With a singleton, these were our increased costs for the first year (we're mustachian by necessity):
-Housing $120 (stayed in 1 bedroom, but kept the house a little cooler)
-Laundry $125 (extra load of laundry twice a month)
-Food $250 ($10/week to get puree ingredients for 6-12 months)
-Transport $0 (kept our 1 car)
-Child care $0 (I stay home)
-Heath Care (out of pocket) $7,500
---$4,050 for birth including doula, childbirth/infant care/cpr classes
---$2,000 for pregnancy complications and infant health issues (nothing serious, but still costly)
---$1,450 for therapist specializing in the perinatal period (my best purchase and such a great investment in my mental health as a mother and my husband and I's relationship as parents- highly recommended!)
-Health Insurance $0 (remained the same)
-Misc $1,715 ($360 pregnancy, $50 postpartum supplies, $705 monthly supplies, $600 gear)
-Activities $75 (membership to mom's group and related discounted activities to the zoo/museum or potluck items brought to playgroup)
-College Savings $0
The categories were based on the following article (I wanted to compare our situation):
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/cost-of-raising-baby/We're hoping to move to a bigger place this summer before #2 is born. Our first's nursery was the walk-in closet for her first 2 years of life. It was fine, but sticking the baby in a walk-in and the toddler in her own room will be helpful for everyone's sleep. I'll do another load of laundry per week once #2 arrives. We'll get a bigger car if we have a third (our current one is 2 doors and won't fit 3 carseats). Monthly supplies will hopefully be just a little more with 2 since we're planning to potty train our first before the second's birth. We've spent little in gear and pregnancy supplies for #2 (though the same in postpartum supplies) because we already had most of it. I've bought some toddler things (potty, booster seat for table) so the baby can have the old stuff. Grocery bill has gone up about $15-20 per week since the baby became a toddler/I got pregnant (she eats a lot and so do I because I'm chasing her around and burning calories). Our toddler has been pretty healthy after those first few months of health issues. But we went to urgent care once for a possible ear infection (it was just teething) and it cost us $400. Thankfully, there haven't been other trips besides well visits thus far.
For pregnancy/postpartum/monthly supplies and gear (some of which was from our registry or bought secondhand), here is my list:
Pregnancy/Postpartum3 Nursing Bras
2 Sports Bras
4 Stretchy Camisoles
Maternity Clothing (leggings, maxi skirt, 4 dresses, 4 shirts, sweater)
Bella Band
TED Hose
Peri Bottle
Rice Socks
2 Pillows/Pillowcases
Graduated Compression Shorts
Waterproof Mattress Cover
------
Prenatal Vitamins
Stretch Cream
Witch Hazel
Epsom Salt
Diapers/Pads
Colace
Lemon essential oil for delivery
SleepingCrib/Mattress
2 Waterproof Covers/2 Sheets
2 Fleece Wearable blanket sm/med 0-6ish months, early walker xlg 12m
White Noise (2)
Monitor
Black Out Blinds
Soft Reading Light
FeedingBreast Pads x 2 sets
Burp Cloths
Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
2 Bottles (0-3, 3-6, 6+ nipple flows)
Breast Pump/Extra Set Parts/Hands Free Bra
Nipple Shields
Baby Scale
Comfy Chair/Foot Rest
------
High chair
2 Apron Bibs
2 Forks/Spoons, Soft Cup
2 Straw Sippy Cups
Splat Mat
Steamer Basket/Ice Tray
ChangingPad/Cover/Liners
Hairdryer
Drying rack
BathingHooded Towels (2)
Washcloths (10)
Bathing Sponge in place of baby bath
Medicine CabinetClippers
Thermometer
Tylenol/Syringes
Aspirator/Saline
Silicone Teethers
Outlet covers/Cabinet locks
Vit D drops
Sunscreen
Toothbrush/Paste
SuppliesBaby Wash
Baby Balm
Diapers/Wipes
Clothes———newborn
3 months: sleepers (14), onesies/bottoms (3), fancy (1)
bibs 0-12 months (7)
sunhat 0-12 months unisex
booties 0-6 months unisex
cardigan 6 months, 18 months
fall beanie and fleece jacket 6 month, 18 month unisex
winter hat and snowsuit 6 month, 18 month unisex
------ mobile
9 m/18 m/3T/5T: pjs (5), outfits (10)-6 dresses, 3 pants/tights, 4 short/2 long sleeved onesies, fancy
Swim diaper + rashguard suit + water shoes (6, 18, 3T…)
Socks (5: 6-12, 7: 1-2/2-4) unisex
soft soled shoe 6-18 months (non-skid/leather) unisex
------ toddler
clothing: see mobile, above
sneakers 18 months unisex
dress sandal 18 months
Going Out/Around the HouseConvertible Car Seat
Bouncer Seat
Thick Blanket
Infant Wrap
Baby Carrier
Stroller
Nursing/Car Seat/Shopping Cart/Blanket Cover
Car Shade/Tinting
Pack n Play for travel
Pacifier Clips (to attach toys to baby)
Tote Backpack
Zippered pouches for inside diaper bag
Toys ------ (Infant)
Mobile
Mirror
Links or Manhattan Toy
Crinkle Tags
O Ball
Rattle/Egg Shaker
Indestructible Books
------ (+ Mobile - 24 months)
Doll/House/Accessories
Animals/Characters
Blocks/Stacker/Sorter: Building
Cars/Boats/Trains/Planes
Balls/Gross Motor (balance bike)
Musical
Dress Up
Play Kitchen/Supplies
------ (+ Toddler on)
Puzzles/Books/Tapes/Music/Board Games/Games
Art Material
*Toys are often gifted at birthday/Christmas or found on Facebook marketplace.
It IS very different for everyone, but it would have been so helpful for me to see other people's lists/budget. I second finding a really good kid's consignment store. And aside from your registry, waiting until you need something to buy it (though putting in a little research when you decide to go for it)... and keeping the receipt because your babies might not like it.
The first year can be intense because babies are so needy and you're simultaneously adjusting to a new normal personally and in your marriage. Negotiating a financial approach that works for both of you now may help reduce resentment from either party in the long term.