Baby costs....

[The_Kat]

Seems like most are saying this baby is gonna cost me an arm an leg, so I'm curious to all you parents.....whats the average weekly/monthly costs. Can I please get examples of the costs too. All these comments that I've gotten about how I have no clue whats coming has me somewhat paranoid that I won't have enough money to take care of him. We have already bought and paid cash ( actual money, not the kid haha ) for his crib, pack n play, swing, basinette, bouncer, stroller and carseat, bedding, and furniture. At the shower we got literally hundreds of sets of clothes from newborn to 2T. I've had to box most of it up to put away til he grows into it. We also got tons of baby hygiene stuff, I'm guessing 8 bottles of baby shampoo, bottle brushes, bottles, diaper rash stuff, tons of diapers ranging from NB to 4's. We have two big boxes of baby blankets that have been given to us. An extra play pen thanks to Chris. Also got about 300$ in gift cards for formula. We didn't wanna get any til we knew what kind he liked best. I think thats about it, but I mighta forgot some stuff.

So any help and advice you got is greatly appreciated, but after what I've heard from some I'm worried my finances might not be enough to take care of him or something.

P.S. His life and medical insurance starts as soon as he is born. I've already got it paid up for one full year and once I leave for South Dakota it will begin building more months.

[JimT]

Kids do cost alot of money, but every penny is worth it. Nothing beats being a dad. That being said, save as much as you can. Things always pop up when you least expect it.

[cinch314]

Kids do cost but parents find a way. Look Im a single mom and my child doesnt want for anything. I guess the most pressing are diapers, formula, diaper wipes, food, etc. The main essentials but you also have grandparents and aunts and uncles who like to help out as well. I couldnt honestly put a price on it though because she is worth every minute.

[The_Kat]

Kids do cost but parents find a way. Look Im a single mom and my child doesnt want for anything. I guess the most pressing are diapers, formula, diaper wipes, food, etc. The main essentials but you also have grandparents and aunts and uncles who like to help out as well. I couldnt honestly put a price on it though because she is worth every minute.

I'm not asking to put a price on your kids worth silly.....I'm asking what it usually costs per month to take care of them.

[wtnhunt]

Depends Kyle, and depends on what you are talking about. If you are talking medical expenses, it would depend on the insurance you have. Think our portion we paid was around $1500 for our first daughter over 13 years ago to the hospital and the ob/gyn physician group. Think the plan we had at that time had us paying 20 percent.

Sounds like you may be good on most of the necessity stuff for a couple months. Formula can be kind of expensive if you go that route, $300 in formula is probably not going to last you very long. Diapers can also get pretty ridiculous, you will be thankful when you have your baby potty trained. You may be looking at around $100 a month in diapers if you go with huggies or pampers. Figure 10 to 12 diapers or more a day for a while, a pack of 88 at $20 a pop does not go too far, then you also need wipes and probably will have to buy some balmex or desitin on occasion. Also if you are going to pay for daycare, that can be pretty steep. It was costing us over $100 a week for our youngest when we put her in daycare 3 years ago.

Something else that might get you is the little stuff that is really not necessary that you buy here and there that you did not used to buy. Sometimes tough not to buy something for them when you really want to.

[cinch314]

I know that Kyle but it varies on their different needs from month to month ie diapers, medicine, clothing, food/formula. It also depends on whether you plan on doing name brand items or generics too.

I buy the Pampers pull ups (almost potty trained though thank goodness) because they do not give my kid a rash like the others did. As for the formula we had to go with the infamil because the others would upset her stomach. As for the baby laundry detergent I still have to use Dreft because regular detergent gives her rashs.

Edited June 3, 2009 by cinch314

[The_Kat]

I still have to use Dreft because regular detergent gives her rashs.

Hey we even got some of that lol, told ya I forgot something.

As for medical expense on the delivery, we have that covered too.

[AdvantageTimberLou]

If you can get the wife to breastfeed that will save you a bunch of money in the beginning and breast milk is great for the baby too. You can rent breast pumps and bag it up and put it in the freezer.

That little container of formula you mix is $25.00 or so and you go through that quick.

Diapers get costly but the ones at Baby's R Us or Walmart's brand are just as good as the name brand ones. All they do is hold the poop and pee! In our baby class they told us you will probably change 6,000 diapers!! I don't think it was that many but it was alot!

