What a baby really costs in the first year

There's no single price for a baby. Your costs depend on where you live, whether you need paid child care, your insurance, the amount of help you have from your family, and whether you breastfeed. However, knowing the main categories helps you build a realistic plan.

Medical costs

Having a baby is one of the most expensive things any family will go through. A study of people with large-employer health plans found that those who gave birth paid about $2,854 more out of pocket than those who didn't, between pregnancy, delivery, and the months after. A C-section birth usually costs more than a vaginal one.

Your costs depend on your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. If you qualify for Medicaid, your costs for prenatal care and delivery will probably be very low or zero.

Don't forget the baby's own medical costs. Well-baby checkups and vaccines are usually covered at no cost by most health plans, but you'll pay premiums to add your baby to your insurance.

Everyday essentials

You’re going to encounter some specific costs every week:

• Diapers and wipes: Newborns go through 8 to 12 diapers a day. Expect roughly $70 to $100 a month, depending on the brand.
• Formula: If you use formula, it can cost $100 to $200 or more a month. Breastfeeding saves on formula, but you may need a pump and supplies. Most health plans cover a breast pump.
• Clothes: Babies outgrow clothes fast. Hand-me-downs and secondhand clothes can cut this to almost nothing.
• Health and hygiene items: Diaper cream, a thermometer, baby wash, and the like add a little each month.

Baby gear

Gear is mostly a one-time cost, and it's where families have the most control. Some of your big items include:

• A car seat, which you'll need before leaving the hospital
• A crib or bassinet and a mattress
• A stroller
• A baby carrier
• Bottles, if you use them

Buying all new, mid-range gear can run $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Borrowing from friends, using a baby registry, and shopping secondhand for safe items can cut that to almost nothing. Just buy car seats and crib mattresses new when you can.

Child care

If you'll go back to work and need paid care, this is probably your biggest expense. The average price of child care in the U.S. was about $13,184 a year in 2025, and care for infants is more than for older kids. Prices vary hugely by state and type of care.

Options like care from a relative or child care assistance programs can lower the cost. Some families stagger work schedules to cut down on paid care.

Lost income

Many parents take unpaid or partly paid time off after a birth. If one parent is home for 12 weeks without pay, that's three months of lost income. In some states, paid family leave programs replace part of your wages, but many families still see a dip.

Ways to lower first-year costs

• Come up with a baby registry for big items, even if you won't have a shower.
• Use hand-me-downs for clothes, toys, and gear that's still safe.
• Ask your health plan about covered items like breast pumps.
• Look into WIC if your income qualifies. It helps with formula and healthy food.
• Check diaper banks for free diapers if money is tight.
• Use a dependent care FSA if your employer offers one. Currently, you can put in up to $7,500 pre-tax for child care.