*Collaborative post
What is a lockdown baby?
The first COVID-19 wave forced the British population to go into lockdown in March. The sudden change of lifestyle had many consequences on households. But the first and most significant result has been staying at home. A lot of couples and families are expecting a lockdown baby, as a result. We can expect a peak in births approximately 9 months after lockdown!
If you are having a lockdown baby, congratulations! Enjoy every minute of it and try not to let the constantly changing situation stress you out. Instead, you need to think of new ways of preparing your home and your budget for the new family member. As mentioned before, lockdown has transformed your life in many ways. For future parents, the typical concerns about your baby are amplified.
How much should you save considering you haven’t been able to earn your usual pay during lockdown?
What will be the best school knowing that your local schools have been struggling to cope with COVID restrictions?
Will you have a birthing partner, knowing that during the previous lockdown mothers needed to change their birthing plans for safety?
In short, there are a lot of questions that nobody can answer right now. Yet, not knowing doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for all eventualities.
Don’t waste what you already have
If your lockdown baby isn’t your first child, chances are that you still have plenty of baby items stored safely in boxes in the garage. There is absolutely nothing wrong with dressing a little girl in blue or a little boy in pink. Most of the baby clothes will be pretty much gender-neutral during the first few months. Babygrows and sleepsuits are suitable for both genders!
If this is your first child, there are still many ways in which you can save yourself a tonne of money. Now’s the best time to reach out to other mums, as many will be or have been going through the same experience. You can build a supportive network. Some mums are also happy to give away baby gear they don’t need anymore or have bought extra.
Keep your eyes open for bargains, sales, and free samples, as there are plenty of offers going on throughout the year. You can buy baby clothes on sale now and use them when the time is right!
Avoid being furloughed or left out of work
If you’ve been on furlough during the first pandemic wave, it’s only natural to worry about a second wave. Hopefully, businesses would have improved their processes, and you may find a way of carrying on working safely, even if the UK goes on a second lockdown. But it’s a good idea, in the meantime, to look out for opportunities that will keep you working without putting your health at risk. Now could be the best time to consider a career change, as you can boost your skills with a variety of online classes to make your profile more relevant. Increase your chances to get that life-changing interview by networking with the right people. LinkedIn and social media platforms can let you approach strategic company contacts and establish your reputation.
Consider ways of recovering your losses
If you have been furloughed or unemployed during lockdown, it’s fair to say that your household budget has been affected. However, as most companies have welcomed their employees back, you may be able to use the current financial stability to pay off debts accumulated during lockdown. For instance, debt consolidation loans can be a suitable solution as they allow you to eliminate your debt at once. You can then pay off the loan in your own time as you receive your wages.
If you need to create a little financial breathing room, you can consider getting rid of some of the items you don’t need or use at home. Did you know that there could be some valuable pennies in clutter? You are unlikely to build a primary source of income via decluttering, but it could be just what you need to recover the lockdown loss.
Is it time to move out?
The real estate market has been affected by the pandemic. Property prices are falling for the first time in years, making it the perfect opportunity for home-buyers. If you are concerned about finding the best local school for your child, now is the ideal time to move out. Houses will never be that “cheap”. Admittedly, it doesn’t mean that you won’t need a mortgage and a deposit. However, if you were already saving for a deposit, you may have more than you need to move to a bigger house in a better location!
Are you happy with your current home? Why not look for a new mortgage deal that can cut down your monthly payments instead?
Start your side hustle
You may not be ready to change jobs, but how about looking for a second source of income? A side hustle venture is easy to set up during your spare time and can help you make extra money. You don’t need to exhaust yourself with long working hours for your venture. A little on the side can rapidly add up. Here are some tips about easy and effective side hustle ideas. From freelance writing to starting a simple YouTube tutorial channel, there could be money in almost anything! More importantly, it’s a nice way of building a baby budget at your own pace.
Have a lockdown plan
Last but not least, you need to be prepared for all eventualities. As COVID remains a potential threat, it’s essential to be ready to face sudden changes and restrictions. If we are to go back into lockdown to avoid a second wave, you need to be mentally prepared to cope with being pregnant or dealing with a young baby in those circumstances.
How can you be prepared when I have no experience of it? You’d be surprised how much difference mental and emotional awareness can make to your ability to tackle challenges. Being mentally prepared doesn’t mean learning new routines but allowing your mind to acknowledge that your situation might change. It’ll help you stay focused and more relaxed.
Your lockdown baby is in good hands! You have a lot of options available to secure funds, save money, and avoid stress. While it is a new and unexpected situation that is continuously evolving, you can regain control by preparing your mind, your budget, and your household.