Newborn, toddler, school-age, or teen — where the money goes.
Costs concentrate at two peaks: the early years (prenatal through age 5, driven by newborn needs and childcare/enrichment) and the teen years (ages 12–18, driven by education and activities). The middle school-age years are relatively steadier.
Prenatal care, baby gear, and childcare/enrichment ("activities") dominate the first five years.
Education and activities rise sharply from age 12; this is also when optional tutoring and extracurriculars add up.
Per-child cost falls as family size grows — hand-me-downs, shared bedrooms, and sibling discounts mean a second or third child is cheaper per head than the first.
Costs peak at two stages: the early years (prenatal to age 5) and the teen years (12–18), driven by childcare and education respectively.
Prenatal care, baby gear, and childcare/enrichment dominate the first five years.
Education and activities rise sharply from age 12, plus optional tutoring and extracurriculars.
Yes — per-child cost falls with family size because of hand-me-downs, shared bedrooms, and sibling discounts.
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