Many people say that kids are one of the largest expenses you can have. I have 3 kids, and this is how much I spend on them per month.
There are occasional outings at the childcare centre. I only let my eldest go, as I feel kids before the age of 3 are unable to appreciate or remember where they have been to. These excursions average $20 per month (so are more expensive like watching a play, while some like going to the library are just a few dollars).
Total per month for childcare: $1820
Total per month for enrichment: $300
My 2- year old is on full cream milk powder (not formula milk). It costs about $60 per month.
My 4- year old is on UHT milk, and it costs about $20 per month.
Total amount spend per month on milk: $100
I'll include items I buy for the trip to free places (e.g. kids scooter and tricycles, etc.).
On average, I spend $100 per month.
Total Amount spent per month on three kids is about $3092
1. Childcare
I am not ready to engage any domestic helper. Hence, while I am at work, the childcare centre will help me engage my kids. There are many reasons why I didn't opt for a domestic helper, but perhaps that will be in another post. My youngest is in infant care, and my two others are in childcare. After government subsidy, this come to a whooping $1,800 ($800 for infant care, and $500 each for childcare).There are occasional outings at the childcare centre. I only let my eldest go, as I feel kids before the age of 3 are unable to appreciate or remember where they have been to. These excursions average $20 per month (so are more expensive like watching a play, while some like going to the library are just a few dollars).
Total per month for childcare: $1820
2. Enrichment
Following the same concept as excursion, only my eldest goes for enrichment. For just 2 enrichment per month, I spend $300.Total per month for enrichment: $300
3. Milk
I have three kids. All of them are on different milk
The infant is drinking breast milk, so I do not buy milk powder for my baby. I pump most of the milk with a modestly priced breast pump, Spectra 9 which cost about S$100. I have used this for years, and it's still working. And I also have a spare. I have used this for all my 3 kids, and this is an excellent pump, worth its price.
The infant is drinking breast milk, so I do not buy milk powder for my baby. I pump most of the milk with a modestly priced breast pump, Spectra 9 which cost about S$100. I have used this for years, and it's still working. And I also have a spare. I have used this for all my 3 kids, and this is an excellent pump, worth its price.
WWW.QOO10.SG
Because I have excess milk. So I store them in the freezer with milk storage bag (when buying, please note the difference between milk storage bag and milk powder storage bag. I made the mistake of buying a milk powder storage bag the first time I buy, so don't make this mistake like me). Cost per month is $20.
If you want to store a lot per bag, consider this. I store about 300ml ++ per bag inside (I know it is above the capacity), and I use about 120 pieces per month. (Note: affiliate links)
WWW.QOO10.SG
If you are going for a lesser quantity per pack, this is cheaper:
WWW.QOO10.SG
I also bought a freezer. It's a one time fee, so it's not included in my monthly calculation.
WWW.QOO10.SG
If you are going for a lesser quantity per pack, this is cheaper:
WWW.QOO10.SG
My 2- year old is on full cream milk powder (not formula milk). It costs about $60 per month.
My 4- year old is on UHT milk, and it costs about $20 per month.
Total amount spend per month on milk: $100
4. Insurance
I bought medishield plus rider for all of them. This cost about $162 per month for all three of them.
5. Diapers and Wet Wipes
My eldest is fully toilet trained, so no more diapers. But my two others are still on diapers which I buy here when it's on discount. They cost me about $70 per month in total for both of them. For wet wipes, I buy from value shop ($1 per pack), and this is at most $10 per month.
Total for diapers and wet wipes: $80
6. Food
I usually grit my teeth when I eat out with my kids, so I have been cooking for the most of the time. This actually cut down a lot of my food cost too. On average, I spend $100 per week on groceries. I can't differentiate theirs from mine, so I shan't. Though I guess most of the grocery cost is for me than them. They just eat one small bowl each per meal? Anyway, I just take the total cost of $400 per month.
Total for food: $400
7. Medical
This is for injections, doctor visits and so on. Most vaccines are government-subsidized, but we took those recommended as well. Together with other doctor visits, this is about $100 for all three of them per month. One tip, go to a polyclinic for doctor visits, you'll save a lot. One of my children had dry skin, and got a moisturizer. The cost of it is less than $2. Nice!
8. Activities at home
Kids need to be entertained continuously. I used to buy toys, but stopped as I feel that they do not need so many toys, and also because my home is going to become a junkyard for toys. Nonetheless, they still need many things to keep them occupied. These include stickers, color pencils, origami paper, books, and so on. I buy them from Value Shop. For about $1, you can get a 12- colored color pencil set.
On average, I spend $10 per month in this category.
9. Excursions
I bring my kids out. This range from free activities such as to the playground, park, library and so on, to paid ones such as the swimming pool, Uncle Ringo, Zoo, and so on.I'll include items I buy for the trip to free places (e.g. kids scooter and tricycles, etc.).
On average, I spend $100 per month.
10. Clothes/ Shoes
I buy them only when needed. I don't see any value in having too many clothes or shoes since they outgrow them quickly. My younger and youngest wear those that my eldest can't wear, so I just spend on one person. This is about $20 per month. Buy online. $20 can last much longer.
Total Amount spent per month on three kids is about $3092
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