Results from "Pregnancy & birth" magazine, March 2001

At the moment the summary of the information from this supplement is extracted from the following newspapers.

The Guardian Tuesday March 6, 2001
'Bundle of joy' leaves you tied up in debt
Jamie Wilson

"It is supposed to be the best thing that ever happens to you, but from that first £9 on a pregnancy testing kit to £200 on toys, having a baby costs parents £20,315 for the first five years alone, research out today reveals.

And that is only accounts for a frugal upbringing, where a mother breastfeeds, buys high street clothes and spends moderate amounts on toys.

For parents who opt for something a little more ostentatious, from private hospital treatment to organic food for the baby, their bank balances will be dented to the tune of £35,956, says Pregnancy and Birth magazine.

For parents who both work, childcare adds another £7,000 a year. Cots, prams, buggies, baby seats and a highchair can cost between £700 and £2,000, depending on whether you opt for Mothercare or designer accessories.

Meanwhile, parents can expect to spend an extra £177 on household fuel and more than £800 more on motoring costs, with car seats, extra petrol and possibly an upgrade to accommodate the new baby."

Telegraph Tuesday 6 March 2001
First five years of a baby's life costs parents £20,000.
By Nicole Martin

"PARENTS spend at least £20,000 in their child's first five years, according to research published today.

The figure, which excludes childcare costs, covers only the amount spent on basics such as maternity clothes, buggies, car seats and nappy supplies. If parents chose luxuries, including organic food, private hospital treatment, the latest toys or designer clothes, the figure would reach almost £37,000.

The study, compiled by Pregnancy & Birth magazine, found that some of the biggest drains were on food (£2,433.60), clothes (£1,397.50), toiletries (£1,800), household fuel (£887.50) and nappies (£536). Cots, prams, buggies, baby seats and a highchair can cost between £700 and more than £2,000, depending on whether parents shop in the high street or opt for more exclusive outlets. Childcare could add an extra £7,000 a year to the family budget, while a private birth at the Portland Hospital, London, costs a minimum of £3,000.

Valery McConnell, the magazine's editor, said parents were under increasing pressure to buy expensive items. Bringing up a child on £20,315 was a conservative estimate, with most parents spending more to provide the best for their offspring. "Mums find it hard to resist all the fantastic children's fashions available," she said. "There are so many wonderful toys on the market nowadays, but they also often come with an 'educational' tag. So if you don't buy these toys you could be seen as denying your child a vital stage in his development."

Among the more expensive items available are a £600 Teutonia three-wheeler buggy, as favoured by Victoria and David Beckham, while a leather baby sling by Bill Amberg is a snip at £210. A Gucci baby bottle carrier can be bought for £130, while a Christian Dior baby dress can be found for £119. The cost of bringing up a child increases with age, according to the study, which found that parents spent £53,413 between the ages of six and 16."

Details from the Telegraph:

Pregnancy test £8.55
Folic acid £4.90
Pregnancy supplements £54
Private antenatal classes £60
Maternity wear £176
Labour pain relief £19.75
Labour bag £45
Toiletries £1,800
One-off buys £771.15
Safety equipment £145.31
Nursery £180
Nappies £536
Medicines £61.80
Formula milk £412.56
Cow's milk £518.40
Total weaning bill £470.84
Food £2,433.60
Clothing £1,397.50
Toys £142.76
Toddler's activities £190
Party x 2 £73.82
Household fuel £887.50
Other (incl life insurance) £9,927

Total £20,315