$Cost of Parenting

Planning guide

Cost of Parenting by Age

Parenting costs do not move in a straight line. Childcare dominates early years, food and activities rise later, and teen costs can sneak up through transportation, technology, and extracurriculars.

Typical cost pattern

  • Pregnancy: medical bills, leave planning, and setup purchases.
  • Newborn to age 2: diapers, feeding, healthcare, gear, and childcare.
  • Ages 3 to 5: preschool, daycare, activities, and bigger food costs.
  • Ages 6 to 12: school supplies, activities, camps, food, and transport.
  • Ages 13 to 18: food, clothes, technology, transportation, activities, and college planning.

Use age scenarios

The calculator changes the cost mix based on age so parents can model what gets easier, what gets harder, and what simply changes shape.