How much does a baby cost per month?
Columbus, OH

How much does a baby cost per month?

Columbus, OH

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)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$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)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Kristen Cramer
Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Tamatha Hazen
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer

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.

Baby cost per month
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

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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).

A newborn baby holding its mother's hand at a hospital
A newborn baby holding its mother's hand at a hospital

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

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.

A mother feeding her baby formula in a bottle.
A mother feeding her baby formula in a bottle.

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.

Get free estimates from daycares near you.
A mother holding her baby while lying on a bed
A mother holding her baby while lying on a bed

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.


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