Monthly living expenses with a child

In the first year, we bought an extremely large number of things. Plants, garden hose, lawn mower, shelves, flower boxes, garden tools, bed edging, sandbox, children's slide + swing, etc. Financial normality looked different. It is slowly coming now in the 2nd year

I add: dozens of different tools (just yesterday a pickaxe, hacksaw), playhouse (pictures will come soon when the sandbox underneath is finished), irrigation system, rotary clothesline, lawn mower, brush cutter, garden shed + materials for the substructure, possibly wood preservatives. In addition, last year, and this year still, investments in the outdoor facilities are due (paving, carport, stairs).

I am rather curious how it will look in 5 years - by then, everything should finally be done (hopefully).

It's more about how much money you roughly have to budget for groceries, personal care, and clothing (neither luxury nor cheapest, but solid middle range) and occasional weekend outings (like going to a water park, zoo, or indoor playground).

Thank you in advance

As a father of two daughters (1 and 6 years old):

1) Every child is a bit individual. 2) It really comes down to what you are willing to spend. For example, we always buy clothes secondhand in clothing bundles via Ebay Kleinanzeigen. 50 pieces = usually 50€ ... Then you almost have everything for a whole year. Of course, you can also buy everything new. Then you can add a zero behind the 50. 3) Personal care: depends on age. Diapers, powder, and shampoo are limited. We always got by very well with 50-100€ per month. 4) Heide Park costs about 100€ for a day, swimming 30-40€, and wildlife enclosures you spend around 20€ for food and gas. 5) The only things that really cost a lot of money in our experience are package holidays and children's birthday parties, and I don't mean our own. Constantly buying gifts is noticeable. You really feel it when you have one or more kids. Everyday life itself barely impacts the wallet. Breakfast and lunch are provided Monday to Friday at kindergarten including full care. Daycare costs depend on the municipality = child benefit.

We keep it rather affordable to mid-range. In my opinion, children grow up just as happy and healthy if they don’t have full entertainment with a lot of money every day. But all parents see that differently.

I add: numerous different tools (just yesterday a pickaxe, iron saw), playhouse (pictures coming soon when the sandbox underneath is finished), irrigation system, rotary clothes dryer, lawn mower, brush cutter, garden shed + materials for the base, possibly wood preservatives. Additionally, investments in the outdoor facilities were made last year or are still due this year (paving, carport, stairs).

I am rather curious to see what it looks like in 5 years – by then, everything should finally be done (hopefully).

I am hopeful that it will be done by the end of summer.

I agree with Pandrion that children do not need full entertainment every day. Much more important is the attention of the parents! I find a good relationship between child and parents very important. It costs nothing and is priceless!

Our bank estimates living costs for 2 adults and 1 child (= 3 people) at about 1,540 EUR. Additional deductions apply for the car (200 EUR each) and maintenance for the new house (about 2 EUR per sqm). The bank thus comes to expenses of just under 2,250 EUR per month for us.

We are 3 people, including a toddler. We have about EUR 2,500 monthly expenses including 750 euros warm rent.