Build an editable baby-cost list
Start from budget, mid-range or premium defaults for the pram, cot, car seat, feeding, clothing and other setup, then replace every figure.
UK cost of a baby and child calculator
Add the income drop to the baby costs, not just the shopping list.
Estimate setup and first-year spending, childcare and everyday costs to age 18, then include the take-home income lost during parental leave and subtract the UK support selected.
One-time purchaseWorks offlineFirst year and cost to age 18No account
The actual light-mode calculator, shown with the worked example.
The true first-year number
Combine the spending with the income that is not coming in
The calculation treats parental-leave income loss as part of the cost, alongside equipment and day-to-day spending, then offsets selected support.
Estimate recurring baby spending
Set feeding, nappies, clothing, health, toys and other running costs for the first twelve months.
Include the take-home drop
Estimate statutory and employer-enhanced leave pay and compare it with normal take-home for one leave-taking parent.
Model the paid years
Add monthly childcare, funded-hours eligibility and Tax-Free Childcare, including the £100,000 eligibility cliff.
Subtract selected UK help
Include Child Benefit with the high-income charge and the region-appropriate qualifying birth grant.
Project everyday costs to age 18
Choose an editable annual spending band and projection age, then see the total and where it goes.
From estimate to savings target
See whether the first year fits the money already set aside
The result compares the calculated first-year figure with savings rather than leaving the headline without a next step.
- Covered or short affordability verdict
- Amount left or additional money needed
- Optional months until the baby arrives
- Monthly amount to set aside before arrival
- Monthly squeeze during parental leave
- Separate everyday, childcare, leave-income and setup totals
How it works
Download it once and open it in your browser
No installation, app store or account is required.
Describe the family and setup
Choose region, first or additional child, cost tier and edit the baby-item figures.
Add leave, childcare and support
Enter salary, leave policy, childcare plan, Child Benefit and relevant grant eligibility.
Review the first year and long view
Compare savings, see the monthly target and print or copy the breakdown.
Private by design
Your family and income figures stay on your device
The calculator runs locally in your browser. It has no account, cloud database or analytics, and it does not upload salary, childcare, savings or family details.
It does not fetch live product or childcare prices. Edit the assumptions to match your own plans and export a backup when needed.
Frequently asked
Before you buy
Which computers and browsers does it work on?
It works on Windows, Mac and Linux computers in a modern version of Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.
Are the included baby costs national averages?
They are editable starting points grouped into three cost tiers. Replace them with the prices and choices relevant to you.
Does it calculate exact maternity pay?
It estimates one parent’s leave-income loss. Use the separate Maternity & Parental Pay Calculator for a detailed week-by-week and household timeline.
Does it include Universal Credit?
No. Universal Credit is not included because eligibility depends on the wider household. The result explains that relevant child and childcare elements may reduce the real cost.
Does it track actual spending after the baby arrives?
No. This is a planning calculator. The New Baby Cost Planner handles purchases, checklists and actual budget progress.
What is included in the download?
The single-file UK Cost of a Baby & Child Calculator app, a quick-start guide, and licence and support details. Etsy delivers the download after purchase.
See the first-year cost with the leave-income gap included
Buy the UK Cost of a Baby & Child Calculator on Etsy, download it once and use it without an account or subscription.
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