What is the best advice to give a 16 year old that is expecting a baby? what are some ways to get by?

Don't be rude! i just want to know some ways to get by with a low income. i know babies are not cheap at all. but there must be a few ways to save cash. Like breast feeding is cheaper and better for the baby, so i could envest in a breast pump. Also i was told cotton and warm water to take the place of wipes. And the obv. answer is never go for the ';Name Brand'; But what other advice could you give a new mother, who is just 16. And i am currently looking for a job, im not even a full month pregnant so i want to get as much done now as i can. Buying in Bundles





I want to keep my baby. I mean it's my baby. A baby needs their mother and that's me. I want to live up to my choice to have sex and make the best life i can for my child. So please don't say abortion or adoption





I plan on following through with school even college for early education.What is the best advice to give a 16 year old that is expecting a baby? what are some ways to get by?
Hi and congratulations.





You should look for a pregnancy center in your area with something called an ';Earn While You Learn'; program or similar. Basically, you would attend classes for lamaze, basic child care, infant CPR, etc, etc and earn ';money'; for each class you take. You can then use the ';money'; to purchase items which are donated. Many of these centers are volunteer non-profit and work from donations, and many will take special requests for items you need for the baby. Some will even have Maternity clothes available. And maternity clothes can be very expensive for something you will only wear for a short time.





Also, when the baby gets older, there are many websites out there which will tell you how to make your own baby food. Very healthy.


You can also save money by purchasing Flintstones Vitamins rather than prenatals which are expensive. However, most prenatals in the past year to two years contain something called DHA which can help the baby's brain develop. So you may want to swing the extra money for the real prenatals.





Look for a job with good health insurance that will cover a good amount of the baby's birth as well as your prenatal visits. And don't be shy about asking for used items from people with kids who are growing out of them.





If you know how to use a sewing machine, or can learn, there are some very easy patterns out there for baby items like blankets, crib bumpers, sheets, caps and booties on the internet. I've found a few myself and have already made some things for my unborn baby.





Also, look into government programs such as WIC, Medicaid, and housing if you are going to need a place to live. WIC will provide many of the nutritious foods you will need during your pregnancy, and also while you are breastfeeding your child. Things like nutritious cereals, milk, bread, eggs, etc. Between that and food stamps, that is a big chunk of money you can save.What is the best advice to give a 16 year old that is expecting a baby? what are some ways to get by?
I'm glad you mentioned college. A good education is the best thing you can do for a baby. Other than that, go to yard sales and get used items like strollers, cribs, carseats, even clothes. Don't be too proud to accept hand-me-downs either. If you have older cousins or friends who have had babies and they offer to give you something, take it.
Honestly, don't have a baby. If you're pro-life, don't have sex unless you want a baby.



check advertisements in newspapers for secondhand buggies and stuff (: they can be good quality at reasonable prices.


You sound sensible, and i wish you and your baby the best (:


Bx
cut down on stuff you buy yourself like new shoes and hair appointments and all that





use cloth diapers instead of expensive disposable ones


register at target and babies r us and invite a ton of people to your shower


dont buy baby toys, they can have fun with anything you give them


go to a grace house where they can give you bottles and clothes and stuff for free in exchange for you going there and learning about parenthood



Those are good ideas. Eventually the child will need clothes, doctors, food etc. I am hoping that you have a plan who will care for the baby when you are at work. Best advice I can give you is always have someone around for emergencies like your parents etc. Dont try to do it all alone. Its still very early in your pregnancy and it will be hard to find someone to hire you if you are pregnant. Good luck.
I think it is very adult of you to make the choices you are. It's very brave to be only 16 and take the responsibility.





My suggestion would be clip coupons! They can always help you save. Go online and get free samples. Never be afraid to take a handout. Second hand stores are WONDERFUL and you will grow to love them. Go to garage sales also.





Good luck and have fun shopping!
Follow through with your plans to go to college. There are a lot of programs to help single parents go to school. Take advantage of that.





Buy everything used. Go to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Check Craigslist for things you need. You really don't need that much in term of supplies. Keep up with your prenatal appointments.





You sound like you'll be a good mom. So good luck. And definitely stay in school. That's probably the best thing you can do for yourself and your child.
ok well first of all i would apply for government assistance, such as food stamps, medical assistance, family planning waiver, and cash assistance. since you are pregnant you should get it. you can apply for the wic program if you chose to bottle feed. they give you milk, juice, cheese, and cereal while you are pregnant and 10 cans of formula a month one the baby is born. wal mart sells a brand of diapers called parent's choice, which is what i use and i pay 14 dollars for 104 diapers. and 7 dollars every 2 months on 420 wipes. you can try. www.graigslist.com to find locals in your area giving away and selling baby stuff cheap and sometimes free. sometimes churches will help you. pregnancy resource center's can help you as well. there are plenty of jobs that you can do at 16 that you would still qualify for the assistance. trust me i'm 24 and still need the help sometimes. i have a 1 year old and my second on the way. my bf works full time and we still need help sometimes. so i know the situation you are in. but those should help you out.
Most towns have programs for low income expecting mothers. Google it in your town and see if they do. The one here you read articles and answer questions and earn points you can cash in for diapers, clothes, and anything else you may need for the baby.


Another idea is to see if any friends or family have a baby that is out growing clothes. If so ask if they can donate some to you for your little one. Don't be ashamed of hand me downs! There is no sense in buying a whole lot of clothes for a little person that grows so fast.


Ask your local health department for a list of human resource programs. There is help out there. It's up to you to find it.


Local churches generally have diaper programs. They receive diapers by the cases and give them to low income families with children.


Also check into getting food stamps and WIC, as well as a medicaid card.


Hope this helps. It will be okay, despite how hard it seems right now. Keep your head up and good luck with your little one.
Go you :D


I had loads of pressure of the father's mum to abort but I'm keeping mine too.


Best thing to do is go to places like Asda for the clothes because they are REALLY cheap there but also really decent, I know it's hard to not buy loads of brand name or expensive clothes for the baby but it's the best way to save money because the clothes and toys are really the most expensive things when it comes to buying for your baby.


Also you'll probably find that in most places neutral colours, like white that would be suitable for either a girl OR a boy, are cheaper, so go for a lot more neutral colours and buy the slightly more expensive stuff when you have a bit extra money.





One thing though, when buying things like the pram, car seat, cot, etc, DON'T go for second hand stuff because you don't know how safe they are and if it cost more to buy new still buy new because what's more important? Saving money or your baby's safety?





Anyway hope I helped a bit and good luck and best wishes for you and your baby x
You start off with don't be rude... I like that...





Um well you just told us you have low income so that is to be expected as you are only 16. Which means you will go on welfare and get WiC. Yay! Some way to get by... give the child up for adoption would be your best bet, but no.... that's too smart..... seriously think about this..... YOU PLAN on following thru with school and college, but you that's only a plan... i planned on being a news anchor and ended up a microbiologist... adoption... that's how to get by.