It is logical that your life will be completely different after having a baby. And you probably also know that your sleep will be reduced to a minimum. But how much does a baby cost per month? And what other costs do you have to take into account when you are pregnant with a baby? We have investigated it for you.

How much does a baby cost per month?

According to a calculation made by the CBS, a family spends about 17% of its total disposable income on its first child. As soon as you have more children, the costs usually become lower. With 2 children, about 26% of the disposable income is spent, with 3 children this is 33% and with 4 children 40%. An average does not necessarily say much about the amount you will spend on your baby. However, it can be useful to know how much other families spend on average on their child. This way you can estimate the amount you should take into account.

Did you know: A child costs around 50,000 euros up to the age of 12?

But what costs should you take into account per month? We have made a calculation:

• Water and energy consumption - Water and energy consumption costs an average of €32 per month.
• Childcare - If you as parents use childcare, this will cost you an average of €1,500 per month.
• Clothing - On average, you spend €35 ​​per month on clothing for your newborn. Did you know that the average baby wears about 5 clothing sizes in the first year?
• Diapers - Diapers cost about €24,- per month. Tip: keep an eye on when the diapers you use for your little one are on sale.
• Bottle feeding - If you bottle feed your child, it will cost approximately €30 per month.

All in all, you will spend approximately €270.50 per month on your baby.

Costs before the birth of your child

The costs for your child actually start from the moment you are pregnant. For example, you have extra healthcare costs. During your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period you can take the following costs into account:

• Hospital birth - If you give birth in hospital without a medical reason, you will have to pay a personal contribution. This amounts to €369.40 for the year 2021.
• Pregnancy course - Becoming a mother for the first time is exciting, you can then choose to follow a pregnancy course. This costs about €100,-. Please note: this is not reimbursed by all health insurers. Check this carefully.
• Maternity clothes - If you are unable to borrow clothes from friends or family, you should budget for approximately €200 worth of clothes during your pregnancy.
• Maternity package - On average, a maternity package costs between €20 and €50, depending on which package you choose. With additional insurance, a maternity package is reimbursed.
• Maternity care - The amount of the personal contribution is determined annually by the NZA (Dutch Healthcare Authority). For 2021, there is a statutory personal contribution of €4.60 per hour for maternity care at home. This amounts to approximately €225.40 for 49 hours of maternity care.
• Birth announcements - You want to inform everyone as soon as your baby is born. On average, you spend around €100,- on making and sending the birth announcement.

If you add up all these amounts, you will spend approximately €1029.80 during your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period. Tip : take a good look at your health insurance. Many costs are reimbursed from your basic insurance, but sometimes you need additional insurance.

Baby shower costs

The biggest expense is probably the baby shower. Depending on your wishes and requirements, these costs can be high, think of around €1000,-. Fortunately, you can rent baby products from us instead of buying them. That not only saves a lot of money, but is also a nice circular alternative. You will definitely need the following products in the first year:

• Crib/co-sleeper
• Crib
• Chest of drawers
• Box + box blanket
• Baby bath
• Baby bouncer
• Stroller and/or baby carrier
• Newborn set
• Baby set
• High chair
• Bottles
• Bottle warmer
• Dummy
• Car seat

Why rent?

Baby products are used for a relatively short period of time. For example, you use a co-sleeper for about 6 months, a newborn set too, a bouncer for about 8 months, and a stroller often has to be converted to the phase your baby is in at that moment. In short, most products go straight out the door. There are also products that you are not sure you will use, such as a baby carrier . Some children prefer to sit in it all day and some children do not like it. Renting is therefore ideal for trying out products. If you do not like it? Then you simply send it back. By renting and sharing with each other, we also ensure that fewer products have to be produced. This contributes to a better future for your baby.

Tip: Check your health insurance

Check carefully what your health insurance covers, both during your pregnancy and for maternity care.

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