Our ideas for keeping costs down as you dress for expecting a baby
Having a child is estimated to cost UK parents on average £10,000 a year. And that’s not really even taking into account what support and items mum might need along the way.
Preparing for a baby involves more than planning, baby-proofing the hard surfaces and corners, and trying to get your head around mealtimes, lack of sleep and ever-changing nappies.
There’s also the issue of invisible costs such as maternity clothing, which very often adds up if we’re not careful. There are several cheaper options on the high street available from places such as New Look and other high street stores.
Shopping at such places will allow you to stock up on a decent amount of looser trousers and tops that will see you through your pregnancy and be comfortable to wear in the months afterwards.
Prioritise hoodies, elasticated waistbands and stretch jeans. Maternity wear has become a bigger demand on high street shops in the last decade, so luckily most places have really put time and effort into designing attractive clothes that feel comfortable and make you feel good.
Another fantastic option – which is just not publicized enough – is to go for the ‘androgynous’ look. Or rather, save money on buying large trousers and borrow your dad/brother/husband/boyfriend/friend’s joggers, jumpers and t shirts for the days when you need something comfortable and flexible.
After all, whilst we all might want to look like Beyonce mere weeks after having a baby, the truth is that finding a personal trainer and a spare few thousand pounds to buy Alice Temperley dresses just isn’t going to happen.
That said, she looks fantastic so let it be an inspiration to other expecting mothers out there. Enough with the negative energy and nightmarish visions of being covered in vomit everyday for the next two years.
Sure, having a baby is tough, it costs money, and above all else it requires all your energy, love and commitment, but what you’ll get from it is something invaluable.
There are so many opportunities for crafting and learning; countries, flags, different sports, Ancient Greece, modern world v old world, the rings and what they mean, the history of the olympics, the meaning of the torch and endless ways to explore all of them.
