How Much does it Cost to Have a Baby?

You’re pregnant! Yes, you, the woman holding up the test stick with two lines out. Then there comes the trip to your OB-Gynecologist, the first of many to come. For many first time parents like myself three years ago, “baby-flation”, or simply, the cost of bringing a bundle of joy - and great expenditure - into the world, is grossly underestimated. 

You see, the most expensive thing about having a baby is the parent/s. Done all wrong, exultant parents will cash out on everything in the market, most of which end up hardly used or barely enjoyed (still have that branded bottle warmer stashed in a cupboard?). Or while pregnant, instead of gearing up for future disbursements, (like, uh…childbirth?) some people go overboard with 4D ultrasounds galore and end up with a photo album of something still in utero, akin to taking pictures of yourself packing your bags before the actual holiday. Unless you can afford it without compromising the essential, hold back a little for these two phases:  the first, beginning at the first trimester till birth; and the second, from birth to six months.  

Phase 1:  Pregnancy until Birth

Pregnancy

Unless you’re quite literally up in the boonies, you would probably want to see a reputable OB-Gynecologist. On the panel is St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon city consultant, and St. Luke’s Global City visiting consultant Dr. Judy Ann Uy-De Luna: “Tertiary hospitals (first rate) are the most reliable choices. Aside from better equipment, they have blood banks in case of postpartum hemorrhage. Even if all is good through a woman’s whole term, virtually anything can happen giving birth.”

She notes that most reputable OB-Gynecologists here charge about P500-P1000 for a consult, and P2,500-3,000 per ultrasound. “Initially, you can expect to pay anywhere from P3,000-P8,000 for lab tests, blood work and other procedures, but this is all in yours and your baby’s best interest” adds Dr. Uy-De Luna.

Birthing centers, or lying-in clinics will charge anywhere from P5,000-P15,000, and Dr. Uy-De Luna points out that they are all located within range of hospitals, in case complications occur during childbirth. At tertiary hospitals, the rate would be anywhere from P80,000-P100,000 for a normal delivery, and P120,000-P150,000 for a Cesarean section procedure. The good doctor also points that “All of these fees are assuming that you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, and that you are not hypertensive or diabetic or have other conditions.”

So here’s the breakdown for a healthy pregnancy:

Consultation: P10,000

Ultrasound and Tests: P 20,000

Vitamins and Supplements: P8,000

Normal Birth: 80,000

Conservative total cost: P118,000

 

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Baby accessories

Everyone is all amped up for baby gear. This generation is seeing more and more fathers involved in the selection process, and I’ve seen huge bearded expectant dads sifting through pink flowery baby beddings in stores. Thank God I have a boy…for now. But for those beginning to shop during the beginning of the first trimester, here’s a small checklist of sorts, and some notes:

Bathing and Basic Care

1. Baby bathtub and mat

2. Washcloths and hooded towels (at least 3 sets)

3. Doctor-approved baby wash 

4. Nail clippers, comb and brush set

5. Diaper cream

6. Burp cloths or “lampin”

7. Baby wipes

8. Diapers (cloth or disposable, or a combination)

9. Light blankets

10. Heavier blankets/sweaters if you live in colder regions

11. Baby crib, or bassinet – this doesn’t have to be fancy.  Just sturdy and comfortable12. Stroller –choose one that suits your lifestyle, ssuch as a foldable one if you drive a lot, a jogger if you, well, jog a lot. Ideally, get one that your child can use from birth to three years. You may find one among high-end, more expensive brands, but in the end, it pays off.

Conservative total cost:   P 15,000

 

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Health and Safety

1. Digital thermometer

2. Nasal Aspirator 

3. Saline Drops

4. Teethers

5. A small bottle of paracetamol (always ask your pediatrician about this!)

6. Nebulizer (if you have a family history of allergies or asthma)

7. Baby oil, lotion and powder - hold off on the cologne for now

8. Night light

9. Baby monitor (optional)

10. Doctor approved sun block lotion

Conservative total cost:  P5,000

Baby Wear

1. Six onesies

2. Four pairs of mittens and booties

3. Three  to six receiving blankets

4. Four caps

5. Six Sleepers

6. Baby detergent ONLY for baby’s clothes

Conservative total cost:  P 3,000

 

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Feeding supplies (for those who cannot breastfeed)

1. 4oz and 8oz bottles

2. Slow and fast flow nipples

3. Sterilizer Set 

4. Bottle Brushes

Conservative total cost:  P4,000

You can opt to purchase the high chairs, boosters, and plate sets later, but take note on where to get the best deals.

Baby Gear

1. Bouncer - surprisingly useful for the first six months.  

2. A few baby toys

3. Safety gates, and basic safety gear (plug covers, latches, locks). Ideally, install these items during the third trimester, so you are accustomed to them being around. You don’t want to run into a baby gate rushing down for breakfast, believe me.

4. Travel gear and other travel items if your family travels a lot, or goes home to a province on weekends.  

Conservative total cost:  P8,000

Mom Gear

1. Breast pump

2. Nursing pillows

3. Nipple care lotion

4. Nursing bras (take note of natural size changes)

5. Maxi pads for “Lochia” or post-partum vaginal discharge

6. Comfy clothes

7. Sports bottle, so you can conveniently bring hydration anywhere, even around the house!

8. Nursing cover - fancy and practical at the same time

Conservative total cost:  P7,000 

 

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And lest you forget the car seat!

So now you’re finally cruising home with a new addition to your family’s genetic lineage. A car seat is a wise investment. Around the world, it is a law. If enacted here, that will push importers to lower prices. Yes it’s quite a hefty investment, but you have to put a premium on safety, and do buckle up as well.

Prices can range from P1,500 to P8,000. Exercise vigilance in checking surplus or pre-owned units for defects.

Conservative total cost:  P2,500

 

Breakdown from pregnancy up to delivery:

Consultations, tests, delivery - P118,000

Baby and Mom Gear – 44,500

Grand total: P162,500

 

Related: How much it costs to raise baby up to 6 months

Photography by Jun Pinzon