As for clothes, you probably have a lot and at that age and even when they get a little older, you can save money by shopping at garage sales.

We have a ton of little girls clothes that my girls outgrew and its hard to even sell them at garage sales with awesome prices. So instead of new, look at garage sales for clothes especially when they are babies as they tend to spit up a bunch and stain clothes.

I think the cost isn't all that bad. If it wa $300.00 a month that would be a high amount but would cover most costs.

Best of luck future dad!

Edited June 3, 2009 by AdvantageTimberLou

[redkneck]

Man, the biggest pay raise I ever got was when my twins got out of diapers. Day care back then was running $130/week and that's cheap compared to today's costs. I'm very proud of my wife though for sticking to the tough job of breastfeeding both girls for over a year. It not only saves a lot of cash on formula, but is best for the baby too!

[okiedog]

tons of diapers ranging from NB to 4's. Also got about 300$ in gift cards for formula.

If you have a ton.... thats not enough!

I would think these 2 along with the cost of daycare (if you both work) are the big expense. My daycare bill alone now is right at $1000 a month:eek:

[toddyboman]

It does cost a lot more than you think.....

It does seem as you are off to a good start with all the stuff you have, but you will need MORE!!

He will go through a TON of diapers and food. And both are expensive. That $300 bucks isn't going to last very long. If I remember right a can of formula is $30 or more depending on the brand he likes. And since that is all he will be eating it won't last long. And like William said you go through a ton of diapers each day....cause all he will be doing is eating, sleeping and crapping.

You will be fine....everyone makes do. It is just more than most people think or expect.

Here is an interesting Google find :eek:

Expenses annual cost

Housing birth to 18 years cost per year 6,726

Food birth to 18 years cost per year 3,156

Transportation birth to 18 years cost per year 2,662

Clothing birth to 18 years cost per year 1,060

Healthcare birth to 18 years cost per year 1,043

Childcare/Education birth to 18 years cost per year 1,703

Miscellaneous birth to 18 years cost per year 2,105

College 18 to 22 years of age cost per year 45,880

Total amount needed to raise a child: $515,710

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/126322/what_does_it_cost_to_raise_a_child.html

Edited June 3, 2009 by toddyboman

[BowJoe]

Ok Kat... as a recent father of a soon to be 3 year old and my daughter Kyleigh turning 1 on Saturday, I'm well up to date on how much supplies cost.

Diapers - $20 a box for Luvs with 126 in a box Newborn at Walmart. Trust me, only buy it in bulk. If you have a Sam's card, buy Luv's there in as big of a package as you can. As the size goes up, the amount of diapers goes down but the price stays the same. We have used them for years because they hardly ever leak unless it's a massive, massive pee. You gotta expect that once in a while.

Diaper rash cream - $18 for Boudreaux’s Butt Paste in a jar. It may sound expensive but it smells like bubblegum and let's face it, that's a whole lot better than the other smell in that area. The jar allows you to use one hand to apply it. A little dab goes a really long way. Use sparingly and it'll last for months. Apply just once in the morning and once mid day. For serious rashes, us Desitin. It's the only thing we use for those raw rashes.

Wipes - $8 for a big box of wipes at walmart. Buy Generic, they wipe a lot better and you may want the scentless too. Both our babies developed a rash from the scented stuff. It contains alcohol. The non-scented is great. Like I said before, buy bulk at Sam's if you can.

Gas Drops - $3 generic and the same goes for generic tylenol pain relief. We kept both on hand at all times. Just a few drops in the formula. Kids get gassy and sometimes stores are closed when you need to relieve a teething fever. Besides, who want's to get out in the middle of the night to get baby back to sleep?

If you wanna score big points with your wife, get her some breast pads before she gives birth. She may need them and you'll look like a god to her for being so thoughtful. $5 for like a hundred of them.

