When you have a baby your budget can be stretched to the farthest of points. I have been a stay-at-home mum for the last five years and we have had to exist on a very low income. I have written a book packed to the brim with all the budgeting tips I have learned along the way: ‘How to Afford Time Off with your Baby’ (Vermilion) gives you guidance around areas such as birthdays on a budget, ways to make money whilst off with your baby, fabulous frugal clothes buying and of course, bathing.
I am sure you are interested in toiletry/bathing products and I can only assume that, like me, you like high quality but natural products. Can this fit with a budget?
Bathing your baby and buying toiletries is one area of childcare that can eat up finances if you don’t keep things simple. Here are my bath time budgeting tips for you.
Are baby baths a necessary expense? ‘Why not just wash him in the sink?’ my mum suggested to me, but I have to say I wasn’t convinced. A little carrot peel stuck to your baby may be cute but an old tea bag? ‘The bathroom sink I meant’ she said. Oh, well, that’s different, I thought. But I found that wasn’t too easy either in my sink with a tiny tot, let alone a slightly bigger baby; taps on their head, toes in the plughole, etc. Of course, if you kitchen has a lovely big sink – it may be perfect, for a while at least. Give it a try, I know someone who did actually use her kitchen sink (minus carrot peel I hasten to add) because it was the best height for her aching back.
First time around, it’s easy to buy every bath gadget going. You can have a floating bath support, a seat that looks like a potty to sit up in and a sort of stand with fabric for your baby to lie on. Why would a baby need three seats? There are cute little thermometers that indicate with a tick if the water is the right temperature, special top and tail bowls with fishes on and towels with special little hoods that cost a fortune - plus bath toy scoops shaped like frogs! All these are gimmicks. A cheap bath thermometer from a chemist, a Tupperware bowl and an ordinary towel, if soft and clean, work just as well. Later on, they’ll want floating toys or plastic cups and bowls, which you can borrow from the kitchen anyway. Sharing a bath with your baby will absolutely delight them without the need for any toys – always remember you are the best free entertainment your baby could have.
All Health Visitors will tell you that your baby should be bathed in nothing but plain water for the first few months and that their bottoms should be cleaned with just cotton wool and water. It can be tempting to buy gorgeous-smelling toiletries for your baby with promises of lovely fragrances and soft skin, but these can be very expensive and are not at all necessary. Babies smell lovely as they are, so choose bath and skin products that are as simple as possible and perfume-free.
Simple Baby products are 100% perfume and colour free with no unnecessary additives to care for the needs of the most delicate and sensitive skin. All products are paediatrician approved, dermatologically approved and hypoallergenic! ?
Simple products have always been my family’s toiletries of choice for our children, from babies of a few months old right through to now (they are 5 and 2). Simple baby products are fabulous quality, totally natural and lacking in all the harmful bits and bobs our babies do not need. They are also very effective without being in the least bit harsh. Both my children had baby eczema and Simple products were fabulously gentle on their skin.
Simple products are in my opinion an excellent budget buy. They may not be the very cheapest on the market BUT a tiny bit goes a long, long way and they are top quality products that knock their competitors out the water! (Little joke there!)
is my absolute favourite Simple product as it washes skin and hair (so no need to buy a separate shampoo) and it guarantees no tears. Brilliant bargain buy!
so do come visit us and share your budgeting tips too! How to Afford Time Off with your baby by Becky Goddard-Hill can be purchased online from
. It is also available from
01/02/2012 | Posted by Miss PANTIRU ioana
i'm not a parent, yet... but i like your tips here... ^^
01/02/2012 | Posted by Miss Hannah Williams
Love simple baby products. i neither have nor ever want a baby, but they are so gentle on my skin!
31/01/2012 | Posted by Miss Emily Gilbert
I shall recommend these products to my friends!
03/11/2011 | Posted by Miss Nadia Harris
:-)
16/10/2011 | Posted by Mrs Leanne Brown
I would never use anything but simple on my baby boys skin, the all in one wash has a beautiful delecate smell, LOVE IT :)
30/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Hannah Parry
loves it
28/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Molly Gay
aw i love simple stuff for babies!
21/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Sanchia Rebello
that's great!
