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Baby clothes are the most common gift that new parents receive, but the average cost of clothes is around $50 a month for the first year. Your growing baby is fitting into new clothes on a regular basis now. But plan on spending roughly $50 a month on their applesauce, oatmeal, and avocados. Compared with food for older kids, babies still get the bulk of their calories from milk or formula. Parents often start with purees, which you can easily make yourself. Sometime around the five-month mark, the baby reaches a milestone in development and begins eating solid foods.
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Months 5 and 6 – List of baby expenses as they grow. 3 These costs vary among states, and each family's arrangement with their provider, but a budget should be in place if you need care for your child while you work. The average weekly childcare cost for one infant is $565 for a nanny, $215 for a daycare or childcare center. According to data, weekly childcare costs have risen significantly over the past six years. If you return to work after the baby is born, childcare could take up the lion's share of your budget starting this month. It's also time to start assessing your future financial goals. There are vaccinations your baby should get and a couple of visits to the doctor during these months, which should be budgeted for as well. If you're breastfeeding, your costs will be lower (aside from the one-time expense of a pump, which costs anywhere from $40 to $185), while powdered formula will run you between $70 and $150 per month.Īdd about $60 for bottles and $75 for the monthly diapers and wipes you'll go through. The good news is that babies usually don't require much beyond breastmilk or formula and diapers at this point. Months 2 and 3 – Feeding and daily care expenses.įiguring out a sleep routine is the biggest challenge here. While birthing costs in some states can exceed $27,000 the average cost is usually around $10,000. The numbers can vary depending on where you live, what kind of birth you have, and your insurance policy. The first month of your baby's life may be the priciest, because it includes maternity care, the cost of delivery, postnatal care, and a hospital stay. Costs can span a wide range, but budget for $1,000 minimum to cover what you'll need at the start. There's no established list of necessary items, but you'll probably invest in a bassinet, bottles, clothes, and a carrier for when your child arrives. Some significant purchases are required in advance of your baby's birth. 2īeyond the general items, like a stroller, crib, or car seat, here are some estimates of what you can expect to shell out in your baby’s first year. Some studies show numbers ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for the child's first year of life, depending on location and household income. According to a US Department of Agriculture report, the average middle-income family spends between $12,000 and $14,000 on child-related expenses each year. Babies are cute, but they come with a big price tag.
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