A box fan for the baby's room. You wanna keep that kid sleeping, a box fan is the best white noise you can get. No fan, slightest noise wakes them. I guarantee, it'll be the best $20 you'll ever spend. Aim it away from them of course but put it next to the crib. You may also want to put the baby's crib in your room from the get go. A bassinet is a joke to me. We bought two of them and didnt use them but for a few days each. A crib is just as good if you can lay them down without moving them around a lot. Lay them on their belly too. Enough debate. Both of our kids were belly babies and no problems. Plus, laying them on their back may be bad if they spit up in the night. Don't bother keeping super quiet around the baby either. Don't bang pots and pans together or yell across the house but talk normal and keep the tv at a normal level. To a kid, it's like watching an all day marathon of foreign French films from the 40's. They don't know, don't care. For the first couple months, that baby will only see the back of their eyelids. When they cry, feed it, change it or burp it. You'll wanna burp it after every two or three ounces. If you don't burp it, you'll wear it. For hiccups, feed it. Swallowing formula gets rid of em fast. Give them a pacifier when all else fails and if they don't like it, tap it very gently like a heartbeat on the end of it and they may like that. Take turns on who's night it is to get up if possible. If she doesn't work, or is off work, don't think she's off work. Take over once you get home from work. No if, ands or buts about it. Do it. You will be rewarded by her silence and much needed sleep. If you don't know something, ask her... she's a professional. If going hunting, fishing or doing anything at all enjoyable to you comes up, skip it until she's had twice as much time to do what she wants to do that's enjoyable. That would be sleeping. Take your baby to the mall, for walks or just out of the house to relatives or something and tell you her you don't want her to come along. Again, sleeping. You may have to use force to keep her at home so she can sleep but you'll find it's not like pulling teeth once she gets over you being an incapable, ignorant, illprepaired clod of a husband that's not going to leave your child on the hood of the truck as you pull off. It could take a while. Kids aren't much for lights and sounds to start off with and keeping it on will only keep them awake. Most of all though, talk to your baby when no one's around. Tell them everything you ever want to tell them. Enjoy every moment they aren't crying and love them even more when they are crying. You'll lose your cool so don't even try to be macho. Kid's can give a rat's arse about you being macho. Just call your wife, a parent or a trusted family member and walk away for a while. Same goes for your wife. Remember, you have to do this for her too. Just get a level head and calm the heck down. It's not the baby's fault. It's all worth it and you'll be a pro in no time. You just have to adjust to their habits and learn to read their cries, coos and signs. You know what's really worth it? One of my fondest memorie's is one I'll never ever forget. My oldest daughter had been crying most of the day and was not backing off. I sat back in my chair rocking her across my stomach trying to quiet her down. Finally, in the middle of the second inning of the Cardinals vs. Tigers final game, she fell asleep and I didn't want to budge her. I think it was the top of the 9th inning and the Cards were ahead. I don't remember the score, the date or the time but what I do know is that when the Cardinals got the last out, a lifelong Cards fan could only sit there quietly celebrating with his baby girl lying across his belly sound asleep. That was better than any world series I could imagine. Good luck Kat and I hope I helped.

Edited June 3, 2009 by BowJoe

[OJR]

The only thing I can remember is our oldest son cost $1.00 for the hospital when he was born and the youngest on cost us $3.50. That was 3 years later. Inflation!

The rest of the cost along the way! Thousands, but we didn't care or keep track!

[Tominator]

My wife says $50 per kid per week.

I really don't know Kyle. We have 4, and we've never really struggled. Having said that, my wife and I both have great jobs and I have great insurance.

The biggest expense is day care. Our worst year, when all 4 had some sort of day care, we paid over $16,000 to day care facilities.

[Adjam5]

We had 3 of the same, and everything got handed down. That helped out big time. Network amongst relatives and friends for kids clothes that are outgrown.

Formula...can get incredibly expensive if he has a lactose or soy intolerance. Our Joe was both, and the hypo allergenic formula he required was 4X the price of Soy and Milk based formula! Breast feeding should be considered if Jen is into it. It also passes on all the immunities from Mom to baby that formula can't do. So not only will you save some dough, the baby will get whats best.

Co pays( if you have them) for Dr visits/prescriptions...budget for them. Ear infections can rack up a few visits.

Oh yeah...the baby wipes...make sure you use the type that are septic safe...if you have a septic tank.

Ahhh your gonna love being a Dad:).

