15 guides
Baby budget guides
Plain-English money guides for expecting and new parents. General information only, not medical advice. We don't sell baby products or earn commissions.
Before baby
Budget, birth costs, leave and an emergency fund.
- Make a baby budget
Monthly costs, one-time costs and a save-before plan.
- Birth costs and your insurance
Know your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Parental leave and pay
Job-protected leave isn't always paid leave.
- An emergency fund before baby
A cushion for the unexpected.
Gear and supplies
Essentials, secondhand, diapers and feeding.
- Baby gear: what you really need
Less than the registry lists suggest.
- Secondhand baby gear, safely
Great savings, with a few exceptions.
- Diapers and wipes for less
Size up slowly, buy in bulk carefully.
- Feeding costs
Formula, breastfeeding and help.
Childcare
Options, costs and tax help, and shared care.
- Childcare options
Centers, family care, nannies and more.
- Childcare costs and tax help
Credits and pre-tax accounts.
- Nanny shares and care swaps
Share the cost with another family.
Money and paperwork
Insurance, documents, tax credits and saving.
- Add your baby to health insurance
Don't miss the deadline.
- The paperwork after birth
Birth certificate, Social Security number and more.
- Child tax credits and benefits
Check what you qualify for.
- Saving for your child's future
Emergency fund first, then the rest.