How much does a baby cost?

[shookem]

My friend got his gf knocked up and they're thinking of keeping the baby. They've been together forever and were going to get married eventually but i guess the baby just came first.

His biggest hesitation is he currently is on a contract position and works in a low paying field and doesn't know if he can support a family right now. he works two jobs as it is and has about $25,000 in school debt, a little personal debt (he didn't say how much but i bet it's maybe a couple of thousand to his parents), no CC's but no car or house either.

he just graduated from college yesterday but is a little older than your average grad and is ready to established his career but the timing of all of this seems off by a month or two.

i told him i knew some guys who had kids and would probably be willing to give an honest answer.

help him out guys, i've never heard him cry (and have known him for 15 years) but the dude is so scared he's breaking down when she's not around (he tries to be strong for her because she's probably just as scared).

 

[panthersare#1]

Im not a dad, but I searched it and surebaby.com says that is can cost 125k-250k if they kid doesn't go to college, so add about another 40-50k if he wants his kid to get a good job in life.

Even to deliver the baby it costs 5k-8k.

 

[shookem]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (panthersare#1 @ Apr 26 2008, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Im not a dad, but I searched it and surebaby.com says that is can cost 125k-250k if they kid doesn't go to college, so add about another 40-50k if he wants his kid to get a good job in life.

Even to deliver the baby it costs 5k-8k.</div>

what about on a per year basis? what does he need to bring home in order to make this work? what should he make in a month?

Also he lives in Canada so I don't think it costs anything to have the baby. It shouldn't, abortions are free.

 

[cpawfan]

Some questions

1) Will she be working while she is pregnant? How about after the baby is born?

2) Are they already living together or do they need to find a place?

3) Is Canada like the States where you get an income tax deduction for having a dependent?

4) They are probably too early in the process to think about this, but it impacts their budget down the road. Breast milk or formula? Breast milk is obviously cheaper, but if the mom is going to be working, then there is the expense of a breast pump

They can start pricing diapers and baby food now to set their budget. My wife and I think it is between 7-12 diapers a day until solid food starts. Formula babies need less diaper changes, but the poop stinks a lot more. They grow pretty quickly, so they don't stay in the first couple of diaper sizes for long.

Clothes can be expensive, but they get dirty so quickly and they grow out of them so quickly, there is nothing wrong with saving money and getting them from second hand stores. A baby can go through up to 5 outfits a day in the beginning because of spit ups and diaper leaks. It gets better and then when solid foods start, the outfit count starts going up again. Handy access to a washer is big thing.

That's a start and I can add more if he has more questions

 

[shookem]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Apr 26 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Some questions

1) Will she be working while she is pregnant? How about after the baby is born?

2) Are they already living together or do they need to find a place?

3) Is Canada like the States where you get an income tax deduction for having a dependent?

4) They are probably too early in the process to think about this, but it impacts their budget down the road. Breast milk or formula? Breast milk is obviously cheaper, but if the mom is going to be working, then there is the expense of a breast pump

They can start pricing diapers and baby food now to set their budget. My wife and I think it is between 7-12 diapers a day until solid food starts. Formula babies need less diaper changes, but the poop stinks a lot more. They grow pretty quickly, so they don't stay in the first couple of diaper sizes for long.

Clothes can be expensive, but they get dirty so quickly and they grow out of them so quickly, there is nothing wrong with saving money and getting them from second hand stores. A baby can go through up to 5 outfits a day in the beginning because of spit ups and diaper leaks. It gets better and then when solid foods start, the outfit count starts going up again. Handy access to a washer is big thing.

That's a start and I can add more if he has more questions</div>

1. Yes, and she makes good money. Probably afterwards too.
2. Already together but the rent is $1,200 a month for a one bedroom main floor of a house in a good area.
3. From H&R block:
"Having a qualifying child may enable you to claim several tax benefits, such as Head of Household filing status, the exemption for a dependent, the Child Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and the Earned Income Credit."
4. they can't stop shaking right now so i know they're not there but i'll mentioned it to him.
5. 7-12, how long does it take to get to solid food?
6. I think the could score a lot of hand me downs and rich grand and great grandparents (it'll be the first on the guys side of the family second on the girls). Also they wouldn't think twice about second hand stuff. his wardrobe consists of clothes he's gotten for free.

what kind of ball park number are we looking at here? Would two grand a month be enough?

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

In a slightly related note, by aunt just had a boy!

 

[MikeDC]

I'd say he should chill out a bit. If he's a college graduate and his wife has a good job, they have a stable relationship and good families, they're better situated than most people and they'll find a way to make it work.

The main things, I think, are non-financial. They need to emotionally accept that they're going to be parents earlier than they probably planned to be, if at all.

On the other hand, aborting or giving it up for adoption, at least for me, would be something pretty emotionally devastating too, and something they'd have to live with just as much. But without the power to do anything constructive about it.

So in short, they need to stop freaking out and realize that most everyone is gonna have kids sooner or later, and that, in the grand scheme of things, they've got a lot more to offer a kid than most people in the world.