[Rhino]

Here is an interesting Google find :eek:

Expenses annual cost

Housing birth to 18 years cost per year 6,726

Food birth to 18 years cost per year 3,156

Transportation birth to 18 years cost per year 2,662

Clothing birth to 18 years cost per year 1,060

Healthcare birth to 18 years cost per year 1,043

Childcare/Education birth to 18 years cost per year 1,703

Miscellaneous birth to 18 years cost per year 2,105

College 18 to 22 years of age cost per year 45,880

Total amount needed to raise a child: $515,710

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...e_a_child.html

Only 2 items that were way off for me here...education (birth to 18 years) and the college. For personal reasons down here I wouldn't send my child to public schools so from 1st grade to 12th was all private schools. The average cost per year was about 400% to 500% of that figure. His high school years went easily into 5 figures.

College...oh boy...we blew through the $45K mark with ease and still going strong thanks to a few unexpected issues. He's 22 now and still has at least another 2 years to go so he'll still be in my hip pocket until he graduates. It will be closer to $100,000 by the time my son's finished.

That's OK though he's already on notice about payback when my old decrepid days come around.

BTW...boys are cheaper than girls too.

Edited June 3, 2009 by Rhino

[RangerClay]

Gottcha thinking didn't I. Good!

When I found out that my wife was pregnant with our first child, it was this first time in my ENTIRE life that I didn't sleep all night.

First the birth. How much of that hospital bill is co-pay for you. If for some strange reason your wife has a complication at the last minute (like my wife did) and has to go C-section, it is not cheap. About $15,000. A C-section is concidered major surgery. Our bill was about $20-22k whan all said and done.

Next what if your child is jaundice (sp). That is an entire week of going to the doctor for blood work everyday. What is your co-pay for that. There is billy blanket too. Does your insurance cover that.

Next is diapers, wipes, and formula. (if your wife does not breast feed). BIG $$$$$$$$$$$

Now everytime your kid has the sniffles you have to take him to the pediatrician. What is your co-pay for that? And the re-checks. More co-pay. OH! how is your perscription plan for meds & renting nebulizers? Co-pay or all you.

When your wife is on maternity leave what is her workmans comp? Does she get at least half her pay?

Next is daycare when she goes back to work in 8-10 weeks. Plan on $100-$150 per week. And that is per kid. I was paying $225 per week ($800 a month) for a while.

What if your child is sick. If you are in SD who will watch Kyle Jr. Your wife may not have much sick leave after the child is born. She may have to take days off without pay.

Have you looked at the price of Gerbers baby food? BUY A FOOD PROCESSOR!!!

Your child will outgrow clothes so fast it will make your head spin. I guarantee Walmart will become your best friend.

Don't forget the price of gasoline to get to these places.

Listen Kyle I started this thing this morning with diapers and crib because I have seen a trend lately. You are buying lots of toys, new bows and tatoos. Now I don't know what your financial situation is and I don't want to know but I was hinting that you need to be prepared. I made HUGE sacrifices in my play money for about 5 years. No new anything. My daughter is 7 and my son is 5 and I have just recently started to have a little fun money again. But that is our financial situation. If I remember you are working part time and you want to buy a house too. Can you afford a house AND daycare?

My wife just came in and asked what I was typing about and I said the price of a newborn. I wish you could have heard that sigh in Oklahoma.

I wish you all the luck in the world Kyle. I wish that your child is happy and healthy. But your focus will have to take a complete 180 degree turn here in the end of June. I hope you are prepared because there is no instruction manual.

[JimT]

There is one definate plus money wise. The tax credit!!

[The_Kat]

Gottcha thinking didn't I. Good!

When I found out that my wife was pregnant with our first child, it was this first time in my ENTIRE life that I didn't sleep all night.

First the birth. How much of that hospital bill is co-pay for you. If for some strange reason your wife has a complication at the last minute (like my wife did) and has to go C-section, it is not cheap. About $15,000. A C-section is concidered major surgery. Our bill was about $20-22k whan all said and done.

Next what if your child is jaundice (sp). That is an entire week of going to the doctor for blood work everyday. What is your co-pay for that. There is billy blanket too. Does your insurance cover that.

Next is diapers, wipes, and formula. (if your wife does not breast feed). BIG $$$$$$$$$$$

Now everytime your kid has the sniffles you have to take him to the pediatrician. What is your co-pay for that? And the re-checks. More co-pay. OH! how is your perscription plan for meds & renting nebulizers? Co-pay or all you.

