Being a parent is priceless, yes, but raising a baby, well, comes with a price. And its not really easy, for the price of raising a baby is actually very high and may burn and blast your wallet altogether. No, it does not mean that parenthood cannot be enjoyed because of the wallets going holed up, but actually calls to take a critical look at your monthly expenses and cut down on things that no longer serve purpose – like that unlimited internet plan, when you actually use only a fraction of it, and can opt for a low-priced, limited internet plan. Affects you, heck no!

To help you make this planning a success, we have listed below some of the costs that come with the baby – you could actually use this to plan your expenditure:

  • Pregnancy and Delivery Expenses – Most likely, your insurance will cover it, but in case you have enrolled in one of the top-notch hospitals, you might have to shell out a considerable amount from your own pocket.
  • Baby Furniture – Your baby will need a crib, and then a high chair anywhere in the  to eat and a bed with a baby mattress as well, as she will be growing up. A baby tub, and her washing essentials will also cost quite a bit. These spends will run into thousands, so be prepared for that. Each of these are likely to cost you anywhere between 2.5 k to 6k.

    Baby Costs

    Baby Costs

  • Diapers- Your baby would be needing nothing less than 2500 diapers in her first year alone, and will also require the creams and the oils and the powders to go with them. Put aside a considerable amount of money for diapers alone.
  • Formula/Food- Generally, mothers opt for a combined feed of breast and formula these days, and formula does cost a lot. Baby bottles and bibs also need to be purchased. Your baby will also start some mashed foods once she is around 4 months old, so considering the huge rate of inflation, do mark a good hefty amount on her feeding.
  • Baby Outfits- All those tiny. Cute little things cost a bomb – the baby dresses cost, much more than what your dresses do (like, seriously, yes!). Add to this the fancy accessories and you will be left wondering why a one meter dress costs a bomb!
  • Strollers/Walkers- Again, a necessary expense, a pram or a stroller would cost your anywhere between 7 to 12k. Add to that additional (minimum) 5-7 k for the car seat. Are you doing the math right??
  • Child-Care/Creche- If all the above points are making you think you’d be putting in extra hours of work, well, that’d cost you too. A day care facility can charge anything between 7-15 k depending on the facilities offered. That also needs to be cut from your takle home salary to actually arrive on the more beneficial situation.

Money Saving Tips:

  • Use old clothes of cousins or your older siblings – babies outgrow clothes much faster than you think.
  • You could also set the designer in you free and make your own baby-dresses.
  • There is no harm in buying second hand baby furniture/cribs/prams etc- you really get some very good deals on them.
  • See if you can get a family member to watch your baby while you are at work. Saves a lot of money and you will be assured that the baby is also safe.
  • Breastfeeding is a great option, and everyone benefits.