How much do babies cost?

[Nika]

Childcare is the most expensive part.
2K a month in NYC is the average (not the top end, the average).
Diapers, wipes, bottles, various devices, soft super-expensive clothing, etc... those are up to you.
I had every intention of being a reasonable mother, but something happens to you hormonally, especially with the first baby, and you go off the deep end.

Also, when it comes to swings and all that... had no intention of getting them before the baby, but when you are in the game you will pay ANYTHING for even a possibility of extra sleep.

[photo]

I always laugh at the extravagant figures. Other than a car seat (unless you live in the city and never drive) and possibly a crib, you don't need all that expensive junk that Toys'R'Us thinks you do. In fact, swings and walkers have been shown to impede a baby's development.

Use cloth diapers, nurse your baby, and get some used clothing (which are better for babies anyway, because they're softer and don't usually have the loose strings of newer clothing, which can get caught on baby's toes), and you won't spend anything near the projections.

Babies need your time much more than your money. (The exception is if the baby becomes ill, of course.)