If you are pregnant or are already a parent, a suitable home for you and your baby is one thing you might need to sort out. If you are thinking about accommodation try to take some time to work out what you need and what are the options open to you. It may depend on
where you are/were living before you became pregnant or during your pregnancy.
what age you are at the minute and what your financial situation is / will be when your baby is born.
if you want to live with your partner, with your family, with friends or alone with your baby.
Every individual and family situation is different so it is important to think things through and talk with your family, or those close to you, before you make any decisions. Having a baby is a big challenge for anyone. There is a lot of work involved in caring for a baby as well as yourself. It is important that you have some support close at hand to help to cope with these demands. If at all possible, try to find accommodation close to family, friends, or local services.
Time to think.....
Some questions you might ask yourself regarding where and how you will live after the baby is born.
Living in your family home.
Have you been living in your family home right up to now?
How do your family feel about you and your baby living with them in the family home?
How do you feel about living in the family home with your baby?
What are the advantages of living at home with your family?
What would be difficult about being at home?
Is there enough room for you and the baby?
Rented Accommodation
Have you ever lived on your own before?
Are there places to rent available in your local area or wherever you want to live?
If you are going to live in a rented flat or house, do you want someone else to share with you.
How do you plan to pay rent and bills?
Could you imagine yourself being able to manage living alone with a new baby? What would you think would be the most difficult part of managing on your own?
How old are you? If you are under the age of 18yrs as you may not get help to pay your rent (Rent Allowance)
Coping on your own
Are you good at organising your money?
Are you good at organising everyday things for yourself? Can you cook a meal, work a washing machine, and clean a house?
How will you get out and about with your baby? Do you have transport?
How comfortable would you be to be alone in a house with a baby at night time?
Do you need to be close to school/college or work?