First Year Baby Costs Breakdown
The USDA estimates families spend an average of $12,000-$15,000 in a baby's first year. The biggest expenses are childcare (if applicable), followed by housing adjustments, food, and diapers.
Ways to Save
Buy secondhand gear, accept hand-me-downs, use cloth diapers (saves ~$1,000/year), breastfeed if possible, and take advantage of baby registries and cashback programs.