How much does a baby cost in the first year in Australia?

A baby's first year in Australia commonly costs somewhere between about $3,500 and $9,000 once you add setup gear, nappies, feeding, and day-to-day consumables. Buying a cot, pram and car seat new, using disposable nappies and formula feeding pushes it toward the top of that range; going second-hand, breastfeeding and using cloth nappies brings it down sharply. Note this excludes childcare and any income lost to parental leave.

What is the most expensive part of having a baby?

For most families the biggest cost isn't the gear at all — it's childcare and the income a parent gives up while on leave, which often run into tens of thousands of dollars and aren't included in this calculator. Among the items shown here, big-ticket setup gear (cot, pram, car seat and nursery) and ongoing feeding and nappies are the largest. Buying setup items new is where the upfront spend concentrates.

How can I save money on baby costs?

Buy big-ticket gear like the cot, pram and change table second-hand or accept hand-me-downs, which can more than halve your setup spend. Cloth nappies and breastfeeding (where it works for you) cut ongoing costs substantially. Always buy the car seat new or verify its history so it has never been in a crash and is in date. Don't over-buy newborn clothes — babies grow out of them fast.

Baby's First Year Cost Calculator

Estimate what a baby's first year really costs in Australia — cot, pram and car seat, nappies, feeding and consumables — with a clear setup plus ongoing breakdown.

Last verified: 5 May 2026

How much does a baby's first year cost?

Depending on your choices, a baby's first year in Australia runs roughly $3,500 to $9,000 for gear, nappies, feeding and consumables — before any childcare or lost income. Source: indicative ABS and Raising Children Network-style estimates.

Worked example. Buying gear new, formula feeding and disposable nappies comes to around $9,500. Going second-hand, breastfeeding and using cloth nappies drops it to about $3,950 — the same baby, very different budget.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

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