When your wife is on maternity leave what is her workmans comp? Does she get at least half her pay?

Next is daycare when she goes back to work in 8-10 weeks. Plan on $100-$150 per week. And that is per kid. I was paying $225 per week ($800 a month) for a while.

What if your child is sick. If you are in SD who will watch Kyle Jr. Your wife may not have much sick leave after the child is born. She may have to take days off without pay.

Have you looked at the price of Gerbers baby food? BUY A FOOD PROCESSOR!!!

Your child will outgrow clothes so fast it will make your head spin. I guarantee Walmart will become your best friend.

Don't forget the price of gasoline to get to these places.

Listen Kyle I started this thing this morning with diapers and crib because I have seen a trend lately. You are buying lots of toys, new bows and tatoos. Now I don't know what your financial situation is and I don't want to know but I was hinting that you need to be prepared. I made HUGE sacrifices in my play money for about 5 years. No new anything. My daughter is 7 and my son is 5 and I have just recently started to have a little fun money again. But that is our financial situation. If I remember you are working part time and you want to buy a house too. Can you afford a house AND daycare?

My wife just came in and asked what I was typing about and I said the price of a newborn. I wish you could have heard that sigh in Oklahoma.

I wish you all the luck in the world Kyle. I wish that your child is happy and healthy. But your focus will have to take a complete 180 degree turn here in the end of June. I hope you are prepared because there is no instruction manual.

Curious as to what toys your referencing? My bows? Total cost was about 1000 bucks between the two. As for a house, you bet I want one, but we aren't buying til we're ready. We are simply looking. Can I afford a house payment and daycare.....YES I can. My wife doesn't work, shes a full time student so we won't be losing any income with her being home with the baby. I'm working part time for my uncle at his bait tank shop while I'm on this scheduled layoff. Thats the beauty of my job, I work 6-7 months a year and am off the rest of the time. I am sorry, but I totally took offense to the above comment about me having to 180 my focus. Thats comes across to me that your saying I'm all about me and not about my kid. Maybe thats not what you meant, but it's what I got from it. I know you don't care about my financial situation, but a 2-3 hundred dollar tattoo is miniscule to me. I know you mean well, so I'm stopping short of getting irritated. Just know that I may be young, but I'm not as selfish as you seem to think, and I'm a bit smarter with my finances than u seem to think also.

[redkneck]

Everyone keeps mentioning food. Man, let her work what God gave her. You'll save some cash and be glad you did.

[layin on the smackdown]

Im pretty sure they say that it costs "on average" for a middle class family to raise a middle class child, roughly $350,000 till they are 18 years old....

$350,000/18yrs = $19,444/year

$19,444/12months = $1620/month

$1620/ 4 weeks = $405/wk

this is pretty realistic...

[mike13candace]

Priceless...

[BowJoe]

Kyle, I'm sure no offense was meant and I'm sure you know that. I think what a lot of the dad's on here are trying to say is that until you hold that baby in your arms, you have no idea what you are in for. I'm sure every one of us that has children can attest to that. That's not a knock on your age but it sorta is too. You're young and so were most of the dad's in here and if they had somebody there to tell them what they are telling you now, it'd be a lot easier on this journey you're about to take. Every little bit counts. Make sure your insurance is up to date, get the maximum coverage you can for both you, your wife and baby. What you do now will only save you massive trouble in the very near future. Stress comes not just from the newborn but from finances as well. In this tough economic time, no job is safe and replacing a new job is not easy. It's happened to the best of them and learning now not to spend when you don't have to is much easier to swallow than if you are forced to. I'd start putting back for that house and rainy day money just in case. The rule of market is save when the market is good, save even more when the market is bad. That may sound like Wall Street advice but what happens on Wall Street ends up on Main Street. You'll be a good Father. I think to sum it up, Kyle, stress comes in many forms and you are about to experience one of the biggest stressers in your life. Unless you have several million just lying around, save, save, save. You will be glad you did.

[The_Kat]

I totally agree with ya Joe Joe. Scary, thats twice in one week.

[Tim Andrus]

they are worth every penny though! Id eat mac n cheese every night to make sure my little one has everything possible!