Cathy - I feel your pain about thread. I have over 15 cones of Maxi-Lock thread that all my machines love -- from the 1938 Featherweight up to the 2014 Janome 8900. But not the Bailey. Just my luck that the machine that will use more thread than any other won't take the Maxi-Lock. It's the brand the professional long-armer in the next town uses. I don't much care for cotton thread, but might not have a choice. Right now I'm using a mini-cone of Coats and Clarks' quilting cotton thread and the Bailey is humming right along. At least it's allowing me to use the Maxi-Lock in the bobbin. For that I am grateful.
I hope you find something affordable for your new baby.