bondad's diary today on a middle class panel at YKos inspired me to share this pint-sized economic issue for the edification of childless DKos members.
If you have a child/children of your own none of this will come as any surprise, and you will probably agree that I have a "bargain" baby. Follow me below to see what a new baby costs in the first year, assuming everything is good.
I suppose I have considered myself working poor, working class, and middle class, at different points in my life. Like many people I've been falling behind and running hard just to get back to where I started. Everything has been going up except our pay.
Back in the salad days of my twenties I was one of those people who felt that parents got unfair advantages in the tax code and the workplace. Bosses were more understanding about tardiness and missed work. Parents got preference for time off at the holidays. And why should someone get special breaks for having a kid? At one low point when applying for some public assistance I was basically told that if I had a child, even with higher income, I would qualify, but since I didn't, tough. So because I was responsible (didn't have a child I couldn't possibly afford) no help for me. I was working full time in retail at the time.
My, how times change you.
I have eked by on a miniscule wage in the past and I simply can't imagine how anyone can raise a baby (or two) on that kind of income. I want to make it clear that I'm not whining...really. My husband and I chose to have a baby (didn't plan it, exactly) and I wouldn't change it.
Childcare is the biggest part of the story and needs to be addressed. Either salaries need to go up so that one of us can stay home, or childcare costs need to go down.
Here is a rough financial sketch of my bargain baby:
Childcare: $135 a week; or $7,020 a year
This is a steal. I use a licensed homecare provider. Daycares charge $180 - $230 a week.
Formula, Diapers, & Baby Food: $45 a week; or $2,340 a year
I bought store brand formula at a warehouse club and searched for the best diaper deals I could find.
Clothing and Baby Accessories: $2,000
Babies go through clothes so fast. I shop re-sale and discount stores, and I don't buy all that many of any size, but my child is tall and is already in 18-24 months.
Healthcare: $3,000
This is with insurance and a relatively uncomplicated delivery. Thanks goodness we haven't been hit with any major health problems. My BF who delivered just a few months before me had a baby that needed major surgery and the bills are in the range of $80K with insurance.
Grand Total for My Bargain Baby: $14,360
Over a third of my gross salary.
How can a working poor single mom do it at all?
I promise you the tax break isn't that good. And we haven't even gotten to the really expensive stuff yet, like college.