RAISING a child is an incredibly rewarding journey, but it comes with a daunting financial commitment.
Some parents are now an extraordinary £405,019.68 to raise each child from through to their 18th birthday – an amount that exceeds the average .
The cost of raising our little ones has skyrocketed by an extraordinary 90% since 2020, according to research conducted by VoucherCodes.co.uk on behalf of .
Families are already feeling the pinch as , everyday essentials, and costs continue to climb.
But, the study conducted by VoucherCodes last month sheds light on the growing financial pressures of in the UK.
The research breaks down the costs faced by across three crucial stages of childhood: ages 0–4, 4–12, and 12–18 years.
It shows how much parents can expect to spend each year and the total cost for each stage of .
To help parents plan ahead, the data – meticulously covering a variety of expenses, from car seats and after-school activities to lessons – has been turned into interactive tools below, revealing exactly how much you can expect to spend.
The estimated cost of raising a child from birth to age four is the highest among the three stages.
Essential expenses such as food, , , and shelter contribute considerably to the overall cost.
For example, alone can cost around £5,742 over these four years.
Additionally, , including nursery or childminder fees, represent a substantial expense, potentially reaching £137,091 for full-time care.
One-off purchases like a , cot, and also add to the initial financial outlay.
The total cost for raising a child during this period, according to the provided data, is around £166,966.
The cost of raising a child between the ages of 4 and 12 remains significant, though the focus of spending shifts compared to the early years.
As children start school, childcare expenses may reduce, but new costs arise.
These include , trips, extracurricular activities, and after-school clubs.
For example, school trips and extracurricular activities can amount to over £22,000 during this stage, while after-school clubs may add an additional £21,000.
Additional expenses, including , toys, pocket , birthdays, and recreational activities, further contribute to the overall cost, which totals around £143,465 according to the data.
Raising a teenager in the UK from 12 to 18 years old entails significant costs, with expenses evolving from the primary school years.
While costs for school meals and “” supplies continue, new expenses related to , such as laptops or tablets, and potentially driving lessons, emerge.
The data suggests that school trips and extracurricular activities remain a substantial expense, possibly reaching over £16,000 during this period.
Essential costs like food, clothing, shelter, and continue to contribute significantly to the overall expenses.
Food and nutrition could cost over £8,000, while shelter and might exceed £14,000.
Transport costs, including potential , could also reach over £10,000.
When you factor in all the expenses mentioned, the total cost of raising a child over an 18-year period amounts to an astonishing £405,019.68.
While it seems like a daunting amount (even when you break it down), there are plenty of ways to save and spend smarter to keep your budget on track.
How can I cut my costs ahead of time?
Raising children in the UK is becoming increasingly , but with a bit of savvy planning, parents can save big without compromising on quality.
Whether you're expecting your first child or already have a baby, toddler, or teenager, experts are urging families to shop smart and take advantage of the schemes and offers available to them.
Anita Naik, savings expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, shares her top tips for cutting costs while still providing the best for your little ones.
Ditch unnecessary baby purchases
Anitasaid: “This one's especially for first-time parents – don't be swayed by ‘must-have' baby lists, when a lot of products go unused!”
Whilst you'll want to buy car seats brand-new to ensure they meet safety standards, other items can be borrowed from friends or bought second-hand on , Depop, or .
You can also use sites like VoucherCodes.co.uk for savings on new items.
Sell unwanted items
Anita said: “Shockingly, Mums end up forking out £700 on maternity clothes that will only be worn for around six months!
“Anything you’ve bought new can absolutely be .
“Hang on to the boxes and receipts, and don't take labels off new baby clothes or items until you need them.
“This will help when them as you can fetch a higher price for anything with tags, banking some extra cash.”
Claim government support
Anita said: “Lots of parents don't realise they're missing out on helpful government support.
“If your child is over nine months old, you may be entitled to .
“And from September 2025, eligible working parents in will be able to access 30 hours of funded childcare a week.”
You can check your eligibility by visiting gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs.
Save on school essentials
Anita said: “When it comes to shopping, the earlier the better!
“Hit the sales in July and you’ll be sure to save big.
“I'd also suggest avoiding school uniform shops where possible – they're always more expensive than , unless, of course, you need items with the school logo on.
“For shoes, it's best to wait until September. Kids' feet grow fast, and prices rarely drop.”
Make tech more affordable
Anita said: “Consider , use family plans for mobile contracts, and trade in old tech for discounts on new purchases.”
There are always secondhand devices that have been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to almost brand-new condition.
They often come with a warranty which means you can get them fixed for free in a certain time frame.
You can purchase refurbished tech from shops including and .
Cut food and travel costs
Anita said: “With and nutrition totting up to £22,968.45 over the years, it's worth signing up to supermarket loyalty schemes, using restaurant voucher codes, and keeping an eye out for kids-eat-free deals.
“All children aged 5-16 qualify for if they go to their nearest school and live at least two miles away, so it's worth checking your eligibility here.
“If you travel as a family frequently, I encourage investing in a Family and Friends railcard for £30.”
Affordable recreation and cultural activities
Anita said: “When it comes to entertaining your kids, look out for free or discounted attractions with family passes or loyalty memberships.
“Many UK supermarkets also offer that can be redeemed for theme park and cinema tickets.”
For example, Clubcard members can double the value of their vouchers—turning every 50p into £1—which can then be used towards tickets for attractions like Thorpe Park.
