2 cents

The Dollars and Cents of Baby's First Year

By sElEna gaRRIson

Babies are cute, cuddly, lovable…and expensive! While there are many variables that can affect how much you will spend on your baby in her first year, it is important to have a general idea of the average (sometimes forgotten) costs of that sweet little bundle. With the help of experienced mommies and BabyCenter.com’s calculator, we compiled a list of expenses to share with you.

» ONE-TIME COSTS We will start with the things that you’ll need to buy once. Oftentimes, these items can be reused with other children, so think about how much you want to invest and the quality of the items that you want to purchase. The prices shown here are averages for each category, so your actual costs will vary.

• Infant car seat, basic stroller, play yard, sling/wrap carrier and diaper bag: AVERAGES - $400. • Activity equipment like a swing (a lifesaver when you want to actually take a shower), bouncer and play mat:

AVERAGES - $200. • Big nursery items (crib, changing table, glider/rocker, bassinet, basic bedding/blankets, mobile, dresser, crib mattress and baby monitor): AVERAGES - $1200. • Feeding supplies (high chair, bottles, nipples, utensils, plates/ bowls, sippy cups, burp cloths, bottle brush and bibs):

AVERAGES - $230. If you are breastfeeding and will need to pump, a manual breast pump will cost about $30 or you may opt for an electric pump for approximately $250. You will also need milk storage bags, breast pads, nursing bras and a nursing pillow (and possibly breast shields), which can all run you around $175. • Baby towels, an infant bathtub, washcloths and baby nail clippers: AVERAGES - $45. • Miscellaneous items such as childproofing supplies, baby gates, a diaper pail, pacifiers, birth announcements and a baby book/scrapbook: AVERAGES - $275.

» ONGOING COSTS While the one-time costs can seem to really add up, being prepared for the ongoing costs of having a baby is also very important. Again, the prices shown here are averages and will vary from family to family.

• Childcare: A moderately priced home daycare will cost around $570 a month, whereas a daycare center will run closer to $770 a month and a nanny will ring in at $2,600 a month. • Diapering: Babies go through a lot of diapers! Disposable diapers will run around $72 per month, whereas a cloth diaper service will run a little more at $76 per month and using cloth diapers that you wash yourself will cost around $19 per month. • Feeding: Obviously, breastfeeding is free! However, if you cannot or choose not to breastfeed, formula costs will be around $105 per month. Once baby starts to eat solid food around 6 months of age, her store-bought baby food will average $57 per month. • Miscellaneous: Clothing, college savings, medicine/first aid, toiletries and toys/books/media will cost about $188 per month.

So, What's the Bottom Line?

While costs will vary, average one-time expenses will cost you around $2,750, with ongoing expenses ranging anywhere from $2,830 to $35,970 depending on your childcare, diapering and feeding choices.

The great news is that baby showers are extremely helpful! Friends and family want to celebrate you and your new baby and will cover many of your one-time costs (and even some of your ongoing costs). Create a registry with everything you need and share it with your loved ones!

You can also find excellent deals by shopping sales, visiting children’s consignment shops and asking friends, family and coworkers if there are any barely used items (furniture, strollers, clothing, etc.) that they’d like to sell.