Is It Really That Expensive To Have A Baby?

At least once a year a survey comes out showing that it costs tens of thousands (if not a lot more) to raise a child.  You have to wonder how people on low incomes have ever managed to breed.

How do the costs break down?  Well, lost income, housing and childcare are the 3 single biggest components.  But if you only have one child you may not need a separate bedroom until they're several years old, or maybe you would have wanted at least 2 bedrooms even when single.  Childcare may be free if provided by Granny.  And income loss is relative to how much time you need off, how cheap your child care is, and how much you were ever able to earn, anyway.

The actual capital costs (what you spend out of your own pocket) varies a lot too.  If people give or loan you lots of equipment/clothes/toys, you don't spend much.

There are some inevitable outlays.  Even if you breastfeed and use cloth nappies (extra food and electricity/washing powder).  But having kids definitely doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Yes its expensive having a baby and taking care of a baby.