Comments on: How to Spend Virtually Nothing when You Have a Baby http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/ A community about parenting, Judaism, and Israeli living. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:06:50 +0000 hourly 1 By: mother in israel http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-9911 mother in israel Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:59:55 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-9911 Thanks Devori for the tips! I wonder what sefer that was, but it was probably a misquote. Enjoy your baby! LLL says not to worry if the baby refuses solids at first. But the Breastfeeding Answer Book mentions not giving solids as a possible reason for low weight gain in a baby over 9 months old. There's a difference between a baby who refuses solids and a parent who delays offering. Thanks Devori for the tips! I wonder what sefer that was, but it was probably a misquote. Enjoy your baby!
LLL says not to worry if the baby refuses solids at first. But the Breastfeeding Answer Book mentions not giving solids as a possible reason for low weight gain in a baby over 9 months old. There’s a difference between a baby who refuses solids and a parent who delays offering.

]]> By: devori http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-9910 devori Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:49:02 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-9910 Thanks for the quote from the shulchan aruch about age of nursing and the exact place it falls. I was speaking to a neighbor who said her husband read in a sefer that if you nurse a boy past two he'll grow up to be a nar ( a stupid person). I do not know where the writer gets his proof but now I have the exact location of correct info. What about babysitter brand? some of my friends love it others hate it. I live in NY and am very happy with Target brand (Up & Up). Cheaper than luvs and looks like pampers. Who says you need to have special food for a baby? As a nursing mother I didn't start giving food to my baby until 9mnts and everyday 10mths. (According to LLLI it's ok to start b/w 6mths and 1yr). At 15mths she likes veggies, meat,fruit,and cheese and still nurses every 3- 4hrs. I just give her some of what my husband and I eat in smaller pieces so it's easier for her to chew. I also recommend if you do buy clothing new get good brands that run true to size for ex: carters, carter's baby of mine, and carter's just one year and the children's place. They hold up well and you can put them away for Imza"H future children. One last thing is buy bedding and anything else in colors suitable for a boy or a girl. This guarentees maximum usability. Thanks for the quote from the shulchan aruch about age of nursing and the exact place it falls. I was speaking to a neighbor who said her husband read in a sefer that if you nurse a boy past two he’ll grow up to be a nar ( a stupid person). I do not know where the writer gets his proof but now I have the exact location of correct info.
What about babysitter brand? some of my friends love it others hate it. I live in NY and am very happy with Target brand (Up & Up). Cheaper than luvs and looks like pampers.
Who says you need to have special food for a baby? As a nursing mother I didn’t start giving food to my baby until 9mnts and everyday 10mths. (According to LLLI it’s ok to start b/w 6mths and 1yr). At 15mths she likes veggies, meat,fruit,and cheese and still nurses every 3- 4hrs. I just give her some of what my husband and I eat in smaller pieces so it’s easier for her to chew.
I also recommend if you do buy clothing new get good brands that run true to size for ex: carters, carter’s baby of mine, and carter’s just one year and the children’s place. They hold up well and you can put them away for Imza”H future children.
One last thing is buy bedding and anything else in colors suitable for a boy or a girl. This guarentees maximum usability.

]]> By: Louise http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-146 Louise Tue, 17 Oct 2006 21:47:00 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-146 I love your post about how a baby doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. I have several friends who have spent tons of money on their babies, buying (new) all of the stuff that magazines tell us we need. And whenever they go anywhere, they fill the entire car with stuff for the baby. We are planning to have a baby within the next few years, and we're determined to use everything we know about frugality (buy used, less is more) and about babies (breastfeed, use cloth diapers, etc.) to make sure that having a baby doesn't break the bank. I love your post about how a baby doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. I have several friends who have spent tons of money on their babies, buying (new) all of the stuff that magazines tell us we need. And whenever they go anywhere, they fill the entire car with stuff for the baby. We are planning to have a baby within the next few years, and we’re determined to use everything we know about frugality (buy used, less is more) and about babies (breastfeed, use cloth diapers, etc.) to make sure that having a baby doesn’t break the bank.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-143 Anonymous Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:05:00 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-143 Agree completely! My Festival of Frugality post <a HREF="http://stoptheride-stephanie.blogspot.com/2006/10/now-that-is-expensive.html" REL="nofollow">here</a><br/>has a similiar theme! Agree completely! My Festival of Frugality post here
has a similiar theme!