11/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Scarlet-Holly Broker
Some great ideas here
27/06/2011 | Posted by Mrs Rebecca Marta
We used a laundry basket and it worked a treat! When the baby bath came it was so heavy and unwieldly in comparison
26/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Rhianna Shah
great idea
25/06/2011 | Posted by Mrs Eva Vanhaesebroeck
I don't have a baby but will definitely recommend this to my baby cousins!
07/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Leanne Amor
:)
09/05/2011 | Posted by Miss lucy barker
i showed my mum thins and she thought this blog was amazing!
22/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Lucy Howard
x
20/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
need to save up for some :P
12/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
:)
07/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
cute
21/02/2011 | Posted by Miss Sophie Atkin
my sister loves the baby range :d great blog entry xx
30/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Charlotte
sounds cool
21/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Maria Arribas
great
03/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Victoria Howkins
great stuff. i used to be washed in the sink when i was a baby, haha!
20/09/2010 | Posted by Miss sarah norris
my mum used to bathe we in the kitchen sink when i was a baby...didnt do me any harm!
26/08/2010 | Posted by RS
More product packs with baby products please
24/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Sam
Simple is great for good value products
23/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Kat Bodenhamer
baby stuff is good for everyones skin because its mild and for sensitive skin
22/08/2010 | Posted by Miss Erin Roberts
My sis just had a baby too, and two of my cousins.
13/08/2010 | Posted by Ms quynh hoang
i love the baby stuff
12/08/2010 | Posted by Miss charys wilson
so good for my little sister!
08/08/2010 | Posted by Miss L S
I love the baby stuff for myself, its so gentle!
28/06/2010 | Posted by Miss laura
The baby stuff is so beautiful
19/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Maliha Tariq
My friend is pregnant. I shall pass this on to her.
12/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Zoe Charnock
will show my mum for my little brother n sister
08/06/2010 | Posted by SC
Start off using Simple Baby myself and now I use it on my little one too
07/06/2010 | Posted by Mr john smalley
good idea
04/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Micosha Soares
wow nice tips can't wait to show my mum,
02/06/2010 | Posted by Miss Precious Kindipan
I randomly came across this and showed my mum, She thinks the tips are great and loves it!! :)
30/05/2010 | Posted by Miss sarah brown
great tips! and you can use simple baby on yourself too!
25/05/2010 | Posted by Miss P Martin
I love the baby stuff for myself its sooooooooooo good and yummy
23/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Amy Mitchell
Great tips!!
19/05/2010 | Posted by Miss Becki Warran
great tips as per usual
18/05/2010 | Posted by Mrs Pratibha Gavurla
Nice article. Will difinitely follow the advice when i plan to extend my family
19/04/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
Would Simple bring out a baby massage oil? I prefer oil to baby lotion for massage
19/04/2010 | Posted by Miss fiona rushton
i tottaly recomend this!
18/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Lisa Benson
I dont have kids but recomended simple to my sister-in-law and she loves them. A complete convert! :)
16/04/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
I also use Simple Baby for myself. There are quite a lot of products in the range so there's lots of choice and the shampoo is suitable for my dry hair.
15/04/2010 | Posted by Mrs E Butler
Even though the simple baby products are designed for children, i have taken a likeing to them. due to having sensitive skin,
the only products i can use are really expensive. these however are value for money and great for your skin.
14/04/2010 | Posted by Miss Jayde Sawyer
These products are really good, especially on sensitive skin.
14/04/2010 | Posted by Ms alicia roberts
Simple Baby's great for adults too - i dont have kids but use it regularly!
12/04/2010 | Posted by Miss vicky needham
i love simple baby products not just for my baby who is now 4 but i also use them on myself.
11/04/2010 | Posted by VICTORIA
I highly recommend Simple for babies
10/04/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
I received my Simple Baby Bathtime pack earlier this week and was just delighted with it. I had bought it for my baby (and me!) but it would make a really nice present too. Thank you Simple!
09/04/2010 | Posted by Mrs Elena van Boolen
I've just bought some Simple baby stuff for my little niece and they are fantastic!
