Cost of a new baby?

[Budgeting]

My husband and I will become parents for the first time next year. I have ascertained approximate prenatal and hospital/delivery costs but have no idea how much we will be spending on a new baby once we get home.

Can anyone give me an approximation of
(1) costs associated with preparing for a baby eg pram, cot etc.
(2) weekly/monthly costs of a newborn baby.

I have no idea even where to begin!

[smiley]

We are moving to Singapore next year from Canada, and there is  a good chance that I may be giving birth in Singapore, rather than Canada. I would be interested to know the results of your research on the costs of delivery and pre-natal care.

thanks

[MeToo]

A bit fuzzy on the figures, but in mid-2001, I had an emergency c section  with epiduraland stayed at Mt Alvernia in a private room for about 5 days and the total cost was over $6000, of which at least 50% was doctor's fees.  Prenatal visits about once a month to my gynae averaging about 80$ to $120 a visit.  I think it can be done for less, for eg. prenatal visits to a GP would be less expensive, maybe $30.  Also you can go to  a government hospital like KK which I have heard is top rate but less expensive.  

[MeTooToo]

After baby came, we didn't notice that much of a jump in our living expenses, I think because we did not go out to restaurants, movies, and bars as much!

It is possible to purchase second hand baby gear.  Or if you want brand new, I found that:
New cribs cost about $300 - $500.  
Prams are anywhere from $150 to $700.  Carseats are about $180 and up.  
Try surfing some websites of shops here to compare prices before you come.  

There is a wide price range of clothes, shoes, and toys in Singapore but the selection is not as good as, say Australia or US/Canada.  

[YC]

Hi
You can also get 2nd baby things if you dont mind. (got my graco stroller for SGD40) Either check this website or garage sale notices at shopping places like Cold Storage. There's a 2nd hand shop called Infantasy. Things like steam sterilisers and bottles etc can be a bit costly. Avent steam steriliser is abt SGD120. I find that clothes can be rather cheap when u shop during sale time. For eg. I can get rompers at less than SGD10 (sometimes less than SGD5). If u reastfeed, the only cost will be nappies. U can check prices on www.coldstorage.com.sg  or www.emart.com.sg  or www.fairprice.com.sg  
The only pinch we felt were immunisations which cost abt SGD100 each time and 1st 6 mths it's every mth. Once they reach 4 mths, it's cost of solids. U can also find prices of cereal etc on above sites.

[smiley]

Thanks for the information, Me Too. That was helpful for budgeting purposes.  Appreciate it.