How much does a baby cost? | PARENTS.fr
What budget does the birth and reception of a child represent? To find out, here is a summary of the minimum expenses to be expected when a baby arrives.
Diapers: at least 50 euros per month
First there is the diaper budget, which reduces as the child grows (the diapers will be more and more spaced out), but which is substantial at the beginning. Prefer purchases in packs (about 50 euros for a month) to pay less. If your child is kept in a crèche, you will also save a lot of nappies... lukewarm water and a little neutral soap.
Optional: wipes for troubleshooting (about 4 euros per package).
Infant milk: at least 60 euros per month
The first five months, the only food expense to be expected for baby is infant milk. Namely bottles of mineral water (about 10 euros per month) and boxes of milk (about 50 euros per month). If you choose to breastfeed, no expense to be expected, except at least three nursing bras (from 10 euros each).
Optional: renting a breast pump (reimbursed by Social Security and mutual insurance), a nursing pillow (about 25 euros), healing cream, nursing pads, etc.
Care products: at least 20 euros at birth
Don't forget the essentials that will last for several years: thermometer, soft hairbrush, round-tipped nail scissors (about 10 euros all). You also need at least one diaper cream (about 7 euros) and a body and hair cleanser for babies (from 2 euros). Physiological serum, sterile compresses and other care products will be prescribed by your doctor if necessary (and therefore reimbursed by health insurance). Optional: eau de toilette, cleansing milk, toilet bag.
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The baby clothes budget
This is the most variable envelope, depending on the stocks already available to the parents. For a first baby, it is often necessary to invest a lot of money, unless you have the chance to recover business through your relatives. To minimize costs, favor the sales period and childcare fairs in your neighborhood, or clothing barter sites.
Note: a baby changes size every two to three months during the first year. You must at least have a good number of bodysuits, pairs of socks, pajamas, pants or dresses, T-shirts, sweaters and a coat (waterproof suit type), a pair of mittens, a hat, slippers.
Optional: outfits for parties and vacations (swimsuit, sunglasses, etc.).
Childcare equipment and the room: at least 500 euros at birth
Better to invest in the necessary equipment as you go along, because not all parents (and their babies) have the same needs. Also consider that your adult material can sometimes do the trick. Example: a large towel replaces a baby bath towel very well.
What you need at birth comes down to a cot (minimum 100 euros with the mattress, sheet covers and fitted sheets), a sleeping bag (from 9 euros), a stroller, or combi-stroller (with a car seat) ( from 150 euros), a changing table (from 25 euros), a bathtub (from 10 euros), a bath thermometer (from 3 euros). To this must be added for travel, a travel cot (about 30 euros), a baby carrier (about 50 euros, price very variable depending on the model chosen), accessories for the stroller depending on the season...
No need to invest in a multitude of bottles. Three are enough (about 10 euros for the set), without forgetting a brush to clean them (3 euros). Be aware that many babies drink milk at room temperature, so wait a bit before investing in a bottle warmer. As for the sterilizer, it is no longer recommended by pediatricians…
Not forgetting a small envelope for toys and decoration (cuddly toys, activity mats, musical games, baby books, bath games, stickers, etc.).
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Secondary costs at the birth of a child
These are all the less obvious expenses, but which nevertheless influence the parents' budget at birth: buying a bigger car, moving to more spacious accommodation, and above all childcare! Here again, the budget is very variable depending on the solution chosen (childminder, crèche, nanny at home, etc.) and income, which will determine the amount of CAF aid to which you will be entitled. It is up to you to quantify these expenses as closely as possible to avoid unpleasant surprises.
In video: The essentials: childcare equipment for the arrival of baby
Good news for the budget
The birth of a child also generates some income: birth bonus, aid from the CAF, lower taxation, large family card (from three children). And to help you deal with all the expenses, don't hesitate to make a birth list: ideal for avoiding duplicate gifts, and benefiting from a good helping hand from your loved ones...
(*) Prices are given for information only.
Read alsoAuthor: Katrin Acou-Bouaziz, Journalist, author Updated article
