Spain registered 156,887 births during the first half of 2026, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). For families that have just had a child, the immediate question is how much money they will need during their first twelve months.
The answer mainly depends on three factors: the type of feeding, the need for daycare, and the equipment that the family already has. A simulation prepared by DEMÓCRATA this Wednesday places the direct spending between 1,548 and 7,679 euros, not including housing, supplies, or possible salary reductions due to caregiving.
This is not an official statistic or a representative average, but rather an indicative calculation whose results change depending on the decisions and circumstances of each household.
How much it costs to raise a baby according to available studies
The latest study by Save the Children on the cost of raising, published in 2024, places the average spending at 609 euros per month for children between zero and three years old.
This amount is equivalent to 7,308 euros per year and includes items such as reconciliation, housing, and food. However, it does not constitute a specific calculation for babies under twelve months nor an updated estimate for 2026.
The organization Educo later estimated that raising a child from zero to three years can cost between 6,000 and 10,000 euros per year.
First-year budget: diapers, clothing, food, and daycare
The following simulation combines real prices found in stores with explicit consumption hypotheses. Clothing, hygiene products, and complementary feeding use indicative amounts, not official averages.
| Item | Assumptions | Cost during the first year |
| Diapers | Six daily, between 0.15 and 0.33€/unit | Between 328.50 and 722.70€ |
| Wipes | Two packages weekly at 1.20€ | 124.80€ |
| Clothing | Estimated budget of 25€/month | 300€ |
| Complementary feeding | 50€/month for six months | 300€ |
| Other hygiene products | Estimated budget of 10€/month | 120€ |
| Formula milk (if necessary) | Between three and five cans/month | Between 538.20 and 1,737€ |
| Essential initial materials | Crib, mattress, stroller, car seat, and high chair | 374.96€ |
| Private daycare (if applicable) | Eight monthly payments of 300 to 500€ | Between 2,400 and 4,000€ |
With breastfeeding, no paid daycare, and using the most economical options, the example totals 1,548.26 euros. If formula milk and a private preschool are added, the budget can range between 4,486.46 and 7,679.46 euros.
The World Health Organization recommends introducing complementary feeding around six months. Breastfeeding avoids the purchase of formula, although it may imply other expenses and care time.
Daycare and work-life balance: the expense that varies the most among families
The work-life balance usually determines the greatest budget differences. A private preschool costing 300 euros per month for eight months adds 2,400 euros; if the fee reaches 500 euros, the outlay increases to 4,000 euros. The actual price depends on the autonomous community, the center, the cafeteria, and the schedule.
In the Community of Madrid, enrollment in the public network of early childhood education is free, although services such as the cafeteria or extended hours may be charged. For private centers, the community offers scholarships of 177 euros per month, which can be increased to 283 euros depending on family income.
The birth leave also reduces the need to hire care during the first months. The benefit reaches 19 weeks per parent, although 17 are taken during the first year and another two can be used until the child turns eight years old. In single-parent families, the total duration is 32 weeks.
What aids can reduce the cost of having a child
The state maternity deduction allows obtaining up to 1,200 euros annually for each child, provided that the requirements established by the Tax Agency are met.
If there are custody expenses in a daycare or authorized early childhood education center, the deduction can increase by up to 1,000 additional euros.
The Child Benefit Supplement, linked to the Minimum Vital Income and subject to income and asset requirements, amounts in 2026 to 115 euros per month for children under three years old.
These aids are not universal nor always cumulative. The Tax Agency warns that, in general, the maternity deduction does not apply in the same months in which the child benefit supplement is received, except for certain situations prior to 2023.