Cost of Having a Baby Calculator
Build a realistic budget for prenatal care, delivery, and the first months of parenting using personalized cost inputs.
Planning Horizon
Example: 12 months for the first year.
One-time Costs
Monthly Expenses
Budget Breakdown
One-time costs
- Prenatal care & visits$1,800.00
- Labor & delivery$5,000.00
- Nursery setup & gear$1,200.00
Subtotal: $8,000.00
Monthly costs
- Diapers & wipes$80.00
- Formula / feeding$120.00
- Childcare$900.00
- Clothing$60.00
- Healthcare & insurance$100.00
Monthly subtotal: $1,260.00
For 12 month(s): $15,120.00
Total spending: $23,120.00
Average per month: $1,926.67
Average per week: $443.42
How to Use This Calculator
Gather cost estimates
Collect quotes from hospitals, doulas, childcare providers, and baby gear lists.
Adjust monthly spending
Update diaper, formula, or childcare costs as plans change (e.g., cloth diapers, breastfeeding, family care).
Review totals & averages
Use monthly/weekly averages to set up savings transfers or gauge maternity/paternity leave budgets.
Formula
One-time Total = Σ One-time Items
Monthly Total = Σ Monthly Items
Grand Total = One-time Total + (Monthly Total × Months)
Average / Month = Grand Total ÷ Months
Average / Week = Grand Total ÷ (Months × 4.345)
Example: One-time $8,000 + monthly $1,260 × 12 → $23,120 first-year spending (≈ $1,927/month).
Budget Planning Ideas
- Split costs into essentials (needs) vs. nice-to-haves (wants).
- Time registry benefits and group gifts to cover one-time items.
- Consider employer benefits or FSA/HSA funds for medical expenses.
- Revisit the calculator quarterly as your baby grows and needs shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include insurance coverage?
Enter out-of-pocket amounts after insurance. If unsure, estimate high and adjust once claims process.
How do I account for parental leave income changes?
Use the monthly totals to estimate how much to save before leave or how expenses compare to reduced income.
Can I plan beyond 12 months?
Yes—change the months to 18 or 24 and update monthly costs (e.g., larger diapers, early education).
What about college savings?
Add monthly contributions under "Healthcare & insurance" or customize another line item to track it.