First-Year Baby Cost Estimator
Comprehensive first-12-month baby budget: diapers, formula, gear, childcare, medical.
| Diapers | $818 | 3% |
| Formula | $0 | 0% |
| Solid food | $900 | 3% |
| Clothes | $720 | 3% |
| Childcare | $21,600 | 82% |
| One-time gear | $1,600 | 6% |
| Medical | $600 | 2% |
Newborn essentials worth buying (not overbuying)
Amazon affiliateThe list of things you actually use in the first year.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. This does not add cost for you.
About this tool
The first year with a baby costs the average US family $10,000-$25,000 depending on region, feeding choice, and childcare arrangement. This calculator breaks it into eight adjustable categories so you can see where the money actually goes and stress-test how brand choice, breastfeeding vs formula, and daycare vs stay-at-home change the total.
Formula & notes
Sums monthly recurring costs (diapers, formula, food after 6 months, clothes, childcare) plus one-time gear costs (crib, stroller, car seat, monitor) over 12 months. Defaults reflect average US pricing (2026); adjust for your locality. Does not include medical expenses beyond a nominal wellness-visit estimate — pregnancy delivery costs are separate and depend heavily on insurance.
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