Having a baby is one of life’s most exciting and transformative experiences 💕. But it also represents a major financial challenge, especially if you don’t plan ahead. In this article, we’ll walk through the typical expenses to expect and practical ways to stay financially stable from day one.
🧾 The Main Costs of Having a Baby
While every family’s situation is different, there are several common expenses that arise from pregnancy through the baby’s first years. Here’s a general idea:
🩺 During Pregnancy
Medical checkups and ultrasounds: between $300.000 CLP and $2.000.000 CLP depending on the country and whether you use public or private healthcare.
Supplements, vitamins, and special diet: around $30.000 CLP – $100.000 CLP per month.
Maternity clothes and personal care items: about $100.000 CLP – $300.000 CLP.
🏥 Birth
Private hospital delivery: between $1.000.000 CLP and $5.000.000 CLP or more depending on your insurance coverage.
C-section: usually 30 – 50% more expensive.
Public hospital birth: can be free or low-cost, though often with fewer amenities.
🍼 Baby’s First Year
Diapers: $50.000 CLP – $100.000 CLP per month.
Clothes (they grow fast!): $300.000 CLP – $600.000 CLP per year.
Milk or formula: $60.000 CLP – $150.000 CLP per month.
Furniture and accessories: crib, stroller, car seat, changing table, baby monitor, etc. → easily $800.000 CLP – $2.000.000 CLP.
Childcare: daycare, nanny, or domestic help — often one of the biggest costs if both parents work.
💡 Realistic example
An average family might spend between $8.000.000 CLP and $15.000.000 CLP in the first year, including healthcare, food, clothing, and essential items.
💡 How to Prepare Financially
🪙 Create a Pre-Baby Budget
Before the baby arrives, make a monthly budget that includes all potential new expenses. You can use a spreadsheet or apps like Mint, YNAB or Fintonic. Or very soon from our Gastomiga app.
➡️ The goal is to know how much you can save each month before the baby comes.
🏦 Build an Emergency Fund
Ideally, you should have 3 to 6 months of living expenses saved. This gives you peace of mind if something unexpected happens or if one parent needs time off work.
📈 Review Your Insurance Coverage
Check if your health plan covers pregnancy and delivery. If not, look for one that does. Also consider life or disability insurance to protect your family’s future.
🧸 Don’t Buy Everything New
Many items like clothes, toys, or furniture can be borrowed or bought second-hand in great condition. Babies grow so quickly that many things are only used for a few months.
📉 Take Advantage of Benefits and Subsidies
In many countries, there are government programs or tax deductions for families with children. Do your research — that extra money can make a big difference.
💬 Keep a Healthy Financial Mindset
Having a baby doesn’t have to mean financial chaos. The key is to plan, prioritize, and stay calm.
Don’t compete with other families or feel pressured to buy the “best” of everything — what matters most is the love, time, and emotional stability you give your new family member ❤️.
✨ In Summary:
✅ Anticipate your expenses.
✅ Save an emergency fund.
✅ Adjust your family budget.
✅ Shop smart (mix new and used).
✅ Look for available support or benefits.
Becoming a parent is a wonderful adventure — and with smart financial planning, it can also be a peaceful and joyful one 🌟.
💬 Final tip: start saving as soon as you begin thinking about having a baby, not after the news arrives. Your future self (and your baby) will thank you 👶💚
