How much do babies cost per month?

Answer 1

You can't look at baby costs by the month. Once you make the commitment to have a baby you need to realize that it is going to last 18 years. ---- The cost of items will vary depending on where you live. In order to help you plan your budget, you should think of such things as these: * infant formula (vs. breast milk) * commercially prepared baby food (vs. infant food you puree yourself) * clothes purchased (vs. clothes you make and used clothes that you can get from friends and relatives) - babies grow fast! the baby won't wear the same things for very long * diapers - disposable (vs. cloth diapers that have to be laundered, or a diaper service) * accessories such as towels, blankets, crib sheets, mats, and covers * consumable items such as baby shampoo, lotions, powder, ointments, baby aspirin * lasting purchases such as changing table, crib, playpen, and stroller, and smaller items - hairbrush, bibs, high chair, teething ring, baby bottles, carrier, car seat, tote bag, toys * child care - daycare and babysitting (vs. care given by parents and relatives) * doctor's visits - sickness aside, you will have to make "well baby" visits at planned intervals for progress checks and required shots Some of these things are one-time purchases, and some of them make ideal gift items to mention to friends when they start to plan showers. Your commitment doesn't end at age 18, by the way. Parenthood is for life. A child may become legally responsible for some things at age 18 or 21, but if a college education is in your plans, better start saving now.