Budgeting for a baby in Australia

Costs, savings and planning ahead

MyBudget can help you:

Plan for essential baby expenses
Extend parental leave with a baby savings plan
Reduce money stress and manage bills.

Book your free budget appointment

Initial 10 min chat
Private & confidential
Obligation-free

First name

Last name

Email

Phone

Postcode

Select a callback time

I do not want to receive free budgeting and money tips.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

For over 25 years MyBudget has helped 130,000+ Australians fast track their financial goals by reducing debt and building savings.

The majority of MyBudget clients pay off 90% of their unsecured debt in just over 3 years.

Adam & Erin | MyBudget clients

Costs to consider when expecting a baby

Budgeting for a baby means preparing for obvious baby costs and unexpected baby expenses. Planning now helps you avoid

Medical costs: doctor visits, ultrasounds, tests, hospital expenses
Baby gear: pram, cot, car seat, nappies, clothes and bottles
Parental leave: adjust your budget for a drop in income
Childcare: explore options early and compare costs.

Free Essential Baby Checklist

Take the guesswork out of baby shopping with our free Essential Baby Checklist. Designed for Australian parents, it covers all the must-have baby essentials so you can plan your spending and avoid overspending.

Covers baby essentials like pram, cot, nappies and clothes
Helps you prioritise what you really need
Saves time and money by keeping baby expenses on track.

Download now

Pay your bills and create savings…

Plan ahead

When you budget with us, all of your income and expenses are planned 12 months in advance to show you exactly how to start saving and how your money is tracking.

Build a budget

We help you build a budget that supports your lifestyle. Date nights, holidays, house deposit and more are all part of budgeting for the life you want.

Automated money management

Our money experts do all the work to keep your budget on track. Freeing up your time so you can stop worrying and start living.

Create a safety net

Every budget we design puts aside money to prepare for the unexpected. Enjoy peace of mind with savings and flexibility built into your budget.

Build a savings plan

A savings plan is not complete without a spending plan. We’ll help you create a budget that frees up cash and adds more money in your pocket to enjoy life.

You don’t have to do it alone

We’re with you every step of the way. We care about achieving your financial goals as much as you do, which is why a money expert is only ever a phone call away.

What does it cost to have a baby in Australia?

Babies may be small, but their price tag can be huge! In this video, Tammy Barton, founder and director of MyBudget and proud mum of three, shares her personal experience and breaks down the real cost of having a baby in Australia.

Get started

First-time parent? Baby-proof your budget

Set clear financial goals for your family’s future
Build a baby budget tailored to your lifestyle
Plan ahead for baby costs and medical bills
Feel confident, in control and ready to welcome your baby.

Jaz | MyBudget client

Adam | MyBudget client

How can MyBudget help you budget for a baby?

Preparing for a baby comes with lots of money questions. MyBudget helps turn the unknown into a clear baby budget plan:

Review income and expenses
Forecast baby costs and childcare
Plan ahead for parental leave and government support
Set saving goals with a ‘baby fund’
Build a safety net for unexpected baby expenses.

Baby Savings Calculator

See how much you can save for your baby

Use our free Baby Savings Calculator to plan for your growing family and baby essentials before your little one arrives.

Start saving

FAQs

How much does it cost to have a baby in Australia?

From hospital costs and baby gear to nappies and parental leave income changes, the first year alone can cost anywhere from $4,000 to over $9,000.

What government payments and benefits can I get when having a baby?

You may be eligible for Paid Parental Leave (PPL), Dad and Partner Pay, Family Tax Benefit, and Child Care Subsidy.

Can I afford to have a baby on one income?

Yes, but it takes planning. Creating a budget before baby arrives, building a parental leave fund, and reducing non-essentials can make it doable.

When should I start budgeting for a baby?

The earlier, the better. Ideally, start as soon as you’re planning for a baby so you can build savings and reduce financial stress.

How can I stretch my parental leave longer?

Use a combination of budgeting, government support, flexible work arrangements, and savings to extend your time at home.

What baby items do I actually need?

Start with the essentials: car seat, pram, cot, nappies, baby clothes, bottles, and feeding gear. Many items can be bought second-hand or borrowed.

What’s the difference between public and private maternity care?

Public care is covered by Medicare but may have fewer options for continuity of care. Private care gives more flexibility but comes with out-of-pocket costs and insurance requirements.

Should I get private health insurance for pregnancy?

If you want private care, make sure to sign up at least 12 months before falling pregnant to meet waiting periods.

How do I prepare financially for parental leave?

Track your spending, reduce unnecessary expenses, create a budget using tools like MyBudget’s Personal Budget Template, and start saving now.

Is it better to buy new or second-hand baby items?

Second-hand can save you hundreds. Just make sure items like car seats meet safety standards and haven’t expired.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? More FAQs.

Let’s build your baby budget today!

Less money stress means more precious time with your baby. Let MyBudget help you take control:

Create a personalised budget for your baby’s needs
Plan ahead for parental leave and income changes
Feel confident about baby costs, expenses and childcare.

Live life free from money worries

Initial 10 min chat
Private & confidential
Obligation-free