- 1). Use the Social Security Administration's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool to see if the fact that you have a new baby entitles you to any additional benefits. You should also contact a local Internal Revenue Service office to ask if you're entitled to claim the Child Tax Credit.
- 2). Make a list of all the essential items you and your baby will need. You'll be surprised how short your list works out to be if you stick to just including the basics you need to get by. A pram or stroller, some baby grows, nappies, wipes, a cot and a car seat should be enough to see you through the first few months. If you live in a city, forget about buying a car seat and use public transport.
- 3). Ask friends and relatives if they have any of the items you've identified that they no longer use. One of the most annoying things about buying clothes and baby equipment for your child is that once your bundle of joy grows out of them, they're no longer of use. Many parents that you're close to should be happy to give you their old baby paraphernalia, or at least lend it to you until they decide to have another baby.
- 4). Search online auction sites and classifieds listings for anything you can't source from friends and relatives. This is a good way of getting hold of used larger items like car seats or cots.
- 5). Find the cheapest source possible for nappies and baby wipes. Go for supermarkets' own brands. If you can, buy reusable nappies made of material you can wash. You'll save hundreds of dollars by not buying disposables.
- 6). Breastfeed for as long as you feel comfortable. The longer you do so, the less you'll have to spend on bottles and formula milk.
- 7). Ask friends and relative if they can look after your child if you have to return to work. You could even offer to pay them a little money if the only other option is expensive childcare.
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