New Baby Budget Envelopes: A Starter Set
A baby adds new monthly costs and a few big one-time purchases. These are the envelopes to add to your existing budget, and they split the two, so diapers and formula come out of everyday money while the crib and hospital bills come from sinking funds you start before the due date.
| Envelope | Example / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diapers + wipes | $80 | Monthly; buy in bulk when the envelope has room. |
| Formula / feeding | $150 | Lower if breastfeeding; keep a small amount for supplies. |
| Childcare | $900 | Fund fully before returning to work. Varies widely by area. |
| Baby medical + copays | $75 | Sinking fund for well visits, copays, and prescriptions. |
| Hospital / delivery bill | $200 | Sinking fund started months ahead of the due date. |
| Baby gear | $100 | Car seat, crib, stroller. Sinking fund; buy used where safe. |
| Clothes (baby grows fast) | $40 | Small monthly amount instead of big shopping trips. |
| Parental-leave cushion | $300 | Covers the gap if leave is partly unpaid. |
| Life insurance | $30 | Term life premium for each parent. |
| Total | $1875 |
Tips for this set
- Start the hospital and gear sinking funds as early as you can; each month you wait raises the monthly amount.
- If leave is unpaid, budget the leave months first, using only the income you'll actually have.
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