Birth: what are the expenses for a baby?

490 euros per month, is the average budget for a child from birth to age three, according to the Ipsos study for the E.Leclerc observatory of new consumption. Or 5,880 euros over the year. At 252 euros per month, baby care costs represent, by far, the largest budget item. Then comes food, at 83 euros, then the purchase of equipment, at 54 euros. As for the items of clothing, on the one hand, and hygiene/wellness products, on the other, they are equal, at 51 euros per month.

Other lessons: 64% of the parents surveyed said they took specific measures when their child was born, such as drawing on their savings or borrowing. Note: 35% of them consider that they have underestimated the necessary budget.

With such a high cost, some parents are forced to make concessions and choose where to spend their money first. Most families proceed to “lifestyle adjustment”, says the study. 73% of young parents say they allow themselves fewer outings, for example.

In principle, the crib is the most economical mode of care. But it can be complicated to get a place, especially if you live in a big city. Another economical solution: shared custody, where two families employ the same childminder.

In crèche, your hourly participation is calculated according to your resources and the number of dependent children, according to a scale established by the Family Allowance Fund (CAF). If your child enters a micro-nursery or if you call on a childminder or home care provider, you may be entitled to Free choice of childcare supplement of the childcare service (Paje) of the Caf.

If you are not breastfeeding your child, the first five months, the infant milk is the only food expense to be expected. Count on a budget of at least €60 per month for 50 cans of milk and 10 bottles of mineral water. If you are breastfeeding, the investment comes down to 3 nursing bras (from €10 each) with, as an option, a pad (around €25) and nursing pads.

At birth, budget at least €500 for your baby’s room and the childcare equipment, hence the need to anticipate and invest gradually. There are three types of cribs:

• the cradle (€130 for a basic model), for an infant from 0 to 6/9 months;
• the crib (from €140), up to 3 years old;
• the travel cot or folding bed (around €90), suitable for a baby from 3 months to 3 years old and ideal for travelling.

Added to this are the costs of painting, curtains, light fixtures, flooring, etc.

On the transport side, consider the cost of a stroller (from €120), a car seat (from €120) and a baby carrier (from €40) – not compulsory but very practical. Not to mention a changing table (from €25), a bathtub (from €10) or a bath thermometer (around €10 for a digital model). As for the high chair for meals (from 70 to 200 €), choose one that can evolve, so that it follows the baby’s growth. As for bottles, three are enough (around €10 a set), not to mention a bottle brush to clean them (€3) and a steriliser (between €20 and €30).

Also remember to plan a small budget for decoration and toys: musical games, comforters, baby books, bath toys, etc.

It is also a position not to be overlooked. Your accommodation will have to be redesigned and secured in order to protect your baby. In addition to socket covers, rubber corners for furniture, you will need to bring barriers if you have stairs (between €30 and €50) and a baby monitor (€40 to €160 depending on the model).

This budget item is variable, depending on the stocks held by the parents. To avoid giving in to impulse purchases in the store, you can make a list: 5 bodysuits, 5 pajamas, 3 or 4 pairs of socks, 1 hat, 2 bras, 7 bibs, 2 sleeping bags for the night and a well-suited jumpsuit. warm if your baby is born in winter. Or more than 100 € to dress it for the first few weeks.

At the start, the budget layers is substantial. You can buy them by pack: count around 50 € per month. The most economical and ecological solution is washable nappies: a kit is worth between 500 and 700 €, but you can find used ones.

In addition to diapers, there are all the toiletries such as washing gel, diaper cream, physiological serum, wipes, etc.

Opt for a birth list: select the important parts, like the bed or the car seat, so that your friends and relatives can give you a useful gift.

Anticipate sales: depending on the expected date of your delivery, take advantage of the sales to buy what you need.

Do it yourself (DIY) by decorating your future baby’s room yourself, for example. And why don’t you use Marseille soap flakes diluted in lukewarm water as a shampoo (taking care of baby’s eyes, of course)?

Buy second-hand products: consult Le Bon Coin, Ebay, Vinted or more confidential sites specializing in the children’s niche. But prefer a new car seat: it must have all the guarantees in terms of safety.