 

[cpawfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (#1_Yinka_Dare_Fan @ Apr 26 2008, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>In a slightly related note, by aunt just had a boy!</div>

Congrats to your aunt

 

[cpawfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shookem @ Apr 26 2008, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Apr 26 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Some questions

1) Will she be working while she is pregnant? How about after the baby is born?

2) Are they already living together or do they need to find a place?

3) Is Canada like the States where you get an income tax deduction for having a dependent?

4) They are probably too early in the process to think about this, but it impacts their budget down the road. Breast milk or formula? Breast milk is obviously cheaper, but if the mom is going to be working, then there is the expense of a breast pump

They can start pricing diapers and baby food now to set their budget. My wife and I think it is between 7-12 diapers a day until solid food starts. Formula babies need less diaper changes, but the poop stinks a lot more. They grow pretty quickly, so they don't stay in the first couple of diaper sizes for long.

Clothes can be expensive, but they get dirty so quickly and they grow out of them so quickly, there is nothing wrong with saving money and getting them from second hand stores. A baby can go through up to 5 outfits a day in the beginning because of spit ups and diaper leaks. It gets better and then when solid foods start, the outfit count starts going up again. Handy access to a washer is big thing.

That's a start and I can add more if he has more questions</div>

1. Yes, and she makes good money. Probably afterwards too.
2. Already together but the rent is $1,200 a month for a one bedroom main floor of a house in a good area.
3. From H&R block:
"Having a qualifying child may enable you to claim several tax benefits, such as Head of Household filing status, the exemption for a dependent, the Child Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and the Earned Income Credit."
4. they can't stop shaking right now so i know they're not there but i'll mentioned it to him.
5. 7-12, how long does it take to get to solid food?
6. I think the could score a lot of hand me downs and rich grand and great grandparents (it'll be the first on the guys side of the family second on the girls). Also they wouldn't think twice about second hand stuff. his wardrobe consists of clothes he's gotten for free.

what kind of ball park number are we looking at here? Would two grand a month be enough?
</div>


Solid food can be started anywhere between 4 months and 9 months depending on how the kid is developing. It is definitely something you don't want to rush.

Diapers and formula are the primary expenses the first few months.
Another potentially major expense is a caregiver once the mom goes back to work

There are one time costs such as crib, mattress, crib sheets, receiving blankets, tub and wash cloths.
As far as clothes, they'll need to budget some each month for at lest the first 9 months because they grow so quickly. One thing we found helpful was to ask people to not just purchase 0-3 months baby clothes. We had seen friends end up with tons of 0-3 months clothes and then nothing when the baby grew.

It has been almost 10 years since my first was born, so I can't give a dollar figure, only things to evaluate to develop a budget.

 

[bbwMax]

Ebay?
lol

If he's just fresh from college people should be snapping at his feet to get him to work for them. Unless it's something pointless like Photography of Sociology. Also no shame in getting Hand-me-downs from other friend who have had babies. My little brother costs my mum and dad a packet. But tell him it's worth it in the end.

 

[Lavalamp]

It looks like it costs about $150-400 a month for food, diapers, and clothing. It clearly depends on if you are buying designer clothing, or if you get them at a baby shower, or if you get them from relatives.

If it is Formula, it looks like 60-80$ a month. Breast Milk is kind of free.
Clothing can be purchased cheaply at thrift stores, or from relatives. Or more expensive from Walmart,etc. So 20-40$ (thrift), Walmart (50-100$) It depends on how many outfits you want for your baby.
Diapers is a necessary cost, and it depends if you get them in bulk, and what quality, looking at around $50.
Also if day care happens, you are looking at a range too. We'll guess at 150$ a week.

So cheapest (Breast Milk+ Thrift clothing + no day care) 70-90$ a month.
More expensive (Formula + Walmart clothing + no day care) 200-220$ a month
Most expensive (Formula + WM lcothing + day care) 800-820$ a month
Budget-wise:
2 Grand a month = salary. (I'm hoping that is after taxes)

Cheap way:
Rent = 1200
Food for 2 = 200-300 if they don't eat out, and cook some meals.
Baby = 100 or 200 $.
Clothing = 150
Transportation = can vary too.

1650-1850 + transportation, is under the 2 grand range.

however it depends on if they have additional costs. Like internet/phone/cable/car/etc. Once the baby gets older and is ready for day care, she can return to work and add additional pay.

Got these off Yahoo answers:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>my newborn has cost us about 10,000 in doctor bills.and monthly about 60.00 for formula and about 40.00 for clothes and about 50.00 in diapers.</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>well ill give u a list of what i pay for my 9 month old son every two weeks...
2 cans of formula........20$ each
1 box of diapers 35.99$
2 boxes of bottle liners....4$ each
3 big jars or veggie baby food..70 cents each
4 big jars of meat baby food .....70 cents each
4 big jars of fruit baby food.....70 cents each
and thats just what he needs for 2 weeks.....and then there is because he growing he needs clothes so i say that about every month i spend about 100$ on clothes,shoes etc.....and then there is if he/she gets sick.....u have to pay for all of that....so lets just say they are expensive......but have fun.....babies are fun and they grow fast so enjoy it.....

