How much does newborn daycare cost?
How much does newborn daycare cost?
$700 – $1,900 average cost per month
$8,400 – $22,800 average cost per year
Average cost for newborn daycare
Infant daycare costs $700 to $1,900 per month on average, or $8,400 to $22,800 per year. However, prices vary significantly by location, with families in some cities paying more than $2,500 per month. The total cost for newborn daycare also depends on whether you choose a childcare center or home daycare and the services and supplies included.
| Interval | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per month | $700 – $1,900 |
| Per year | $8,400 – $22,800 |
These costs make childcare one of the largest expenses in a family's budget, often exceeding housing costs and college tuition expenses in many areas.
Infant daycare cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of infant daycare:
Center vs. in-home daycare: Daycare centers charge higher rates than in-home daycare providers due to overhead costs, staff requirements, and facility expenses. Centers often provide more structured programs and professional oversight, while in-home daycare offers a more intimate setting with lower staff-to-child ratios.
Full-time vs. part-time care: Full-time care costs more than part-time care. Many centers require full-time enrollment for infants due to high demand and the intensive care requirements for babies.
Services & supplies included: Some daycares include diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and other supplies in their base rate, while others charge separately for these items. Centers that offer early childhood education programs and specialized infant development activities also charge higher rates.
Location: Prices are higher than average in urban areas and regions with higher costs of living. Metropolitan areas like Boston and Washington D.C. have the highest rates, while rural areas in the Midwest and South have more affordable options.
Discounts: Many daycare centers offer discounts for enrolling siblings at the same time, military personnel and first responders, paying monthly or annually instead of weekly, and long-term enrollment commitments.
Newborn daycare cost by state
Infant daycare costs vary dramatically across the country due to differences in cost of living, licensing requirements, and local demand. The table below shows the average cost of newborn daycare per month in each state.
| State | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $500 – $1,100 |
| Alaska | $1,000 – $2,400 |
| Arizona | $950 – $2,000 |
| Arkansas | $500 – $1,100 |
| California | $1,100 – $2,600 |
| Colorado | $950 – $2,800 |
| Connecticut | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| Delaware | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| District of Columbia | $1,800 – $2,800 |
| Florida | $800 – $1,500 |
| Georgia | $950 – $2,200 |
| Hawaii | $1,200 – $2,300 |
| Idaho | $600 – $1,100 |
| Illinois | $900 – $2,400 |
| Indiana | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Iowa | $600 – $1,200 |
| Kansas | $600 – $1,200 |
| Kentucky | $550 – $1,100 |
| Louisiana | $600 – $1,200 |
| Maine | $950 – $1,800 |
| Maryland | $1,300 – $2,400 |
| Massachusetts | $1,700 – $2,800 |
| Michigan | $500 – $1,500 |
| Minnesota | $1,200 – $2,300 |
| Mississippi | $500 – $1,000 |
| Missouri | $800 – $1,800 |
| Montana | $700 – $1,800 |
| Nebraska | $700 – $1,700 |
| Nevada | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| New Hampshire | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| New Jersey | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| New Mexico | $800 – $2,000 |
| New York | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| North Carolina | $750 – $1,400 |
| North Dakota | $700 – $1,400 |
| Ohio | $900 – $2,000 |
| Oklahoma | $700 – $1,400 |
| Oregon | $1,100 – $2,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Rhode Island | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| South Carolina | $750 – $1,400 |
| South Dakota | $500 – $1,100 |
| Tennessee | $550 – $1,400 |
| Texas | $800 – $1,900 |
| Utah | $700 – $1,500 |
| Vermont | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| Virginia | $800 – $2,000 |
| Washington | $1,200 – $2,300 |
| West Virginia | $550 – $1,200 |
| Wisconsin | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| Wyoming | $500 – $1,300 |
The most expensive states for infant daycare include Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Colorado, and California, where families can expect to pay up to $2,800 per month or more. The most affordable states include Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi, where average costs range from $500 to $1,100 per month.
Newborn daycare FAQs
Can newborns go to daycare?
Yes, newborns can attend daycare, though most centers have minimum age requirements. Many licensed daycare centers accept infants as young as 6 weeks old, while some accept babies as early as 4 weeks. The exact age requirement depends on state licensing regulations and individual center policies.
Infants require specialized care, including frequent feeding, diaper changes, and one-on-one attention. Licensed daycare providers must maintain low child-to-caregiver ratios for infants, with most states requiring no more than 3 to 4 infants per caregiver.
Is daycare good or bad for infants?
Quality daycare can provide benefits for infants, including socialization opportunities, structured routines, and professional caregiving. Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs can support cognitive and social development.
However, daycare also presents challenges such as increased exposure to illnesses, less individualized attention than home care, and potential stress from being away from parents. The quality of the daycare facility, staff qualifications, and child-to-caregiver ratios significantly impact whether the experience is positive or negative for infants.
Is daycare tax deductible?
Yes, daycare expenses are tax deductible through several programs. The Child and Dependent Care Credit allows families to claim up to $3,000 in daycare expenses for one child or $6,000 for two or more children. The credit ranges from 20% to 35% of eligible expenses based on income.
Additionally, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow parents to set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars annually for childcare expenses.
What to bring to daycare for an infant
Most daycare centers provide a list of required items for infants. Essential items include:
Daily supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, extra clothing (including onesies, pants, and sleepers), burp cloths, bibs, and comfort items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal
Feeding supplies: Formula and bottles if bottle-feeding, or pumped breast milk in labeled containers. Some centers provide formula, while others require parents to supply it. Older infants may also need sippy cups.
Safety items: Car seat for transportation, health records including vaccination records, emergency contact information, and any medications with proper documentation
Comfort items: Pacifiers, sleep sacks or swaddles, and any special items that help the baby feel secure and comfortable
Many daycare centers have cribs, high chairs, and toys, but the available items vary by provider. Be sure to confirm what's included before your baby's first day. Label all personal items with your child's name to prevent mix-ups.
How to find childcare for your infant
Follow these tips to ensure you choose the best daycare near you:
Read reviews of daycares near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Ask friends and family for recommendations.
Visit each daycare to evaluate the staff and confirm the facility is safe, clean, and in good condition.
Ask about operating hours, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios.
Find out if the daycare has a waiting list.
Confirm which supplies and services their base rate includes.
Verify that the daycare is licensed, has passed all inspections, and has no violations.
Before your child's first day, get a contract in writing that clearly outlines policies, procedures, and costs.
Questions to ask daycare providers
Ask these important questions when evaluating local daycare providers:
How long has your daycare been open?
Is your daycare licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
What qualifications and certifications do the staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What services and supplies does your base rate include?
What enrichment activities do you offer?
Does your staff send photos or updates throughout the day?
Is there a waiting list? If yes, how soon do you expect to have an opening?
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.