How this calculator works
The first year of a baby has three cost shapes: one-time gear, recurring consumables and medical care. This page totals them into a single upfront figure so you can see the size of the commitment before the baby arrives, and spreads it across twelve months for comparison with monthly income. The starting values are typical mid-range Canadian retail prices for new goods, not the cheapest or the most expensive option. Used gear, gifts and hand-me-downs can cut several lines sharply, while a second car seat for a second vehicle or a higher-end stroller can push them up. Edit every line to match your own quotes before making any decision.
Formula
total = (crib + stroller + car seat + nursery + clothing + feeding + diapers + medical + other) x babies, where babies is 1 or 2. Average per month = total / 12.
Worked example
With the starting values the lines add to 4,250, so one baby comes to $4,250 over the first year, or $354.17 a month. Twins double it to $8,500.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does twins double every line?
Twins need two of almost everything at once: two car seats, two cribs and double the diapers and clothing. Some items such as a shared stroller or a dresser are bought once in practice, so lower those lines if you plan to share.
Does this include hospital or midwife costs?
No. It covers the goods a baby needs, not the birth itself. In Canada, hospital care is publicly funded, but parking, private rooms and some midwifery or doula services are not, so add them to the medical line if they apply to you.
Why are the figures in dollars?
The site prices everything in Canadian dollars without currency conversion. If you shop in another currency, enter the amounts in that currency and read the total the same way.
Is the first year really the most expensive?
The upfront gear makes year one look heavy, but childcare usually overtakes it from year two onward. This page covers goods only, so treat it as one part of the total cost of raising a child.