How much does a baby cost per month?
How much does a baby cost per month?
$1,100 – $2,500+ average cost of a baby per month (ongoing expenses)
$14,700 – $36,000+ average cost of a baby in the first year (including one-time expenses)
Average cost of a baby per month
The average cost of a baby per month is $1,100 to $2,500+ for food, diapers, clothing, health and childcare, and other essentials. Baby costs in the first year total $14,680 to $36,050+, including monthly recurring expenses plus one-time costs for childbirth, nursery furniture, and baby gear.
| Expenses | Average cost per month | Total cost for first year |
|---|---|---|
| One-time expenses | ||
| Maternity / delivery (with insurance) | $2,200 – $3,300+ | |
| Nursery | $500 – $1,500 | |
| Baby travel gear | $300 – $1,100 | |
| Nursing & feeding gear | $250 – $1,050 | |
| Baby health & hygiene gear | $100 – $350 | |
| Baby activity equipment | $100 – $500 | |
| Babyproofing tools | $30 – $150 | |
| Ongoing expenses | ||
| Formula & baby food | $40 – $300 | $480 – $3,600 |
| Diapers & changing supplies | $20 – $270 | $240 – $3,200 |
| Childcare | $650 – $1,500 | $5,800 – $13,500* |
| Healthcare & insurance | $300 – $500 | $3,600 – $6,000 |
| Health & hygiene supplies | $10 – $20 | $120 – $240 |
| Clothing | $40 – $80 | $600 – $960 |
| Toys & books | $30 – $50 | $360 – $600 |
| Total cost | $1,090 – $2,720 per month | $14,680 – $36,050+ for first year |
*For 9 months of childcare after parental leave ends
When expecting your first baby, create a gift registry so friends and family can help save you money by gifting you the items you need most.
One-time expenses
The total cost for one-time baby expenses ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 on average, including labor and delivery costs, nursery furniture, and other essential baby gear. This section delves into the upfront costs you'll face when having a baby.
Maternity & delivery costs
The average out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum health care range from $2,200 to $3,300 with insurance. Total costs depend on your insurance coverage and deductible, whether the pregnancy is high-risk or not, and whether the birth is a vaginal delivery or C-section.
The average cost of childbirth without insurance is $10,000 to $26,000. If you're uninsured and unable to afford insurance through the healthcare marketplace, you may qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Nursery
Setting up a nursery for your new baby involves purchasing essential furniture like a bassinet or crib, bedding, and a changing table. Prices vary significantly depending on the style, quality, and brand.
Bassinet or crib: $150 to $600
Mattress and bedding: $100 to $200
Changing table and pad: $150 to $300
Diaper pail: $30 to $100
Baby monitor: $70 to $300
Total cost: $500 to $1,500
Additional décor and optional furniture pieces like a dresser, rocking chair, or glider will increase your total costs.
Baby travel gear
To ensure your baby is safe and comfortable while traveling outside the home, you'll need a car seat, carrier, and stroller, along with a diaper bag. Expect these one-time costs for travel gear:
Stroller: $70 to $500
Car seat: $150 to $300
Baby carrier: $40 to $100
Diaper bag: $40 to $200
Total cost: $300 to $1,100
Nursing & feeding
Whether you're breastfeeding or using formula, you'll need baby feeding gear, including bottles, burp cloths, bibs, and a highchair. For breastfeeding mothers, costs may also include nursing bras, nursing pads, a breast pump, and breastmilk storage bags.
Bottles: $30 to $60
Bottle brushes & drying rack: $20 to $40
Burp cloths and bibs: $20 to $50
Highchair or feeding seat: $30 to $300
Breast pump: $15 to $30 for a manual pump or $100 to $300+ for an electric pump
Breastmilk storage bags: $35 to $100
Nursing bras & pads: $100 to $200
Total cost: $250 to $1,050
By law, your health insurance must cover the cost of breastfeeding counseling and equipment, including a breast pump. Check your plan for guidelines about the type of pumps covered and whether you'll receive a rental unit or a new pump you can keep.
Other baby gear
Remember to budget for these additional one-time expenses:
Baby health & hygiene gear costs $100 to $350. Protecting your baby's health requires items like a thermometer, nasal aspirator, and humidifier. You'll also need toiletries and hygiene tools designed specifically for babies, including a baby bathtub, washcloths, and a grooming kit.
