The Cost of a Having a Baby

It is a fact of life that babies are expensive. Some studies suggest that the average cost of raising a baby through his first year of life is $10,000. It's far more if you include the cost of the delivery. The following is a breakdown of these expenses. Keep in mind, though, that there are many variables that could raise or lower these estimates.

  1. Delivery

    • An uninsured mother can expect to pay, on average, about $15,000 for her baby's birth. Insured mothers pay about $1,500 on average.

    Child Care

    • Aside from the baby's delivery, child care is the biggest single expense. In the first year, you could spend as much as $6,000 in day care tuition.

    Feeding

    • Between formula, bottles and baby food, it will cost about $2,300 to feed your baby in the first 12 months. If you exclusively breastfeed, though, you eliminate most of this expense.

    Diapers

    • If you use disposable diapers and wipes, expect to spend at least $600 in the first year.

    Baby Gear

    • It is amazing how much stuff babies need. From car seats to cribs, you could easily spend $1,500.

    Medical

    • Babies have several checkups in their first year of life. Depending upon how much health insurance you carry, these checkups could total anywhere from $100 to $1,000. If your baby gets sick or has special medical conditions, the costs will grow.

    Clothing

    • Baby clothes may be small but they'll still cost you. How much? About $600 in the first year.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Baby Care 101 for Beginners
      Many new parents fear they dont have the slightest idea of how to care for this new human being. With parental instincts kicking in and the pediatrician only a phone call away, take some time to release your anxieties and enjoy your new baby.
    • Suggestions for Weaning a Child From an Early Morning Feeding
      Early morning and pre-bedtime feedings are among the last to be dropped when weaning a child because of the bonding and comfort involved, according to KidsHealth.org. So whether early-morning feeding is part snuggle time or part habit of a half-awake
    • Myths on Baby Gender
      There are many myths regarding the prediction and determination of your babys gender before birth. While many are bogus, some have proven true, and others, mere coincidence. Chinese Lunar Calendar Some believe the Chinese lunar cale