]]> By: mother in israel http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-128 mother in israel Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:05:00 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-128 Hi Ariella,<br/>I was sure your comment must be on my most recent post, which mentioned nursing until age 4.<br/><br/>The Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 81:7, based on the gemara, permits nursing until age 4 (or 5 for a sick child), as long as the child has not weaned himself for more than 72 hours. If he is in danger a weaned child may resume nursing even over age 2. Until age 2 there is no restriction. I think that is why a woman is considered a maineket or nursing mother for purposes of fasting until her child is two, even if she is not nursing, because in theory a weaned child could revert to nursing. That is my theory anyway.<br/><br/>"It seems to operate on the assumption that a woman will not get pregnant." What do you mean by this? There is no prohibition of nursing while pregnant, but there are halachot that discourage pregnancy while nursing because of the risk to the toddler (not to the fetus). Two or more years of breastfeeding-induced infertility is still the norm in many parts of the world.<br/>A mother who wants to avoid artificial birth control while she is experiencing breastfeeding infertility can learn to identify sign of impending fertility. Also, there are ways to give solid foods that minimize the chances of the return of fertility without compromising the baby's nutritional needs. Hi Ariella,
I was sure your comment must be on my most recent post, which mentioned nursing until age 4.

The Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 81:7, based on the gemara, permits nursing until age 4 (or 5 for a sick child), as long as the child has not weaned himself for more than 72 hours. If he is in danger a weaned child may resume nursing even over age 2. Until age 2 there is no restriction. I think that is why a woman is considered a maineket or nursing mother for purposes of fasting until her child is two, even if she is not nursing, because in theory a weaned child could revert to nursing. That is my theory anyway.

“It seems to operate on the assumption that a woman will not get pregnant.” What do you mean by this? There is no prohibition of nursing while pregnant, but there are halachot that discourage pregnancy while nursing because of the risk to the toddler (not to the fetus). Two or more years of breastfeeding-induced infertility is still the norm in many parts of the world.
A mother who wants to avoid artificial birth control while she is experiencing breastfeeding infertility can learn to identify sign of impending fertility. Also, there are ways to give solid foods that minimize the chances of the return of fertility without compromising the baby’s nutritional needs.

]]> By: Ariella http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-127 Ariella Thu, 05 Oct 2006 02:00:00 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-127 I believe the Gemara caps the age of nursing at a certain point, but I don't remember which. So long as one is within halachic bounds, each mother and child have to determine what works for them. It also seems to operate on the assumption that a nursing woman will not get pregnant -- but one should not bank on that, especially once the baby starts on food. I believe the Gemara caps the age of nursing at a certain point, but I don’t remember which. So long as one is within halachic bounds, each mother and child have to determine what works for them. It also seems to operate on the assumption that a nursing woman will not get pregnant — but one should not bank on that, especially once the baby starts on food.

]]> By: SephardiLady http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-122 SephardiLady Fri, 29 Sep 2006 13:41:00 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-122 Fortunately, while I wish there were more people around during the day that were available, we are plenty busy between appointments, my projects, and just keeping up the house (yuck, you should see my kitchen floor right now. . . I'm procrastinating). Fortunately, I just made a friend who is also home and we will be getting together. :) <br/><br/>Speaking of Hebrew books, my toddler wishes that I would read him more in Hebrew. I wish I was fluent, because I'm the one who gets distracted. But, we love the library. Here the children's section has toys and games and the mothers often chat or read books on their own, while the kids play, which is nice. A while back, I met a pregnant homeschooling Christian mother of 5 at the library. It was quite interesting to talk to her and learn more about how she organizes her day and what resources she uses. <br/><br/>I'll be linking to you, but I have to start preparing Shabbat dinner (and cleaning that darn kitchen floor right now). Great post. Sad to here that Isrel doesn't have better generic diapers. I had to be convinced to try them again, but I'm glad that I did. Fortunately, while I wish there were more people around during the day that were available, we are plenty busy between appointments, my projects, and just keeping up the house (yuck, you should see my kitchen floor right now. . . I’m procrastinating). Fortunately, I just made a friend who is also home and we will be getting together. :)

Speaking of Hebrew books, my toddler wishes that I would read him more in Hebrew. I wish I was fluent, because I’m the one who gets distracted. But, we love the library. Here the children’s section has toys and games and the mothers often chat or read books on their own, while the kids play, which is nice. A while back, I met a pregnant homeschooling Christian mother of 5 at the library. It was quite interesting to talk to her and learn more about how she organizes her day and what resources she uses.

I’ll be linking to you, but I have to start preparing Shabbat dinner (and cleaning that darn kitchen floor right now). Great post. Sad to here that Isrel doesn’t have better generic diapers. I had to be convinced to try them again, but I’m glad that I did.

