how much does a baby cost per month? (please read why)

Question

Okay so my boyfriend is in the navy stationed in another state than our daughter and I. We are together. She is now 2 months old (10 weeks). He's about to go on a 9 month long deployment, he's going to be sending me money every month for her since I am a stay at home mom while he's gone. He hasn't sent me any yet due to him being last minute deployed right after birth with not contact. I'm kind of clueless as to how much to have him send me, he keeps asking but I'm new to this. I'm a ftm, and Ive already had all the diapers and wipes I needed from my shower from diaper cakes and gifts.. so I'm not sure how much money I'm going to need etc considering I've already been stocked up from other people. I haven't been paying attention really to how fast she's going through them either.. I feel like an awful mother ugh. She's also colic which is stressful and so big she's growing out of all her clothes! But I calculated formula to be 25$ a week so that's already 100$. Then diapers I calculated to possibly be 25$ a week (she goes through those big 25$ boxes of pampers/huggies quickly) as well so that's 200$. Wipes about 4-8$ a week so nearly 230$. Not sure what else I should add into the expenses.. maybe soap, clothes etc? I'm thinking maybe 350-400$ a month? So near to 100$ a week? I don't want to seem too pushy but extra money in case would be helpful right? I'm not sure what else to include.. I don't want to ask for too much or too little.. what do you suggest? How much do you think I need, or would add into those expenses? Please no judgment.. we're trying or best. We're both new to this and have a hard situation. Thank you!

Answer

Is any of the money to support you? Do you want to be able to save money for the baby? Remember your utility bills will probably increase with the extra clothes washing etc. If it was me and my partner I'd be more inclined to work out what his expenses were then have him send the difference, especially if you're not working to taking care of the baby.

Answer

You can always consider cloth diapering.  It's probably around 300 up front for just about everything you'd need (prefolds, snappis, covers).  It would help you save a ton in the long run for other things and really isn't too hard.

Answer

If you're calculating by the month you calculated the diapers wrong, also if you have a target nearby or Publix you should maybe coupon for diapers. You can get 4 of the $25 boxes of diapers for under $60 -$70. 1 box should last about a week and a half or more. I have 2y supply of diapers by couponing, spent no more than $500-600

Answer

I think it's fair to say you are new to this and it's going to change a lot while he's gone (just wait until you need $5+/day in baby food). $500 a month would comfortably cover basics (go through exactly the list you gave here) and more would be better (baby will outgrow the infant car seat and clothes, toys, etc.). Assuming you intend to be in a long term relationship with this guy, ask him to trust you with any money he doesn't need while deployed. You can save the extra for relocating to the same state when he gets back. And make sure you have everything in place so the navy knows she is HIS daughter. She should have some healthcare benefits and he may be eligible for a raise (of which you should get every penny).

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We don't spend anywhere close to that! We spend about $35 a month on diapers and $34 on formula and $4 on wipes.

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Add clothes to the expenses. Everyone is different as to how much they spend on formula..etc so depending on how much baby drinks. You also may need to change bottles ofetn (sometimes they get icky) socks little stuff like that. Pretty soon the baby will need teething toys. So about how much you said is good you never know when u will need something. Sometimes we tend to forget and last min need something. So it wont hurt to have a little extra left over then u can save on from that! Good luck hun😊

Answer

At the newborn baby stage id say anywhere between $200-$300 a month on the necessities. Depending on what brands you buy. Maybe ask for about $100 week, so $400 a month. It's always good to have some extra just in case, but I think you covered it all. :)

Answer

My LO also have colic plus reflux so she need the special formula. We spend $50 per week on formula, $6 per week on wipe, $8 per week on diapers, $50 per month on some gas relief drop & medication clothes etc....totally is about $350 !!

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This is for a year so 3732 /12 around 311 a month give or take a little more just incase extra expenses later 😉 good luck

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I dong understand OO. U don't want to seem like u r asking for too much but that sounds like what u are doing bc everytime someone suggests you don't need that much money and they present you w// alternatives you gave a counter argument/excuse as to why you do need more. Hence that's why u probs
posted anon. Sounds like you already have your mind set and want reasssurance but the truth of the matter is ppl are giving you realistic insight on what you presented. If you feel you need that much/should definitely ask for that much then go right ahead. It more so sounds like something you should work over a// ur SO than anyone else.

how much does a baby cost per month? (please read why)

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