Baby Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of having a baby in Canada. Calculate first-year expenses and see how much you can offset with government benefits including the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), maternity leave EI, and provincial programs.
Family Details
Combined family net income (line 23600 of tax return)
First Year Expenses (Editable)
Adjust costs to match your plans. Defaults are Canadian averages.
First Year Baby Costs
$6,300
total first year expenses
Net First Year Cost
$0
Expenses minus government benefits
Estimated Annual CCB
$0
Canada Child Benefit per year
Expense Breakdown
Government Benefits
5-Year Cost Projection
What to Expect: First Year Baby Costs in Canada
Having a baby in Canada comes with significant costs, but also generous government support. The average Canadian family spends between $6,000 and $15,000 in the first year alone (excluding childcare), depending on choices around feeding, gear, and supplies. With childcare, costs can exceed $25,000+ in the first year.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Explained
The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. For the 2024-2025 benefit year:
- Maximum benefit: $7,437 per year ($619.75/month) for each child under 6
- Children 6-17: $6,275 per year ($522.91/month)
- Income reduction: Benefits reduce when family net income exceeds $36,502
- Reduction rate: 7% of income over $36,502 for one child; for income over $79,087, an additional 3.2% reduction
- Payment dates: Monthly, around the 20th of each month
- Tax-free: CCB payments do not count as taxable income
Maternity and Parental Leave Options
Canada offers two options for parental benefits through Employment Insurance (EI):
- Standard option: 15 weeks maternity (55% of earnings, max $668/week) + 35 weeks parental (55%, shareable between parents) = 50 weeks total
- Extended option: 15 weeks maternity (55%) + 61 weeks parental (33% of earnings, max $401/week) = 76 weeks total (18 months)
- Waiting period: 1-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin
- Quebec: Has its own parental insurance plan (QPIP) with higher replacement rates
Provincial Childcare Programs
Several provinces are rolling out subsidized childcare programs as part of the Canada-wide $10-a-day childcare plan:
- Quebec: $8.70/day subsidized childcare (long established)
- Ontario: CWELCC program reducing fees toward $10/day by 2025-2026; also CARE tax credit
- British Columbia: $10/day childcare at participating centres
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan: Phased fee reductions underway
- All provinces: Federal government targeting $10/day by 2025-2026 nationwide
Tax Benefits for Parents
- Childcare expense deduction: Deduct up to $8,000/year for children under 7 (must be claimed by the lower-income spouse)
- Child disability benefit: Additional $3,173/year if your child qualifies for the disability tax credit
- Medical expenses: Claim eligible medical expenses over 3% of net income or $2,759 (whichever is less)
Start an RESP Early
The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is one of the best investments you can make for your child. The government matches 20% of your contributions through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), up to $500/year ($7,200 lifetime). Starting at birth, even $50/month can grow to over $30,000 by age 18.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational and planning purposes only. Actual baby costs vary widely based on personal choices, location, and circumstances. Government benefit amounts are simplified estimates and may differ from actual entitlements.
CCB calculations are based on 2024-2025 benefit year rates and are simplified approximations. Actual CCB amounts depend on your exact family net income, number of children, custody arrangements, and other factors. Always verify benefit amounts with CRA.