]]> By: mother in israel http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-121 mother in israel Fri, 29 Sep 2006 06:59:00 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-121 Thank you SL. In Israel there aren't generic brands, and they say the cheaper brands are pretty bad. And the sales are generally not as good as in the US. <br/>In Israel there aren't many places to go with toddlers or preschoolers, especially in the mornings when everyone is in preschool and at work. There is only the local park. The library is open one morning a week. I don't really enjoy reading my daughter Hebrew books so I don't generally go. There are now more homeschooling groups for preschoolers, but they also struggle to find a location. Everyone wants to charge an arm or a leg. Are there any young mothers at all in your building, who are home some of the time? It must be very lonely for you. With my older kids we had a successful English-speaking mother-baby group, once a week. For me this isn't really necessary but it was a lifesaver in those days. <br/>As for marketing to babies, don't get me started!!! Thank you SL. In Israel there aren’t generic brands, and they say the cheaper brands are pretty bad. And the sales are generally not as good as in the US.
In Israel there aren’t many places to go with toddlers or preschoolers, especially in the mornings when everyone is in preschool and at work. There is only the local park. The library is open one morning a week. I don’t really enjoy reading my daughter Hebrew books so I don’t generally go. There are now more homeschooling groups for preschoolers, but they also struggle to find a location. Everyone wants to charge an arm or a leg. Are there any young mothers at all in your building, who are home some of the time? It must be very lonely for you. With my older kids we had a successful English-speaking mother-baby group, once a week. For me this isn’t really necessary but it was a lifesaver in those days.
As for marketing to babies, don’t get me started!!!

]]> By: SephardiLady http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2006/09/29/how-to-spend-virtually-nothing-when-you-have-a-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-120 SephardiLady Thu, 28 Sep 2006 19:42:00 +0000 http://amotherinisrael.com/?p=61#comment-120 Good post. I nursed, which was great because I'm not too great about getting out of the house with a bunch of stuff in tow.<br/><br/>We use disposable diapers. And, while I am looking forward to someday cutting that out of our budget, I have found that some generic brands are very good, and with some smart coupon cutting and watching for sales, the cost can be managed. <br/><br/>Shopping for a first baby can be OVERWHELMING. When you go in the super stores, even a frugal person can think everything is a necessity. The marketing for baby things is unbelievably convincing. Fortunately, I was given some good advice and passed on some things, borrowed others, or got them as hand-me-down's or gifts. <br/><br/>When it comes to co-ops, this is the one area where we have just had to do without. I would LOVE to be able to do more with other parents, or to just run to the grocery store by myself when it is pouring rain or snowing. But, unfortunately, there are so few mothers who are home enough to be able to work out a co-op, that it is near impossible to work something out. <br/><br/>Fortunately, what I have found is tons of "FREE" activities (paid for by my tax dollars or put on by a business to attract my business)that we don't have to pay for much, and get many great experiences. <br/><br/>Most public libraries have great storytime and music programs. If you live in a metropolitian area, as we do, you could hit a program everyday if you wanted. Bookstores often put on programs for kids with stories, music, or crafts. For older kids, there are sometimes free sport's clinics or museums and more. <br/><br/>I agree, kids don't have to cost as much as we spend on them. Good post. I nursed, which was great because I’m not too great about getting out of the house with a bunch of stuff in tow.

We use disposable diapers. And, while I am looking forward to someday cutting that out of our budget, I have found that some generic brands are very good, and with some smart coupon cutting and watching for sales, the cost can be managed.

Shopping for a first baby can be OVERWHELMING. When you go in the super stores, even a frugal person can think everything is a necessity. The marketing for baby things is unbelievably convincing. Fortunately, I was given some good advice and passed on some things, borrowed others, or got them as hand-me-down’s or gifts.

When it comes to co-ops, this is the one area where we have just had to do without. I would LOVE to be able to do more with other parents, or to just run to the grocery store by myself when it is pouring rain or snowing. But, unfortunately, there are so few mothers who are home enough to be able to work out a co-op, that it is near impossible to work something out.

Fortunately, what I have found is tons of “FREE” activities (paid for by my tax dollars or put on by a business to attract my business)that we don’t have to pay for much, and get many great experiences.

Most public libraries have great storytime and music programs. If you live in a metropolitian area, as we do, you could hit a program everyday if you wanted. Bookstores often put on programs for kids with stories, music, or crafts. For older kids, there are sometimes free sport’s clinics or museums and more.

I agree, kids don’t have to cost as much as we spend on them.

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