Comments on: Question About Finances And Baby Stuff, Help?

By: Cortney & Nathan

Cortney & Nathan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:28:49 +0000

Your best bet is to check with local churches and the salvation army. Most Job and Family Services know of other “partner agencies” that will be able to help you. You can get a job for the time being, just make it somewhere on the bus route and close enough to walk to. I realize that you are 17 weeks pregnant- but pregnancy isn’t a disability unless you are having complications. I worked all the way through both of my pregnancies. Knowing that YOUR baby is counting on YOU should be enough motivation. Others may take pity on your situation and help out…but you have to be making an effort too. Let this be a learning experience for you and your hubby and use protection next time until you can afford a baby.
I had my daughter at 17- and received lots of help (mostly from my parents who provided all I needed- however it was expected that I work to pay for some things on occassion.) I am now 26 years old and 31 weeks with our son. I made sure I didn’t make the same mistake twice needing everyone’s assistance. In fact people this time around were annoyed because there wasn’t anything for them to buy- although they found stuff…there is always tons more stuff in the store than you actually need anyway. You may want to cut back on bills (like internet, cigarrettes, cellphone and only stick with the basics so you can help yourself, while others help you too. It’s only fair that you shouldn’t be afforded such luxuries when others are giving things to you that they could be making a profit on.)
You can work…the money that you are paying for cable and internet could go towards your transit money…or you could always use your two feet. I am not trying to come off rude by any means- and I realize that my situation was very different than yours (I had a license and 2 parents to help me) BUT- now is the time to stop making excuses- people only give happily to people who wholeheartedly are trying to better themselves. There is NO WAY you are going to get kicked out of your apartment for working- yes…they may increase your rent until you have the baby- but then it will decrease again because you will have a household size of 3 instead of 2. Everything will balance out- and work out for the best. Just do what you can. Your local JFS will know of which employers will hire you without a GED too. I know, because that is what I do on a daily basis. Focus on the GED if you really apply yourself you can get in a very short time. Your CNA won’t do you much good if you don’t have the GED to back it up. Good Luck.

By: Fall 2010 Bride

Fall 2010 Bride — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:31:44 +0000

The first year can be the least of your worries. You have your breasts to feed your baby, and your baby can sleep in your bed with you and your husband. It has been done since the beginning of time, and is still done today (read up on the benefits). Get a mat to change your baby on the bed or floor. You don’t need all of the bells and whistles…your baby is not going to know the difference and honestly won’t care unless she is hungry, dirty or tired. Maybe invest in cloth diapers to save money, and look at goodwill for baby clothes. This can be done. Good luck!

By: quickrem

quickrem — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:03:08 +0000

Find a free clinic in your area. If you don’t know of one check the phone book or call a Planned Parenthood and ask them if they know of one. Clinics can give you vitamins, formula, and lots of smaller baby things, like diapers, car seats, ect.
I would also check Craigslist under the free section. You can also find other baby stuff on craigslist for close to free. Garage sales are great too. Good Luck.

By: Ariana

Ariana — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:29:05 +0000

First of all congrats on your baby!! A baby is a beautiful miracle.
As for how you’ll pay for stuff… well.. it can get expensive that’s true. However you can try garage sales, Mom to Mom sales, thrift stores…you could get things really cheap. I know of sb who got a chage table for $15! And the same with everything else. Garage sales are usually a good source for finding cheap things.
You can try looking it up on Kijiji see if there’s anyone in your area that sells gently used baby clothes cheap.
As for a crib, a playpen type of crib could also work and it’s usually cheaper than the wooden ones.
I wish you the best of luck!!

By: Latasha S

Latasha S — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:42:28 +0000

i suggest going to the DFACS office and asking for help. Thats what there for!!
Good luck!

By: Treebear

Treebear — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:28:22 +0000

Try craigslist. There is a free section there and I see people giving away free baby stuff all the time.

By: jen_2313

jen_2313 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:04:50 +0000

If I were you i would try churches in your community they should be able to help you or give you some information on someone who can.Good Luck and i hope you have a happy healthy baby.Take care.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:27:39 +0000

I know of a couple people who have children who are on the WIC program. It is something worth looking into. A good place to look for baby things along with maternity clothes for you would be a goodwill or other such discount store. Good luck to you and your husband.

By: Jodi

Jodi — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:08:10 +0000

Another great place to look is on the freecycle network – it’s a online community that gives away second hand items. We gave away all of our infant stuff on there and there are always a tons of postings for cribs, playpens etc.
Congratulations and good luck!