Is it worth it?
Daycare or a nanny. A $200 stroller or a $1,000 one. Private school or public. ParentWorth compares the real costs, states every assumption, and gives you a straight answer and simple rules for your own situation.
Latest breakdown
A $219 baby carrier is worth it only if you will wear it often for about two years or more. If you are unsure, start with one under $40 and upgrade; the trial costs $29.15.
Read the breakdown: Is a $219 baby carrier worth it? Cost per month vs a $29 oneFour areas where parents spend the most, and where the right choice saves the most.
Strollers, car seats, feeding, diapers and the rest of the baby shopping list: what is worth paying more for, and what is not.
8 comparisons
Daycare, nannies, working from home and one parent staying home: the real cost of childcare and careers.
3 comparisons
Private or public school, tutoring, after-school activities and saving for education.
6 comparisons
The total cost of raising kids: housing, travel, a second child and everyday family spending.
4 comparisons
The comparisons that move a family budget the most.
A second child costs about 20% less per year than the first. But two children in daycare at the same time creates a financial crisis that…
A median second salary still adds about $35,000 a year after taxes and daycare for one child. Staying home wins on cash only below about $15,100,…
The cost of daycare and nanny care flips based on how many kids you have. We break down the real numbers.
A $75 backpack beats a $30 one you replace every year after 2.5 years, but the lifetime warranty covers defects, not wear and tear.
A convertible seat can ride rear facing from the first ride home, so the infant carrier is a $140 to $240 convenience, not a requirement.
A premium kids' bike is a four-size purchase. Buying used at about 65% of new saves roughly a third, and sharing bikes between siblings halves the…
A crib is an acceptable sleep space from the first night, so a bassinet is optional. It adds $120 to $200 for a few months of…
A $120 toy has to get almost five times the playtime of a $25 one to cost the same per hour. The research we found favors…
At a typical paid price, school lunch costs roughly 60% of a packed one. Packing wins only if your home lunch costs less than your district…
