8 Hidden Costs I Didn’t Plan for When Having a Baby (But You Probably Should)

No one tells you how many unbudgeted Amazon parcels you’ll order at 2 a.m. with one hand while nursing.

You prep for the big stuff — the stroller, the crib, the car seat — and you think you’re ready. And then reality hits: babies are adorable little humans who come with a lot of surprise expenses.

So if you’re planning to have a baby (or you’re already knee-deep in nappies), here are 8 hidden costs I didn’t expect — but totally should’ve.

1. Constantly Replacing Baby Clothes

Babies grow faster than you can do laundry.

One week you’re admiring how cute they look in size 0000, and the next week — it’s like dressing a baby sumo wrestler in doll clothes. Every growth spurt hits your wallet, and the “cute outfit” phase turns into an expensive game of catch-up.

Cost hit: Frequent wardrobe refreshes, sometimes monthly.

2. Baby-Proofing Isn’t a One-Time Thing

I thought a couple of cupboard locks would do it. Nope.

Once they start crawling and exploring, you’ll find yourself ordering stair gates, furniture anchors, corner protectors, and — let’s not forget — replacing broken items because “oops, she pulled that off the table.”

Cost hit: Safety gear + damages.

3. Subscriptions and Apps You Didn't Think You'd Need

Sleep consultants. White noise apps. Baby tracking tools. You start off downloading a “free trial” and then wake up three months later with five active monthly subscriptions.

And the irony? You still can’t sleep.

Cost hit: Monthly digital services that seem small — but add up fast.

4. Extra Utility Bills

Your water bill spikes (hello, daily laundry). Your heating or AC runs more often. And don’t even get me started on the bottle sterilizer, sound machines, and baby monitors sucking up electricity.

Cost hit: Higher household running costs.

5. Healthcare That Isn’t Covered

Even with insurance or a public healthcare system, not everything is covered. You’ll fork out for:

• Lactation consultants

• Physiotherapy (pelvic floor rehab, anyone?)

• Pediatric specialists

• Tongue-tie assessments

• Sleep school or maternal health clinics

Cost hit: Unexpected out-of-pocket medical support.

6. Replacing “Your” Stuff with Baby-Friendly Versions

You can’t wear dangly earrings. Your designer handbag becomes a nappy bag. Your perfume gets swapped for fragrance-free everything.

Eventually, you’ll realize your home, wardrobe, and car are being slowly baby-optimized — and your budget follows suit.

Cost hit: Rebuying items you didn’t think you’d have to replace.

7. Mental Health Support (That You Deserve)

Postpartum is no joke. And many women (my0self included) find themselves needing extra support — therapy, coaching, or just someone to help untangle the identity crisis that motherhood sometimes brings.

Cost hit: Therapy, counselling, or support groups — and every cent is worth it.

8. Childcare “Gaps” and Return-to-Work Delays

Even if you plan to go back to work, things rarely go to plan:

• Waitlists for daycare

• Needing flexible childcare options

• Taking longer off due to sleep deprivation or feeding issues

What you expected to be a 3-month mat leave might turn into 9. Or more.

Cost hit: Lost income, gap fees, or last-minute babysitters.

Having a baby is the most beautiful, chaotic, emotionally-charged experience — but it’s also full of sneaky costs no one puts on the baby shower gift list.

So if you’re planning, build in a buffer. If you’re already in it, be kind to yourself — we’re all figuring it out. And sometimes the smartest purchase you can make is grace.0

Love Rubie XOXO