Monthly expenses

hi there ashley,

budget is indeed a tough one with a baby.

i have a 6 month old, here is what i can answer.

1. sound about right. my grocery bill has doubled. and i only started buying formula last week. i also dont buy diapers - use cloth. he is already on solids and i make babyfood for him myself - much cheaper that shop food

2. baby stuff i get mostly from dischem - baby city is indeed a bit cheaper, but dischem is much closer to me, baby city is way out of my way. and for Q5 dischem basically have everything except clothes

3. i try out alot of brands and see what works best and some i like more that others. some work better with my baby than others. i cant really say that i came across a brand that i have hectic issues against. i also found that there isn't much difference between cheap brands and expensive brands. stick to the ones that works best and you like most.

4.i also like organic and eco friendly products. but i must say with food, when you read the lables most of the organic brands dont differ much from the normal ones

6.i dont really buy online - to much of a hassle for me. did buy my cloth diapers online though

hope this helps a bit and feel free to ask anything

Hi Ashley,

I have a 2 year old now and currently pregnant with number two. Will try to answer your questions (some) as best as I can (from experience) and hope it helps.

1. R1000 sounds about right. It becomes a lil more when the baby starts taking solids because it's more stuff to pay for. But for now...formula and toiletries roughly is ok.

2. I've found Baby City to be a lil cheaper than other places (and to answer Q5 as well) you will get everything under one roof. Alternatively try Makro stores. They aren't always cheaper than other places... but you will find everything under one roof.

3. Can't answer this one....

4. it's really up to you what works for you and baby. Whether organic/eco...

6. I have ordered some stuff online. Really depends on the product....

Good luck

Hi Everyone, please help me. I have a newborn and was curious to see other parents habits with regards to spending. I am finding it difficult to budget and am spending more than anticipated. I'm not sure if it's just my inexperience.

1. How much do you spend on average per month on baby food/formula and all his/hers skin products (toiletries)? I currently spend about R1 000 per month.

2. Where do you buy from?

3. Are there any brands to avoid?

4. Am I the only one that prefers the organic/eco brands. I know they are more expensive.

5. Are there any shops of which I can get all my baby essentials in one go (food, skincare, diapers) or am I the only one driving around to multiple shops.

6. Does anyone order online ?

Thanks so much. i hope this forum can help make my life a bit easier.

Thanks Ashley