* 1 year ago</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Well, if your insurance is good, you might end up paying about $800-1200 out of pocket for medical.

Diapers....8-10 a day for the first couple of months. $7.50-10 a bag of 32...say thats 4-5 day supply. So guestimate about $15 a week for diapers.

Breastfeeding...free, but you need to eat and drink properly..so that might cost you more than you expect.

Formula...a can of powdered formula is about $20 +/-....lasts about a week. The liquid formula is more...I didnt use, so I dont know.

Clothes...if you are lucky, you got a lot at a shower...if not, try resale shops. Depends on how you want to clothe your kid. But they grow fast the first year...so guess about a 1/8th of your salary.

Hope that helps...its really how you want to do it...you can go overboard, or you can go frugal.</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I'll do it monthly:

Diapers--$35 (we get 143 from Sam's Club)
I stay home so no day care.
Formula-$30
Food-$20

So it's about $85 a month.

Every once in a while we have to restock on lotion, baby wipes, diaper rash cream, or other little things like that. I'd say every six months we spend about $30 on that.

We haven't had to buy new toys yet. When I was young I only got new toys on special occasions and I plan to do the same with my son so it's not really a consideration of mine.

Hope this helps!

* 1 year ago</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Lets see here.....
-Diapers (pampers) 10.00 for 40...my son goes through that in 3 days
-formula (similiac advance) 4.19 a can, 1 can in a 24 hour period.
-wipes I pay 2.99 a package, and have gone through 3 in a month
-not to mention little clothes, a crib, swing, etc.
Baby's are pretty expensive...I had no idea until the arrival of my beautiful baby boy last month.

* 1 year ago</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>its the inital cost of setting up thats most expensive. i spent about $3000 setting up my nursery, but i spoil my baby, u dont need to spend that much. on a weekly basis, it costs about $100 a week, and thats spoiling your baby. nappies, wipes, and new outfit. i have been told it costs a million dollars to raise a child, but thats such an exaggeration. 100 dollars a week for 20 yrs doesnt even come close to that. i know they get more expensive when they r older, but the money i now spend on nappies, i will spend on school clothes etc. honestly 100 dollars a week is enough.

p.s cloth nappies: my opinion on those is that u put faeces down a drain, and spend money on cleaners to try n get them clean again. plus the faecal coliforms u put thru the house while cleaning them. i have tried them, and honestly after changing entire outfits because of the nappy leaking is ridiculous. these days disposables r better because they hold more than one wee. u only change every 6 hours or so. which saves time,,, and money on cleaning them.

its up to u though. hope i helped.</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>From watching scott baio is 47 and pregnant it cost like $260,000. I don't remember if that includes college.?
I get help from WIC which helps me a lot because I don't pay for formula (which cost a lot!)</div>

 

[Universe]

One of them can take a full year off from work. I don't think it is paid though but you do not get demoted or anything.

 

[Dumpy]

It's really a misleading question in that it says more about the person answering it. Poorer people aren't precluded from having children because they have a smaller budget; people find a way to make it work. Simply because wealthy people may spend $200,000 to raise a child doesn't mean it is necessary, if you get me. Children don't eat much, and you can find cheap clothes and accessories through hand-me-downs, thrift shops, and craig's list. Maybe a neighbor or a friend recently had a child and is willing to give you their crib and changing table, etc. All children need to be happy is the attention of an adult; they don't need fancy toys or anything like that.

Expenses like doctor's visits are probably covered by your health system, so you don't have to worry about that.

The most difficult issue is what to do with the child during the day. Someone has to watch him or her. That could be you, a relative, or child care. However, depending where you live, child care can be very expensive. For example, one place I've lived, we used an "inexpensive" child care program, which was roughly $14,000 per year. The local economy makes a big, big difference. Home-based child care service may be less expensive, but you have to be careful to ensure that it is a safe environment. In canada, though, there may be subsidy programs to help provide cheap child care service, I don't know. In many places in the United States, you need to reserve a spot at a child care facility for infants as much as a year in advance, or there won't be any space for you.

 

[shookem]

thx dumpy those are great points and something to consider.
there's also this baby bonus thing in Canada, where the gov gives you a couple of bucks a month.

 

[Ryan]

I just had a baby girl 3 weeks ago!

We haven't really had to spend a whole lot so far. We had a couple baby showers with friends and family so we got lots of clothes, high chair, car seat, etc. Our parents even bought us our crib, and changing table. We also got alot of hand me downs from friends for clothes up to 2 years old. My wife is breastfeeding so we won't have any food bills for 6-9 months and even then she has recipes for how to make baby food. We just had to spend about 150 for a breast pump, get a good one, the cheap manual ones really suck!

I've seen the huge figures about how much it is to raise a child but the first couple years don't necessarily need to be that expensive. After that he'll be established in his job and can afford to spoild his child.