MAKING CENTS: Counting up the cost of having your first baby

The bundle of joy can come with a hefty price tag, writes Grainne McGuinness, in her weekly consumer affairs column.

WHEN awaiting the arrival of their first child, most parents are concerned primarily with the health of their baby and then worry about taking care of the new arrival; finances can be well down the list of concerns. But, even for parents who do not yet have childcare costs, the bundle of joy comes with a hefty price tag.

I spoke to Laura Erskine, Mum-in-Residence at Irish site mummypages.ie, about what new parents can expect financially in the first year.