familypennysaver

Free tool

First-year baby cost calculator

Put in your own estimates and see the first-year total, the new monthly cost, and how much to set aside each month before the due date. The starting numbers are only examples. Nothing is stored.

One-time costs
Every month

Save before baby

$617 a month

New monthly cost
$290
First-year total
$7,180
One-time costs
$3,700
Baby buffer (1 month)
$290

Saving the one-time costs before the birth means the monthly costs are the only change once the baby arrives. Lost income during leave is separate: see parental leave money.

Where to find your numbers

  • Birth out-of-pocket: call your health plan and ask for your out-of-pocket maximum and how much you've already paid this plan year.
  • Gear: use our gear list, then subtract what's coming from your registry and family.
  • Diapers and feeding: check prices per diaper and per ounce at the store you'll actually use.
  • Childcare: call two or three local providers for their infant rates. See comparing childcare.