She seemed really good when I interviewed her. She only charges $95 a week. (I know XOW pays $110 a week). OC is in daycare and I think that contributes to her being sick all the time. I would prefer a home daycare ecspecially while our baby is young so it's not exposed to so many illnesses. I live in a small town so you get to know the people well and it's easier to find a good sitter.

95.00 a week is GREAT!!!! At least where I'm at. I pay 30.00 a day. She comes to my house. I too feel that I did not want my infant in a daycare for those same reasons plus the attention is just not the same I feel. When they are older like 2, I recommend daycare versus staying at home for the social skills of it. My gal has great refrenses too and is going to shcool at night for children's social services. She takes care of all the kids on holidays as I don't get them all off. She has my twins a couple of hours in the morning and takes them to school for me. My house is picked up and all the dishes are clean and not in the sink. The baby is dressed nicely everyday too. She's not on the computer all day (in fact I've never came home and found her on it and do check my history). She has the twins 1 hour after school before I get home (so she only has them 3 out of the 9 hours, but she feeds all three dinner before I get home or they are eating when I walk in the door. I've notice though that even though the twins don't get that sick anymore, they do bring stuff home to her <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> . As far as diapers..........I'd buy different sizes. I'd probally only buy one or two packages of newborns as now a days baby's are born as big as a 3 months old. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> Join all the clubs. Huggies, pampers, all the formula clubs and even the babyfood clubs. I have never had a probelm with hammy downs for clothes. I mean I've boughten her clothes and special outfits etc., but if you have friends that offer, accept it. Conseinment stores are great too. You need to shop around though (not sure how big of town you live in with how many are there I'm in a big city)Some charge just as much as target and wal-mart.....Every maternity outfit I bought was very good quality and I passed them on to a friend after I was done. The majority I bought at consignments stores and a girlfriend gave me a bunch too. I just could not see paying all the money for no more than 6 months of my life. I did the same when I was pregnant with the twins and I had the money then to buy them, but saw it as a waste of money. The baby uses luvs diapers. I started off with huggies (never really liked pampers........all three leaked out of them) and they work great. I think she has been in size 5 the longest. (I've got a big baby now so it probally is typical for size 4 longer)again, join all the clubs. If you end up not useing formula at all nothing lost. You can pass it on to someone else and the coupons too. I may still have all the links to them and I'll see if I can pull them up for if you don't have them. Between the hospital and the cans sent to me from the companies and me breast feeding mostly the first 3 months, I did not buy formula until she was 3 months old. As far as your mil goes....depending on what kind of gifts she wants to buy the baby. I'd feel her out and then take it from there. But don't be afraid to accept from her. This is her grand child afterall. Let me know if you want those links and I'll pull them up for you. Also, until later on in life (several years) your child is not going to notice that oc has more than yours. It does not even cross there minds until later on....so who knows where you will be at point. You maynot be in the same position by then. Play it one day at a time.

edit to add, and when they are old enough to know the difference, you don't have to tell them where you got it.......all they care about is what is on it.

<small>[ February 07, 2005, 04:53 PM: Message edited by: needtomoveon ]</small>

Go to ALL the diaper sites & join thier mailing lists.............they send GREAT coupons & if you use them when they are on sale.......it equals the costs of generic diapers.

Generic diapers are also a great bargain. Target has 2 brands & the lowest brand is JUNK....like putting a cotton ball on! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> But the other generic brand (2nd lowest) is great! ALso wal-mart has a pretty good generic brand too (w/ that cute duck on them).

Pampers would send like $1.50-$2.00 off coupons & huggies was great about coupons too--oh & the generic brand usually comes w/ a coupon inside for the next purchase.

Then there are always cloth (which I personally LOVE & prefer but not everybody does...{I know, I know <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> } )They are much easier to clean than everybody thinks. But of course would not work in a daycare setting. More expensive to start up but cheaper in the long run.

Also w/ the diaper coupons you will get baby wipe coupons. The generic are just as good, always buy the refill.....cheaper then buying in the tub....you can always carry them in a giant ziplock if you lose the tub.

I prefer huggies wipes over pampers (thicker), but the generic are even better than pampers.

AND the tiny washcloths that you can even get @ the doller store work great for those times you are @ homew & you can just throw them in the wash after a wipe.

You can email me for other frugal ideas for babies if you want. Also there is a great website for frugal ideas for every thing!
www.thedollarstretcher.com

I even had one of my 'frugal ideas/tips' published in their e-newsletter! LOL

HAve fun!
xoxoxox
kt

<small>[ February 07, 2005, 07:44 PM: Message edited by: ktbunch ]</small>

Thanks for all the great advice. The doctor gave me a ton of stuff, and I'm sifting through their offers. I'm sure I can find the websites, etc... I've been reading alot. I know I've already sent off for formula, coupons, and a diaper bag from Enfamil. I do want to breast feed, but I know some people don't produce enough milk, or can't etc...

Thanks for the advice on diapers also. I went to look the other day and I just stood there staring because I didn't know what to buy! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> I called my mom, but it's been so long for her, she mostly used cloth, but told me not to buy generic because of leaks. (She's 65-wasn't much help.) Thanks!

Go to other baby sites as well as the diaper sites and join up for whatever program they offer. When I was pregnant with my 2nd son, I actually went to several stores and walked in the baby departments just writing down the different brand of products that I was thinking about using. Diapers, baby food, medication, bathing supplies and baby items such as strollers, cribs, etc.... I received so many coupons that it was worth my while to manage all the information that was emailed to me.

If you plan on using formula - sign up through the manufacturer's sites - I remember getting free CASES of it. I nursed until he was 3 months, and then it all came in handy!

Jm they don't send you cases anymore <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> . I got two cases with the twins, but with the baby they just send you a few cantainers to try and a bunch of coupons.

LOL Shows how much I know now! But hey, anything is better than nothing right? ( <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> Well, as far as coupons, free stuff, etc. is concerned!! LOL)