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It really depends because not everyone uses disposable diapers and i think excluding daycare doesnt give an accurate reflection of how much babies cost because day care is a big chunk of the expense, in our area its more than our rent
Oh definitely hard to tell for daycare--but we wouldn't be using it for a while (1+ yr), that's the only reason I excluded that :)
@bells: Agreed and it is that exact reason I am going back to work only part time because daycare is such a humongous expense. In home daycare in my area is 200 a week. Let alone a facility charges.
I am in my last month of pregnancy, however, I am expecting a minimum of $100 a month for diapers and wipes and any other incidentals. And we are plannign on breastfeeding. I would say about $200 a month in just formula, diapers, and wipes. That is being conservative.
I am expecting my first in January but you should look at cloth diapers. There are so many options these days and they really do seem like they would save money in the long run.
I guess I'm curious about the same things - our health insurance and daycare costs are taken care of already, but I'm wondering what to expect as far as diapers, wipes and other daily supplies expenses will be. I'll find out in about 10 weeks! ;)
My parents always joke and say they spent a million dollars on us. lol
@KatyElle: lol
My friends say that they spend about $20 a week on formula and $50 for diapers (I think about once a week or two weeks). Keep in mind that there are doctor visits, you have to buy clothes, and baby laundry detergent.
We plan to cloth diaper and we were able to register at a CD store. If we get everything, then we won't have to buy anymore diapers. We have around 15-20 CD on our registry, plus detergent, and CD accessories (wet bags, etc). The CD only cost from $14 each to $23 for a two pack(we are getting one size all in ones). So even if we don't get everything we would only spend around $300 for diapers and accessories.
I seriously tried to think of a legit answer and when I started calculating I got overwhelmed and could only say... "A lot."
True story!
haha, thanks for the replies. I know they are expensive but I'm having a legitimate panic attack - we're in the process of paying down credit cards, and student loans will come into effect next November. I checked into health insurance, as far as pre and post natal, only cost to us is a $250 hospitalization cost. Everything else is completely covered. I'll have to look into how much per month the actual child would cost under insurance.
Like I said earlier, child care is okay - where we are now, we can afford to live under only my husband's salary. Thus, why we aren't buying a house for a few years.
I'm more concerned about diapers and wipes - and formula, if breastfeeding doesn't turn out. I also for some reason am afraid of WIC. I should look into the income requirements for that.
For the record, in case any one is curious - we had a scare, but it was enough to sober me up into writing out all the math, just in case.
Keep the info coming ladies! :)
When our daughter was newborn, we spent $25/week on formula (Enfamil Soybee), and probably $25/bi-weekly on diapers (Pampers). We always buy wipes at costco (it's like $25 for a box of 900), and we probably went through one of those every month or so. On top of that, we bought clothes, medicine, toys, replacement baby items, storage containers, etc... every month. I'd say we spent (on average) $200-$250/month in the first year of life (not including daycare or insurance/hospital/doctor's visits).
We're only 6 weeks in, but so far haven't had to buy any diapers. There's a tradition in my hubby's group, for a man version of a baby shower. They call it a Diaper Party, and basically all get together one night for one last hurrah and basically get trashed before the baby comes. All the guys bring a case of beer and a case of diapers, in different sizes. So we have TONS of diapers. I highly recommend this tradition ;) Breastfeeding also worked out pretty well, so we haven't bought any formula yet either. Just $35 on a manual pump (since I stay at home, I don't have to pump that often, so there's no need to invest in a super fancy one) and some bottles and milk storage bags.
@sand dollar:LOVE this idea!!! Will put it in the memory bank for the future (2-4yrs)!
@sand dollar: Haha! Love it - a case of beer and a case of diapers! (Makes a mental note of this for when DH and I are pregnant one day).
Right now not much in some ways and in some ways a lot.
Out of pocket money hardly anything besides insurance, which for us is ~$30/week and 2 extra loads of laundry a week. I have cloth diapers that I got for gifts or on sale and don't buy diapers anymore and I breastfeed. But I am staying home with her and doing just a little work where before I was the one making more income in the house. So in that way it's a whole lot.
Here was ours...I'll try to be pretty detailed
- Nursery: crib, changer, dresser from target $650
- BabiesRus run before baby was born, included: wipes, diapers, diaper pale, changing cloth, (10) receiving blankets, (2) warm blankets, pacifiers, bringing home baby outfit, other clothing, forumla to keep on hand even though I breastfed, dreft, carseat base, bottles, mattress, bottle warmer, bottle sanitizer, hospital gear for me, nipple cream, tummy time mat, extra head support for infant seat, waterproof matress pad, sheets, lamp, mobile, night light = $750
- Graco Stroller (included infant carrier): $126 (this sounds weird but burlington coat factory has a baby section and everything is so inexpensive)
- Given to us used: pack n' play, bassinet, baby swing/vibrating chair, clothing! SO helpful. Outfits that were only worn once - about 10 sleepers, 20 outfits total.
- Baby shower: tons of clothes, diapers, blankets, wipe warmer, mobile, books, baby wash, running stroller (those are pricey! but I found one on craigslist for a good friend for a great price), stuffed animals
After baby was born:
Breast pump: $300
Baby monitor: $60
As time goes on, baby food, clothing but nothing really huge the first year.
