Frugal Moms

Hello.  Since we last spoke, I have had a child!  He is 3 months old now.  He was born 4-9.  With the birth of a new child, the urge to spend is soooo great.  I was tempted to buy tons of things before he ever came out!  When he did arrive, I had new outfits I had sewn for him ready to go.  Just one very big problem, my son was premature and was so tiny he couldn’t fit a thing!  (and still doesn’t)  I did have to break down and buy him premie clothes.  There were none at the second hand store.  I bought only 2 outfits off the clearance rack.  I felt a tinge of guilt buying just these two, because I knew he would grow out of them much too soon to justify their pruchase.

Then grandma came to the rescue.  When she found out her grandson had only 2 outfits that actually fit, she went on a shopping spree.  (No I didn’t ask and I assured her he would grow out of it soon so shopping was probably not a good idea.)  She did take into  consideration the fact he would grow.  She bought several different sizes all the way to 12 months.

Also, with this baby I had cloth diapers all set to go, but then when he was so small…none of the covers fit!  In fact they still don’t.  (Premies are expensive!)  So yes, we bought regular premie diapers.  I was very disappointed when I found he wouldn’t fit a thing I had prepared.  Then to top it off, he couldn’t breastfeed because he was too weak.  I really thought about this, and knew I could still breast feed.  I have a Medella pump in style electric breast pump from my previous children.  It cost a total of $200, which may seem like a lot, but…. with just one child it saved it’s own purchase price with in 3 months.  I have used it for 4 children.  Now THAT is how you save money my dear!

The hospital had one as well, so my little one drank hospital provided formula for the first 48 hours until milk came in.  Then I pumped my milk out and fed it to him in a special premie nipple.   We have been doing this since his birth.  We have to be careful when he eats to ensure he is in the right position, which is sitting up, to make sure he doesn’t spit all his food back up.

One of the best things I did before he was born was to sign up for the baby gift registry at Amazon.com.  I sent an email to all my friends explaining that this child would need some things to help him out.  One of those things was new parts for the Medela pump in style.  My friends were all very kind and helped out a whole bunch.  My son ended up with a new bed, a complete feeding set, clothes, and more.  I had never had a baby registry before and was pleasantly surprised at the ease and effectiveness of using one.