feel like a bad mom

[bobbihoover]

So I'm 18 weeks today and I'm so stressed out. I feel like I won't be able to get every thing I need for this baby. I'm on a fixed income and it just pays the bills. I also found out a month after baby is born my tanf will be gone so I'll have no income. My husband and I both been looking for jobs for over a year and nothing. Im really feeling like I'm a bad mom.

[RockRose]

The 5 year old is the one who will begin to cost money.

I agree with the others who said babies cost almost nothing.  A crib,  a carseat,  a breast,  and a few resale clothing items,  some blankets and diapers.  That's it.  Babies don't care at all what they wear and they don't need soccer season fees.  

Prayers that your husband will find work soon.  It sounds like he needs to switch gears and think of another line of work if there is nothing opening up within a whole year of searching.

[bobbihoover]

Yea I've been getting hand me downs right now and go to a church every month for diapers. Idk I guess I just worried cause my other is 5

[koyama83]

I'm also on a fixed income and I'm single with 2 other kids....with the money I make at work I don't have anything extra after rent etc. I have been buying baby his things at Once Upon A Child. I'm only getting him basic things. So far I have enough pjs onsies and gowns minimal amount of blankets, a bassinet, and 3 things of diapers and 2 bottles...I still need a car seat and a bouncer seat plus toiletries, a tub, a few more bottles, and maybe a couple of other things...so far I've spent only $140. You just have to really think of what baby needs and get those things at the lowest price possible.  

[Moluko]

A baby needs very little material things. They need food, diapers, to be kept warm and safe. If sge gets those and has love from parents, shes in good hands.

Have you thought about second hand or hand me downs? I bought used nursery furniture that was barely used at a bargain from Craigslist. My friend's gave me hand me down clothes. Children grow so fast that the stuff is all in great condition.

I also share big ticket items with other mommy friends. We have babies at different times so we pass around the carseat and stroller. I loaned out some things and in a few months I will need them back for second baby.

I even have friend's that swap baby clothes.

Good luck.