Pennies 4 Parents: Budgeting in Pregnancy…and beyond

It is easy to get caught up in the maternity industry and find yourself spending loads of money BEFORE your baby is even born. First of all, it is an exciting time and you get caught up in the whole allure of being pregnant. What are you going to wear? Where are you going to shop? However, it is a good idea to stop yourself before you go rushing out to the shops to spend a fortune for what will be a relatively short lived period.

You will only be pregnant for nine months. You probably won’t even properly show for the first three, which leaves six. The last month or two, most women are usually big and uncomfortable and don’t really fit into anything they initially bought anyway. So that leaves a short 4 or 5 months, which in the grand scheme of things really isn’t that long. I am definitely not suggesting ignoring how you look during your pregnancy. I am just suggesting you plan your wardrobe and budget wisely.

A few key pieces will take you very far. I would suggest:

1) Great pair of jeans e.g. if you usually wear skinny jeans, you may get away with them during pregnancy. Many women find boot cut jeans more flattering with a bump.

2) 1 or 2 vests – great for wearing under tops.

3) Dress.

4) Basic top – I would suggest something black with ruching at the sides, or a wrap top trousers / white top – the perfect outfit for work or looking smart. Can be dressed up or worn casually.

In addition to these items, you can then buy a few more exciting, personalised pieces to mix and match with your staples.
Finally, it is time to ACCESSORIZE, a great way to add glamour and style to your pregnancy.

See Bundle-O-Joy’s blog post GET THE LOOK to give ideas of how to use pregnancy essentials to create different, inspiring outfits.