Baby activity equipment costs $100 to $500. Popular items include a swing or bouncy seat, playpen, play mat, and play gym.
Babyproofing your home costs $30 to $150+. Creating a safe environment for your baby requires baby gates, outlet covers, cabinet locks, furniture and wall corner bumpers, and other childproofing tools.
Ongoing baby expenses
After your baby arrives, you'll have regular expenses ranging from $1,100 to $2,500+ per month. These recurring costs include food, diapers and changing supplies, health and childcare costs, clothing, and entertainment items like toys and books.
Formula & baby food
The cost of feeding your baby depends on whether you breastfeed, use formula only, or supplement breast milk with formula.
If you're breastfeeding, your costs will be minimal after the initial expense of the pump and storage bags.
Baby formula costs $40 to $300 per month, depending on the brand. As your child gets older and you start introducing solid foods at around 5 to 6 months, you'll need less formula.
Baby food costs $100 to $200 per month. Your baby will need less formula or breastmilk during the transition to solid foods.
Diapers & changing supplies
Diapering costs $20 to $270 per month or $240 to $3,200 for your baby's first year. Prices range from $0.10 to $0.74 per diaper, and a baby can go through 3,000+ disposable diapers in the first year alone.
Cloth diapers cost $600 to $1,200+ for the diapers and supplies, including a diaper pail, liners, and wet bags. Prices depend on the style, size, and brand. A diaper laundering service costs extra. Cloth diapers can be reused for several years for your first baby and future children, and their resale value is high.
Wipes and diaper creams add $10 to $20 to the monthly cost and are necessary with both disposable and cloth diapers.
Childcare
Infant childcare costs $650 to $1,500 per month, depending on your location and whether you choose a daycare center or in-home childcare provider. Childcare costs make up a large portion of the total cost of a baby in the first year.
Remember to budget for a babysitter if you'd like to enjoy a night out. Babysitting rates are $14 to $20 per hour on average.
Healthcare
The cost of regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and unforeseen medical expenses for your baby averages $100 to $200 per month. Your baby will typically need a minimum of seven doctor visits in the first year.
Adding your new baby to your health insurance plan will increase your monthly premium by $200 to $300+.
Additional monthly baby expenses
Along with food, diapers, and care-related costs for your baby, you'll also have regular expenses for clothing, hygiene supplies, and other items:
Health and hygiene supplies cost $10 to $20 per month and include baby soap and shampoo, baby sunscreen, lotions, and medicines.
Baby clothes cost $40 to $80+ per month, depending on the brand and quality. Babies grow incredibly quickly during their first year, often requiring new clothing every few months. Your baby will also require clothes designed for various weather conditions as the seasons change.
Toys and books cost $30 to $50 per month on average. These items engage your baby's senses, stimulate their development, and help your child learn how to interact with the world around them.
Other baby expenses
Don't forget to consider these other expenses that may come with having a baby:
Newborn photo session – Newborn photography costs $300 to $800 on average, depending on the photographer and package.
Larger home – Growing families might find themselves needing more space, resulting in increased costs for a larger house or rental property with an additional bedroom.
Higher utility costs – The addition of a new baby results in greater electricity and water usage due to increased laundry, heating or cooling needs, and the use of appliances like bottle warmers or baby baths.
Larger vehicle – Families may need to upgrade to a larger vehicle to accommodate a baby seat and stroller.
College savings – Setting up a college savings plan early on makes education more accessible for your child but requires monthly contributions.
Maternity clothing – Assembling a maternity wardrobe may require purchasing new clothing tailored for comfort and growth, adding to pregnancy-related expenses.
Tips for budgeting for a baby
Follow these tips to save money when budgeting for your baby:
Check consignment shops and online swap groups or parent networks for gently used baby clothes, furniture, and other items.
Ask friends and family for hand-me-down items, especially expensive items like a crib or rocking chair.
Register for baby shower gifts in a wide range of prices to ensure everyone among your friends and family can choose items within their budget.
Take advantage of the Child and Dependent Care Credit when filing taxes after your baby's birth.
Remember to factor in the reduced income if one parent stays home with the baby beyond their paid leave period.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.