For UK Mums

Baby Budget Calculator

How much does a baby cost in the UK? It's the big question on every parent's mind. Recent research suggests the first year costs around £7,850 on average, though this varies wildly depending on your choices.

The truth is, it depends entirely on how you shop. Our calculator uses 2026 prices to help you build a realistic budget for your first year, whether you're buying brand new or hunting for second-hand bargains. Plus, from September 2025, 30 hours of free childcare is available for children from 9 months old.

Updated for 2026 Prices

Prices & benefit rates last checked: 15 July 2026

1 Your Profile

NHS Prescriptions

In England, prescriptions are free during pregnancy and for 12 months after birth with a Maternity Exemption Certificate. In Scotland, Wales, and NI, they are free for everyone.

2 Feeding & Care

3 Childcare

0 if handling care yourself

Leave blank for average

4 One-Off Items

Check the box if you already have or will borrow an item. We will remove the cost from your total.

Your Baby Budget

One-off Setup

Pram, cot, furniture, etc.

£0

Monthly Cost

Nappies, food, clothes

£0

Monthly Childcare

Based on your hours

£0

Total First Year

£0

Includes setup + 12 months expenses

Ask for some of it

The big one-off buys are what people most want to help with. Put them on a free baby gift list instead of buying them all yourself.

Disclaimer: These figures are estimates based on typical UK market prices for 2026 (sourced from MoneyHelper, Which?, First Steps Nutrition Trust, Coram Family and Childcare, and retailer data). Real costs vary depending on location, brand choices, and gifts from family.
See Detailed Cost Breakdown

Setup Costs

Monthly Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need all of this right away?
No! You don't need a highchair, large cot, or full nursery setup on day one. A Moses basket or Next2Me crib, car seat, nappies, and some clothes are the main essentials for the first few months.
How can I save money on these costs?
Buying second-hand bundles on Facebook Marketplace or Vinted can save you 70-80% on clothes. Prams and nursery furniture are also widely available used. However, experts recommend buying new mattresses and new car seats for safety reasons.
What financial support is available?

Free childcare hours: From September 2025, working parents can access 30 hours free childcare per week for children from 9 months old. Check eligibility at Childcare Choices.

Sure Start Maternity Grant: A one-off £500 payment if you're on certain benefits and it's your first child (or your circumstances have changed).

Child Benefit: £27.05/week for your eldest or only child, £17.90/week for each additional child (2026/27 rates). It's worth claiming even if you earn over £60,000 — you may repay some through the High Income Child Benefit Charge, but claiming protects your National Insurance record and gets your child their NI number automatically. Claim as soon as you've registered the birth.

Tax-Free Childcare: For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000/year per child).

Is expensive baby formula really better?
No! All infant formula sold in the UK must meet strict nutritional standards set by law. According to the CMA, you could save up to £500 in your baby's first year by choosing supermarket own-brand formula (like Aldi Mamia or Lidl Lupilu at ~£7) instead of premium brands (Aptamil at ~£14+). They're nutritionally equivalent.

More free tools for new mums

Once you've mapped out the budget, these can help you make the money go further.

Baby Gift List

Ask for the things you actually need — products, hospital-bag bits and practical help.

Nursery Cost Calculator

Work out your real childcare bill after the 30 free hours and Tax-Free Childcare top-up.

Kids Eat Free & Food Help

Where children eat free or for £1 — plus NHS Healthy Start, holiday club meals and baby banks.

All Pregnancy & Baby Tools

Trackers, planners and checklists for every stage — free and private, no sign-up.