07/04/2010 | Posted by Mrs Ruth Tesdale
I think bathing a baby in a sink is potentially dangerous as water may drip from the hot tap and the sides are hard. A basic baby bath is very inexpensive and may also be picked up cheap second hand or free from freecycle.
Your elbow still the best bath thermometer and free.
06/04/2010 | Posted by Miss zara mahmood
i used to use johnsons quite alot because my skin is sensitive, but when i came across simple, i found that it moisturised my skin alot better, in my personal opinion, id recommend it to anyone, as its very gentle on the skin, but works amazingly :) x
04/04/2010 | Posted by R
Simple baby products sound great. It is so tempting to go all out and splash the cash, but it really isn't always necessary.
02/04/2010 | Posted by Miss LS
I love simple baby range...its so soft and would definitely recommend to everyone
02/04/2010 | Posted by Miss bryony bale
very good to use on my baby cousin she loves it
02/04/2010 | Posted by Mrs EVELINA O'REGAN
i have tried all other shampoos but SIMPLE is thee best,my girl's hair changed so much they became so shiny and silky.Absolutely love it and it's also cheap! I am using moisturisers myself my skin looks radiant,like never before!
31/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Silvia Sanchez-Blackman
The Simple baby range is perfect for my little girl. All the mums love it!
31/03/2010 | Posted by Mr k griffiths
Its also good for sensitive skin
31/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Brogan Pearce
I think its great that they have a simple baby range, and its not too exspencive either.
29/03/2010 | Posted by Miss charlotte nichoas
i absolutly love the simple baby range they are so gentle on my new babies skin i would recommend them, to all mums to use on there baby!
28/03/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
Would Simple please bring back the cute bath toys with the Baby Bathtime pack?
27/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs sanam bukhari
i m pregnent and soon going to b a mum..i ll defenetly give it a try coz simple products r very gentle to skin they must b brillient for the babies..thanx simple.
27/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Tina Ford
My friend swears that simple is the reason for her daughters ridiculously soft skin!
26/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs SUE JONES
Never thought that Simple will do a baby range, certainly will give it a go.
26/03/2010 | Posted by Ms D Prowse
Completely forgot that simple did a baby range! Expecting a baby this year so good to read and will be checking out the baby products !
25/03/2010 | Posted by irene
I don't have a baby myself but my friend recently had a beautiful boy and as part of the gift I gave Simple Baby products - they were most welcomed!
25/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Rosemary Griffiths
great for sensitive skin too!
25/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Lucy Smith
what great information for any parent!
24/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs LUCY JOHNSON
I never try that, lots of people recommend it here, I think I will give it a go.
24/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs jane Griffiths
The range is great - suitable for sensitive skin and good value for money too...
20/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Debbie M
Simple baby range is great
18/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Celine Lee
it's very suitable for sensitive skin too, not just for babies!
17/03/2010 | Posted by Miss lisa Pounder
I find these products extremely good for skin even though there for babies. I even use the baby wipes as makeup removers!
16/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs Fatima Awow
I don't have a child but I still purchased the Baby products because it's good for my sensitive skin.
15/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Bethany Wilcock
they look very good
15/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Caroline Glass
My little girl is 6 months old and i use the simple baby range on her and i bath her in the kitchen sink (after a good clean though). The cost of a baby is high enough getting the essentials in let alone things that are not really needed. Plus mums deserve to treat themselves too sometimes =] x
15/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs Jody Byer
i purchased simple baby products for the hospital when i had my daughter, best buy ever, very gentle on my skin especially arter having a emergancy c-section!!
13/03/2010 | Posted by Miss karen bown
The simple baby range is great! And it's suitable for all the family too, as I find it's gentle on my sensitive skin too!!
13/03/2010 | Posted by Miss jocelyn colaco
wow ... great thing! like it!
