The numbers nobody warns you about, finally in one place.

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The real cost of
having a child.

Daycare sticker shock is just the beginning. Get your fully loaded number from birth to 18, including the hidden costs and the income impact nobody talks about.

Birth to 18, fully loaded 12 quick questions 6 scenarios compared

Not financial advice. Just honest numbers in your corner.

Question 1 of 12

Building your estimate...

Crunching local cost data and your answers.

1
Analyzing your location and income
2
Building childcare scenario comparison
3
Calculating hidden costs
4
Preparing your personalized breakdown
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Your personalized estimate

Here is what childcare could cost you.

All 6 scenarios compared for your location.

Estimated total to raise your child from birth to 18

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What to expect, year by year

Costs are not evenly distributed. The early years and teen years are the most expensive.

Where the money goes

18-year breakdown by category, not including childcare (which varies by your choice and is shown below).

The early years: childcare options compared

Childcare is the biggest variable in your total. See how all 6 scenarios compare for your location.

Hidden costs nobody warns you about

These do not show up in any estimate — but they are real, and they add up.

Estimated additional annual cost
$0
This is on top of whichever childcare option you choose.
Childcare tax credit: Families can claim up to $3,000 for one child (or $6,000 for two or more) through the Child and Dependent Care Credit. You may also benefit from a Dependent Care FSA, which lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax. These credits can meaningfully reduce your net childcare cost — talk to a tax professional about what applies to your situation.

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the full breakdown compares all six childcare scenarios side by side, plus the hidden costs that never make it into the baby budget. drop your email and the rest shows up right here.

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