Baby Budget Calculator
Plan ahead for a new baby — one-off setup costs, ongoing monthly expenses, childcare, and any drop in household income while on leave.
Setup
Pram, crib, car seat, and other initial setup costs.
Monthly Costs
Nappies, formula, wipes, etc.
Nursery or childcare costs, if applicable.
Income & Savings
Drop in household income per month while on leave.
Total Running Costs
£2,280.00
Income Shortfall
£4,800.00
Frequently asked questions
How much does a baby cost in the first year?
Estimates vary widely, but a reasonable budget includes one-off setup costs (pram, crib, car seat) of £1,000–£2,500, plus £150–£300 a month for nappies, formula, and clothing, before childcare.
Should I include childcare costs?
If you plan to return to work and use nursery or a childminder, yes — childcare is often the single biggest recurring cost, so include it from the month you expect to need it rather than from birth.
What about income during maternity or paternity leave?
Statutory pay is usually lower than your normal salary, so the income reduction field helps you capture the total household income gap, not just the new spending, when working out how much extra to save.