13/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Hollie Billington
hi i been reading your blog and i totally agree with you my mum didnt have baths with me but i have photos of me in a little plastic bowl to give me a wash later on when i was a few months older she promoted me to the sink and judging byt the photos i was quite happy with bath time, while I do not have children a lot of my friends have and some of them go potty over the different baby gadgets that are out there.
up until a week ago when i had a skin health check i didnt know about simple baby products i thought they just provided for adults skin and i am pleasently surprised over the ages ranges they provide from as monst skin care products do not include babies,
simple is not expensive compared to some other products out there and i would reccommend it to anyone who has children or doesnt as since i have started usuing their products and following their advice it has done wonders for my skin
great advice
12/03/2010 22:40:35 | Posted by Mrs Gill Baxter
I've ordered this book from Amazon and it should arrive next week. I can't wait for the birth of my baby in June but am so scared about how we'll manage on one income. My husband is already working 2 jobs and at Uni part-time. Hopefully this and the Simple range will get us through!
11/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Valerie Benson
I'll definately be shopping the Simple baby range soon as my first baby is due in August. I have used Simple facial care products for years and have always been pleased with the skin-friendly nature of every product I have tried. Imagine how excited I was to discover last year when my sister had a baby that there was a Simple baby range! Simple baby would definately be my range of choice when my baby arrves. If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for my baby.
11/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs saheda patel
very good on my sensitive skin
10/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Deena Patel
this seems just right for use on babies and also people with sensitive skin
08/03/2010 | Posted by Ruth
Really interesting and informative blog post. I am pregnant but have just lost my job so and really keen to find out as many money saving tips as possible for when the baby arrives. Good to know that there is a baby range of Simple products that i could use with confidence.
07/03/2010 | Posted by Miss L Pacheco
I enjoyed the no nonsense advice of ths blog, babys skn is so gentle, and does not need excessive harsh chemicals like in some other brands that claim to be fragrance and additive free but are not. Simple stuff is genuinely kind on babies delicate skin and a little really goes far
07/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs Tatiana B
I haven't tried Simple range for the babies yet. I am expecting a baby in April and have put these on my to buy list. Looking forward to try them
06/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Ionie Brown
i really like it!
06/03/2010 | Posted by Mr vince hussey
This is really timely advice for me. iMy wife is expecting in September and I have been looking for any tips on bringing up the baby. Thank you very much
05/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs Lucy
Some great advice here, just checked out the book on Amazon and it is only £5.51 inc delivery at the mo, it is on my Amazon wishlist, what a bargain ! Thanks Becky for sharing your tips with us Simple VIP mums off now to visit your blog.
05/03/2010 | Posted by Moira Hall
Great blog, I am going to recommend to my niece who's just had her first baby! I am sure that the budgeting tips are going to be useful!!
05/03/2010 | Posted by Miss evans
This is good......wonder whether it will be men next!
05/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Shuni Williams-Filby
Fab blog! having little one really doesn't have to be expensive. This simple range is great and a good start for all.
05/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Ionie Brown
I like this, i will definately purchase this thanks for your help
05/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Charlotte Allette
Loads of useful information. When my sister had her son she used simple baby products and recommended them to me. My son has sensitive skin and simple baby is perfect. Its a pity that you discontinued simple baby oil gel, because no over product compares to it, it was just the best ever moisturiser.
04/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Katie Hayward
My sister in law has just had a baby boy , anything that he uses on his skin has to be super super sensitive, so I can not wait to tell her about the simple, baby range.
xoxo
04/03/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
I've just ordered the baby bathtime pack and am looking forward to trying the products. My daughter might get a go too if she's lucky!
04/03/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
I'd like to see Simple make some organic baby products - the type of thing you are happy to use when your baby first starts to use toiletries
04/03/2010 | Posted by Mrs emma mccartney
I use simple baby products for both my kids and I find them excellent value for money. They're really good for little ones delicate skin.
03/03/2010 | Posted by Miss S H
Is this really the forum for such blatant self-promotion?
03/03/2010 | Posted by Miss Becca syddell
even though the simple baby products are designed for children, i have taken a likeing to them. due to having sensitive skin, the only products i can use are really expensive. these however are value for money and great for your skin.
03/03/2010 | Posted by KerryWren
So how very strange.... feeling a little deflated today as i found out i can't go back to work as cost of childcare is too much ( a 20 month old and 5 month old twins makes things expensive) and was panicing about finances and this little blog really cheered me up. Made me realise there are lots of us in the same boat. I intend to get this book for all the hints and tips as i need them! I happen to love the baby simple products, but a few more buy one get one free offers would be good to help us credit crunching mummuies!! Thank you simple.