Those little bundles of joy parents spawn don’t come cheap. Babies begin shaking you down for money months before they even pop out, and many don’t quit even after they’ve graduated college.

The actual amount your baby will cost you depends on a number of factors, such as your health insurance, which can make the cost of delivery range from nothing to tens of thousands of dollars, and your living arrangements and work hours, which will determine the amount of daycare you need. Money Under 30 attempts to give you a reasonable range of what to expect to pay for investing in a little startup that begins as a zygote.

If you’re considering having a baby, here are a few eyebrow-raisers to consider:

* Maternity leave. Unless you’ve got a kindhearted employer who pays you for three months away, factor the lost income into your budget.

* Diapers. They can cost up to $50 a month. This alone is a good reason to space your children three years apart, so you don’t have multiple kids in diapers at the same time.

* Childcare. This can run between about $400 a month to more than $2,000, depending on the rate you pay and the amount of hours you need.

* Baby gear. Baby showers can defray many of the latter costs, but many parents have particular tastes in cribs and car seats. Expect to cough up anywhere between $250 and $2,000 to set your youngster up with riding and sleeping arrangements.

The Real Cost Of Having a Baby [Money Under 30]

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