About Costs Associated With New Babies

It probably comes as no surprise that there are a lot of costs associated with new babies. Diapers, food, clothes, cribs, bedding and more--all of these things add up in a hurry. Not including delivery costs, new babies cost an average of $10,000 in the first year alone. So where does all this dough go?

Feeding

The most cost-effective way to feed a new baby is by breastfeeding. While some things like lanolin cream, nursing bras, pumps and breastfeeding pads will need to be purchased, most mothers can breastfeed their new babies for less than $100 a year. Bottle feeding is a different story: A parent will need to purchase several bottles and formula, and this will total closer to $100 a month and the cost will only increase throughout the first year of a new baby's life.

Diapering

New babies go through a lot of diapers. Whether you use cloth or disposable, the diapering costs add up. The price of disposable diapers has dropped so dramatically over the years that it is now very similar to the costs of cloth diapers. This does not mean it will be inexpensive. New babies use an average of seven diapers a day. When considering all the diaper supplies needed--diapers, wipes, rash creams and powders--this will end up costing around $100 a month per child.

Clothing

While there are few things cuter than a diaper-butted baby, most parents will find clothing to be a necessary cost associated with new babies. Most newborns will not need many clothes. Children in the first year grow so quickly that it will be important to reign in all clothing costs. Most new babies will only need two to three pairs of pants and a week's worth of onesies, socks and pajamas. In the winter, a warm hat, coat and mittens should be added to the wardrobe. Anything above and beyond these few basics is just for fun. For babies who spit up a lot you may have to double this. Overall, new babies' wardrobes should cost less than $150 in all for the first 3 months.

Medical Costs

Typically, the largest costs associated with new babies comes before delivery. The cost of prenatal care and delivery costs an average of $6,500 for a vaginal delivery with no complications. The average cesarean costs closer to $12,000. After new babies are born they will need to attend several checkups at a pediatrician's office. Families covered by insurance are likely to see a rise in premium costs as the result of adding another person to the policy. Additionally, if a child has any medical problems, all costs for medical care will rise exponentially. However, healthy new babies will likely ring up less than $10,000 each in medical expenses in the first year. If covered by insurance, this will likely total less than $1,000 in out-of-pocket costs.

Nursery

While a cute nursery is certainly not a mandatory cost associated with new babies, it is still a lot of fun. Even if a nursery is not decorated, there are still a few pieces of nursery furniture that will be hard to live without. New babies should have either a bassinet or crib to sleep in complete with bedding. Most people also invest in a changing table, diaper pail, baby swing or vibrating chair and a chair for the parents to perform nighttime feedings. In all this can cost as little as $150 if purchasing items in sets or as much as several thousand dollars if purchasing from a high-end baby boutique.

Transportation

New babies will need a way to leave the house with their parents. Before a baby ride in a car they must have a car seat. It is also a wise idea to purchase a stroller or baby carrier. A combination car seat and stroller can be purchased for under $150. A baby carrier can be as inexpensive as $30.

Other Costs

A few other items needed for new babies include bathing supplies, receiving blankets, nursery decorations, feeding pillows, toys, music for soothing, pacifiers, teething rings, over-the-counter medicine, suntan lotion, books, day care and vitamins.