3 kiddies under 25months - cost cutting

[madboysnmummy]

Anyone with 3 littlies close together? I have DS1 19mths, DS2 7mths and No3 due in Nov.

Any tips on saving money on foods/nappies etc or any useful tips to help keep me sane through this busy time.

I am excited and looking forward to no 3, but DH is very money consious and I am starting to worry about the bank balance withering away. I only work one day a week so any bugeting ideas etc will be a great help.

Thanks!!!

[0BleSseD0]

In the early days I wrote up my own little 'log page' to keep tabs on changes, sleeps and wakes, feeds and whatnot.

It was easy to get distracted and forget things.

I only have two, but I thought it might be an idea you could make something of. It really helped me. :o

[FiveInTheBed]

when the twins were born we had 3 under 18months.
If you haven't already written out a budget...do so, and sort out priority from luxury, cut back on the things you don't really need, include everything, even the odd magazine or coffe at the shops.( it will only be for a little while;))
We found swapping to HomeBrand nappies during the day, and keeping Huggies at night saved dollars. Basic meals like spag bol, meat on the health grill with a side of packet rice (whatever was on special at the time) and a basic salad, saved time, money and effort-shopping was routine-cooking and cleaning less involved, not as much wastage.
Be happy with hand me downs from friends and family. both clothes and toys.

And I guess sacrificing big nights/days, lunches .dinners etc out until the bank balance gets over the shock!

Ask for support from friends and family, rather than waiting for the offer.

enjoy you little ones and don't stress too much about the house work, if it doesn't get done today, you get tackle it tomorrow or when the kids are in bed... you'll go crazy trying to keep everything done with whingey kids on your tail. Spend time encouraging them to play nicely together and be gentle, they'll all be besties befor you know it...then you can sit down and enjoy a 'hot' cuppa tea for once!:laughing:


Good luck with your new addition, try not to let the financial strain come between you.. its not worth it.
x

[monkeytoes]

Wow! And I thought I was busy with 2 under 2:laughing:

What about using a wet flannel at nappy change time instead of using wipes?

Try and get your oldest out of nappies before Nov. (I know it's easier said than done but you can only give it a try).

Have you considered cloth nappies? The initial outlay would be expensive, but it would work out to be cheaper in the long run.

Buy washing powder in bulk (I buy 10kg boxes from Big W).

Bath the kids together (if you don't already) to save $ on water (and the environment).

Try and breastfeed for as long as you can as formula is expensive.

Take your kids to the library or toy library instead of buying toys and books.

Don't waste money on baby soaps and shampoos. Check out the specials at your local chemist and use something like QV wash. It's not too expesive if you buy the biggest bottle and the whole family can use it. It's really gentle on their delicate skin.

Reuse T-bags:laughing: (I do):o

Not sure if this has helped at all...............Good luck!

[madboysnmummy]

sounds great - I got on to the budget and made myself feel a little sick. I started to write down our weekly/fortnightly bills etc and without including incidentles we are already spending more than we earn (oh dear!!!)

I like the idea of home brand nappies during the day. We definately need to start that. I have a little difficulty with sizing due to my chubby bubs. The eldest weights 17kgs and the youngest 13kgs! Hopefully NO 3 will be smaller????

I just feel so unorganised some days so any more advice would be appreciated!

[FiveInTheBed]

maybe consolidating any big debts together so you only have one payment, and getting rid of any uneccessary store cards etc ?

[sja]

I have 4 under 4.5.

Track your expenses - writing it all down helps you work out exactly where your money is going. Also, I find I don't buy so many little things here and there when I'm keeping track.

Plan your meals - even your snacks. Then you know what to shop for (stick to your list). Know how much each meal costs to make. Then if you're strapped for cash you can have cheap meals that week. Stretch out meals with lentils, beans and extra veg (eg add a tin of beans to spag bol). If your kids go through a lot of milk, try switching to powdered milk. Even drink it yourself if you don't mind the taste. Definitely use it in cooking if you bake a lot.

Start dinner in the morning when the baby is asleep and the other two are playing nicely. Just chopping up the veges will help later in the day. For example, if we're having a stir fry then I'll use any free time during the day to chop up meat, veges and prepare the sauce. Then they can sit in the fridge for the day. In the evening I can easily throw together dinner while holding a grizzly baby.

Get your snacks prepared ahead of time. I decant yoghurt into smaller containers, and portion out sultanas, vege sticks and crackers into ziplock bags. I do it the night before when all the kids are in bed. Then during the day when it's a snack time and the baby is being fussy I can just throw snacks at the kids without having to get it all together or having to try and work out what they can have.

Each night when the kids are in bed, I have a think about what I can do to make the next day easier. This is when I tidy some things up, pack bags if we're going out, if I'm energetic I might cut up tomorrow's meat. When I bulk buy meat I try and cut it up that night before I freeze it. I do washing each day. At night I load the machine, in the morning I put it on when I first get up (just hit the button on my way to the loo).

If your kids decide they don't need their nap, still make them have quiet time during the day where they play quietly in their room on their own. Then you'll still have time to yourself during the day. Get your kids into the habit of being able to play by themselves, so that you won't have to worry too much if the baby is unsettled. Sing songs and read books while breastfeeding.

Get the kids to help with housework. It's a good way to spend time with them and they have a fun time doing it (although it will take you much longer). If the housework doesn't get done, who cares. I have little routines that help. After my shower in the morning I use the flannel from the kids' bath the night before to wipe down the basin and cupboards. Then the flannel goes into the wash. I give the toilet a quick clean with the brush each morning just before my shower.

Let the kids do as much for themselves as they can. My 20 month old puts his bowl and cup in the sink, his dirty clothes in the laundry basket, packs away his shoes and attempts to make his bed. It does take a lot longer for it to all get done, but it's a long-term investment. Now my 4yo doesn't think twice about little things like this - she just does it. And if you can get the first kid doing it, it's easier to get the others to do it.

[madboysnmummy]

wow thanks sja! a huge help. Love the house running tips and order of doing things. You actually make it sound quite easy!!! I am excited again - less freaked out about it all.

[Lastcenturymum]

I think there is a section on budgeting I was reading the other day and it has some great ideas from girls. I can never find half the sections when I am looking for them!!:D

I used to make a lot of stuff like jam, bread, bottle fruit and do bulk stuff and freeze it too. Found getting up and on with the day early helped. If the kids go to bed early you at least have the evening to do the bigger tasks and then can carve out some time during the day to spend letting them 'help' with the simpler stuff.