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Being pregnant changes so many things: your body, your relationships, even your finances. Because having a baby means that there are totally new costs coming your way. And some of them may surprise you.
In this episode, Jo Piazza has a candid conversation with Babylist's Family Finance Advisor Lindsey Stanberry about what you can do to budget for baby while you're still pregnant, from how to spend less on baby gear and starting savings accounts to researching affordable childcare options and negotiating with your health insurance provider.
Birth with Babylist brings together trusted experts and parents who’ve lived it to break down what happens before, during, and after birth—without fear-mongering or shaming. Hosted by journalist, author, and mom of three Jo Piazza. Follow so you never miss an episode.
Head to babylist.com/money for tools and guidance on planning for your family’s financial future, comparing savings options and understanding eligibility for 530a (Trump) Accounts.
Jump to Key Topics
Navigating your hospital delivery bill
(4:18) Your hospital won’t be able to estimate how much your bill will be before you give birth, but you can still plan ahead of time for how you can pay it. Hospitals typically offer payment plans, and you can also try to negotiate a lower bill.
Lindsey Stanberry also recommends contacting your health insurance provider early on before your delivery so you know what’s covered (and what’s not).
Spending less on baby gear
(8:43) You can save quite a bit on registry items by tapping your village and wider community for secondhand baby gear, including local Buy Nothing groups, parenting groups and thrift stores. And it’s also totally okay to ask for cash gifts at baby showers.
Child savings & investment accounts
(11:08) There are several ways to save for baby’s future—even before they’re born. A high-yield savings account can help you prep for big upcoming expenses (like childcare) before they hit. A 529 account can help you set aside money specifically for your child’s education. And if your baby is born between 2025 and 2028, look into the new Trump/530a accounts—the federal government will deposit $1,000 in the account to get you started.
Childcare costs & options
(17:48) Childcare can be one of the biggest expenses you'll face as a new parent. Whether you go with a daycare center, an in-home provider, a nanny, a nanny share or a mix of all of the above, the most important thing is to start looking early, since spots tend to fill up fast.
Sometimes saving money on childcare means roping in family to help or rearranging your schedule so you only need childcare part-time—Stanberry emphasizes that it’s okay to make it work however you need to.
Postpartum & lactation costs
(26:37) The expenses don't stop once baby is here. Breast pumps, lactation consultants and other postpartum support can add up quickly, but a lot of it is available for free if you know where to look. Your hospital, your pediatrician and your local parent groups are all great places to start. And don't underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with other parents who are in it at the same time you are.
Family leave
(30:16) The US doesn't have federal paid family leave, which means what you're entitled to depends a lot on where you live and where you work. That’s why Stanberry suggests researching your family leave options very early on—if possible, even before you get pregnant. Find out what your state offers, ask your employer the hard questions and give yourself as much time as possible to figure out the plan.
Featured Experts
Lindsey Stanberry is Babylist’s Family Finance Advisor and the founder of The Purse, a newsletter-first women’s media company. She spent the last decade working for some of the biggest brands in digital media including Refinery29, CNBC, and Fortune with a focus on women and money. At Refinery29, she launched the Work & Money vertical and ran Money Diaries, a franchise that garnered an international cult following. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son.
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