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Prior to having her toddler, Ms. Ngoc received advice from friends, family, and colleagues about the high costs associated with having a young child. After gathering insights from her surroundings, practicing frugal spending habits, and notably receiving assistance from her grandmother in childcare, this 30-year-old mother only spent approximately nearly 40 million on childcare in the first year.
Specifically, the expenses for raising her child in the first year by Ms. Ngoc were as follows:
1. Milk, feeding bottles, and bottle sterilizing equipment: 5 million VND
For the first 6 months, Ms. Ngoc exclusively breastfed her child. Starting in the seventh month, she resumed work, but due to storing breast milk in advance, her baby continued to breastfeed while also introducing solid foods. By the eighth month, she began supplementing with formula alongside breastfeeding and solid foods. She opted for Meiji milk powder, costing 510k VND for a box of 24 sachets, which lasted her a month. From the ninth month onwards, her baby consumed 2 boxes per month: 2 boxes x 510k = 1,020k VND/month.
Additionally, within the first year, she purchased feeding bottles (including 2 free teats) + sterilizing equipment totaling 450k VND/year.
2. Baby weaning expenses: $3,000
As the baby approaches 6 months, I initiate the weaning process. Initially, the baby consumes little (1 meal/day), so expenses are minimal. By 7 months, the baby starts having savory meals, increasing to 2 meals/day, incorporating meats, shrimps, fishes, etc. Estimated monthly cost for baby weaning food amounts to about $3,000.
3. Baby weaning condiments: $350
I opt for pure Russian walnut oil for the baby at $150/6 months. Additionally, there's fish sauce costing $200/year.
4. Yogurt, custard, cheese, flan, and fruits expenses: $5,000
Alongside weaning, I introduce yogurt, cheese, custard, and fruits. To economize and ensure hygiene, I usually prepare yogurt, custard, and flan at home. However, cheese and exotic fruits are purchased from supermarkets or specialty stores, incurring slightly higher costs. This expense roughly sums up to $500/month, totaling $5,000 annually.
5. Baby diaper expenses: over $7,000
At birth, due to frequent urination and bowel movements, diaper usage was high. In the first month, there were days when we used up to 10 diapers. By the second month, it was still around 4-5 diapers/day. After introducing solid foods, diaper usage decreased. From the 8th month onwards, only one diaper per night was needed. Calculating for the whole year, diaper expenses amount to over $7,000 (using Merries diapers at $375/package).
6. Baby clothing expenses: $5,000
As our baby was born in winter, I tend to splurge on clothing to ensure warmth. Being cautious and preferring safety, I usually buy baby clothes from specialty mother-baby stores, which incurs significant expenses. In the first year alone, spending on baby clothing totaled over $5,000.
7. Baby toy expenses: $1,000
Considering my child's curiosity and desire for learning, I often seek out unique toys. However, I also leverage diaper promotions to receive complimentary toys, effectively saving a considerable amount on toy expenses.
8. Miscellaneous purchases: $1,840
Since birth, I've separately purchased baby shampoo and skin moisturizer, totaling around $500.
Additionally, I bought a stroller for $700, a baby carrier for $260, a baby walker for $280, and a booster seat for $100.
9. Vaccination expenses: $10,000
As my baby Ngoc just turned 1 year old, I've completed all the recommended vaccinations. I opted for a comprehensive package costing nearly $10,000.
10. Medical check-up and treatment: $1,000
Over the past year, thanks to careful care from my grandmother, my son Ngoc only had to visit the doctor twice. Once for a fever and once for digestive issues. The total cost for medication and consultations for these two visits amounted to $1,000.
However, our household always keeps a reserve of about $20,000 to cover unexpected medical expenses for when our child falls ill.
Total child-rearing expenses/year: $39,190
Speaking of child-rearing costs, as a millennial mother, I want to emphasize: 'Breastfeeding remains the most economical option! As for vaccinations, I advise mothers to ensure their children receive all recommended shots, as prevention is better than cure. Overall, not every household spends this much; it depends on the child's health, income level, and family circumstances. For us, these expenses are quite reasonable!' Wishing all mothers success in balancing child-rearing costs in the first year!
