Work out your baby budget
Having a baby is exciting but it can also be expensive. Use our Baby costs calculator to get a clear picture of what you might need to spend, and whether your budget can cover it.
How the Baby costs calculator works
You can use this tool to:
work out your essential costs - things like bedding, clothing, and nappies that you’ll need. If you’re expecting some items as gifts, just set the cost to £0.
add any non-essential items - the nice-to-haves that you could manage without
see if your budget adds up - the calculator will show you an estimated total and how it compares to what you have available.
This tool will ask you:
how much money you currently have saved, and
what you plan to put aside before your baby arrives.
How the Baby costs calculator can help you manage your money
This tool is based on essentials recommended by the NHS, such as bedding, clothing, baby formula and nappies. It also covers other items you might want to consider, from nursery furniture to travel gear.
Tell us your budget and the tool will show you how your estimated costs stack up, so you can plan ahead with confidence.
What the results of the Baby costs calculator mean
Once you’ve entered your figures, the tool will show whether your savings are likely to cover your costs, or whether there’s a gap you'll need to plan for.
If your costs are higher than your budget, don’t panic. There are ways to reduce what you spend, and there may be financial support available to you. The section below can help.
Biggest baby costs explained
Childcare is by far the biggest expense for most families. Depending on where you live and how many hours you need, you could be paying hundreds of pounds a week. Nurseries and childminders both have pros and cons beyond just cost. It’s worth looking into your options early, as some settings have long waiting lists.
Find out more in our guides:
One-off setup costs
Before your baby arrives, you’ll need to buy or borrow some key items like a pram, a cot, a car seat, and so on. These costs can add up quickly, but they’re mostly one-off rather than ongoing.
Monthly essentials
Nappies, formula (if you’re not breastfeeding), baby food as they grow, and clothing that they’ll quickly outgrow. These regular costs are easy to underestimate.
Building them into your monthly budget from the start will help.
How different choices affect the cost of having a baby
Babies grow fast, which means many items are barely used before they’re outgrown.
Buying second-hand through local selling groups, charity shops, or friends and family, can save you a significant amount.
For safety reasons, it’s generally recommended to buy a new car seat and new mattress, even if you buy other items second-hand.
For more on managing your money when you’re having a baby, see our Becoming a parent section. You’ll find guides on budgeting for a new arrival, paying for childcare, and understanding your rights around maternity and paternity pay.
Use our Baby money timeline to get a list of all the money-related dates to do with your pregnancy and new baby.