2nd year is the same except a lot of books (or just go to the library) and of course christmas and birthdays get expensive. There are some classes and play time's that I've taken him to that are around $10 a session. Pretty soon we're going to be transitioning into a big boy bed so that's another expense.
I think a big problem that we seem to have is that in addition to the normal stuff that you get at showers and buy ahead of time, you never know what you baby will like or what you'll like to use. So you'll buy something, it won't work, and you'll have to go buy something else.
First we bought a million swaddle blankets thinking we loved them, but of course right after that she grew out of swaddling so we had to go buy her normal pj's. We recieved a swing at her shower but she didn't like it so we had to go buy her a cradle swing. We go buy her formula but then she doesn't poo for days so we have to keep switching her formula and wasting it until we find the right one, which of course is the expensive one that you can't buy in bulk.
So you really just never know, just hope for a baby that's less picky than mine!
I know you wanted costs in case stuff didn't work out, but here is what it will look like for me:
I'll be breastfeeding (by golly I better make it work!! ;)): Free
Cloth diapering: Initial investment you can expect to pay about $500 depending on the brand you use, but it pays off within the first few months. I am using Fuzzibunzs One Size and Grovia Hybrid One Size so hopefully they will last me newborn to potty training. We'll also be using cloth wipes, you can take baby towels and cut them up, or use just baby washcloths, which are cheaper than cloths marketed as "cloth wipes" and work just as well. Just make a wipes solution and you're set!
Baby clothes: you generally get enough from family/friends for the first six months. BUT if not, there are SO many ways to save BIG. I am on the Carters email list, and they send out a coupon at least every two weeks. They will often have huge storewide sales. One weekend a few months ago they had 40% off the entire store PLUS sent out a 20% off coupon. that kind of sale, you go big ;) Old navy kids has similar deals, as well as gymboree. But also thrift shopping can be your best friend, or craigslist. People will sell all their baby clothes from 0mos to 18mos for $100.
As for childcare, when I was little my mom did in home care for one family as a way to make a little extra since she was a SAHM. I looked on craigslist and you CAN find other SAHM moms who will watch your kid for over half the price of a daycare, as long as you don't mind them not being a certified daycare. I remember it being VERY fun! Sometimes they'll do it as a nanny thing too and go to your house instead. I've been considering doing this myself in the future as I have been a nanny for the past 5 years.
I think that's the bare necessities, once they're older it may start getting a little more $$. But for the first year or two you CAN keep it to a minimum if you try!!
We spent probably $300 per month, then switch to cloth diapers and wipes and spend less (although the upfront cost should be considered, just like the upfront cost of a breast pump vs. formula).
thanks everyone! I need to do some cloth diapering research..the idea is daunting. especially with two floors between me and the laundry!
I am not a mom, but I know my friends kid goes to day care starting about year 1 and she now pays (and its not exorbitant around here ) for 2K+ a month. Its a middle of the road daycare. The other expenses are nothing compared to that.
I work at a daycare (in the nursery with the infants) so thinking of all of my kids, it depends on the age, the older they get the more they cost (food mainly). We change our babies every 2 hours, so figure with sleeping, on average you'll use 8-10 diapers a day and most babies eat about 4-6 oz every 2-4 hours, so if you have the cost of a pack of diapers, wipes and formula, you could figure out on average how much it would cost. A lot of my babies' parents buy these things (and food) from Sam's Club/BJ's/Costco. Also, once your baby starts eating food, it definitely saves A TON of money to make your own. One of my babies' moms was telling me she made 8 servings of "applesauce" for her 4 month old out of 2 apples, so thats what, $1? crazy savings!
Also some exceptions, your baby might have to switch formula like PPs said, diaper cream (triple paste if it's really bad, which is kinda pricey), tylenol for sickness/teething, baby orajel for teething, binkies if they get lost (because they always do! ha), gas drops possibly, thats all I can think of.
I've been looking into this also since DH and I started talking about TTC. Someone on the Bee suggested this site...
There was a good thread on this topic a few months back. Let me see if I can find it.
These threads have some great info and links
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/how-much-money-do-you-really-need
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/question-for-all-mommies
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/info-on-deciding-to-be-a-stay-at-home-mom
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-have-a-baby
It is definitely different for everyone. We lucked out, because we don't have to pay for the biggest expense--DAYCARE. We both have parents who live close by, and DH's mother has an in-home daycare.
I plan on breastfeeding for 9-12 months, so that will save us money as well. I may supplement with formula, but it won't be more than $40 a month.
Most clothes and baby items (crib, stroller, car seat) you get as gifts from a shower or from parents, so that doesn't end up costing a lot of money either. We have already been promised some pretty big ticket items from family members--we are also lucky in that respect.
The first year we really aren't planning on costing too much. We also have great health insurance, so we won't have to pay much for medical stuff.
I think it is when they get older that they really start to cost moeny--when you have to start paying for braces, piano lessons, swim lessons, club soccer, private school, shoes and clothes, etc.
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Let's say hypothetically you became pregnant before you felt you were financially ready. Knowing family will help tremendously as far as gear, furniture & clothes.. How much does a baby run you per month, average? Let's say diapers & wipes, and food, if you are unable to breastfeed and/or ineligible for WIC. After your shower, how long were you able to go before buying diapers and/or wipes? I know there are other expenses (childcare, etc) but let's go with food & bum-care for now. :) **not including insurance-everyone has different coverage ;)
I apologize for formatting, I'm on my cell.