A baby changes everything—including your budget. Here's how to prepare financially for your new arrival.
Pregnancy Expenses to Plan For
- Prenatal care: Doctor visits, ultrasounds, tests
- Insurance: Review your coverage NOW
- Maternity clothes: Budget $200-500
- Birth classes: $50-300
Birth Costs
Even with insurance, expect:
- Hospital birth: $1,000-3,000 out of pocket (with insurance)
- Without insurance: $10,000-30,000+
Check your insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Baby's First Year Expenses
One-Time Purchases
- Crib and mattress: $200-800
- Car seat: $100-400
- Stroller: $100-1,000
- Baby monitor: $50-300
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Diapers: $70-80/month
- Formula (if not breastfeeding): $150-200/month
- Childcare: $500-2,500/month (huge variable)
- Clothes (they grow fast!): $50-100/month
Using Partner Mode to Prepare
With Pocket Clear, both parents can:
- Track baby-related purchases together
- Create a "Baby Fund" category
- See who bought what (no duplicate purchases)
- Monitor monthly baby expenses vs. budget
Money-Saving Tips for New Parents
- Buy secondhand (except car seats)
- Accept hand-me-downs gratefully
- Skip the fancy nursery decor
- Use cloth diapers if you're up for it
- Breastfeed if possible (saves $1,800+/year)
Start Tracking Together
Download Pocket Clear free. Simple expense tracking for couples and expats.