First-year baby essentials across 38 European countries cost an average of €4,727, with prices ranging from a low of €2,813 in the UK to a high of €6,294 in Spain, according to calculations released by Remitly. Based on prices as of July 2026, the data tracks 14 staple items across nappy changes, feeding, sleep, transport, and clothing to measure the true financial impact of welcoming a newborn.
Where Baby Essentials Cost the Most Across Europe
Spain leads Europe in nominal spending during a child’s first year, topping the €6,000 threshold at €6,294, according to Remitly data. Several other nations cross that same high financial mark. The Netherlands records an average first-year cost of €6,140, followed closely by Finland at €6,066, Sweden at €6,025, and Switzerland at €6,018.
Among the five largest economies, spending habits diverge sharply. Spain holds the highest spot, while the UK ranks as the most affordable among large economies at €2,813. Meanwhile, Germany at €4,701 and France at €4,393 sit much closer to the overall European average.
The Most Affordable Countries for Newborn Supplies
Parents face much lower nominal costs in parts of Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Czechia records a first-year total of €3,211, according to Remitly’s July 2026 dataset. Romania follows at €3,385, Latvia at €3,392, Croatia at €3,661, Bulgaria at €3,804, and Bosnia and Herzegovina at €3,844. All six countries keep total baseline expenses below the €4,000 threshold.
Slightly above that mark sit Turkey at €4,023, Belgium at €4,084, Malta at €4,118, and Greece at €4,158. These figures highlight a stark divide in retail pricing for identical staple goods across different national markets.
Did you know? Clothing, baby formula, and nappies make up 81% of total first-year baby costs across Europe, averaging €3,804 combined per child, according to Remitly.
How Clothing, Formula, and Nappies Drive Expenses
The distribution of expenses across categories varies wildly by nation. Across all 38 tracked countries, clothing accounts for an average of 30.3% of the total budget, baby formula makes up 25.7%, and nappies claim 24.5%.
Individual country variations are extreme. Clothing represents just 16% of first-year spending in Denmark, contrasted with 52.5% in Sweden. Meanwhile, baby formula accounts for 10.8% of costs in Sweden but jumps to 41.3% in Latvia. Nappies command just 12.4% of the budget in Turkey compared to over 36% in Switzerland and Belgium, according to the data.
Assessing Affordability Relative to Average Wages
Nominal prices tell only part of the story when average earnings differ drastically across the continent. Remitly compared infant supply costs against International Labour Organization average monthly earnings adjusted for inflation to measure true affordability.
Across 36 evaluated countries, baby essentials consume an average of 20.9% of annual wages. That figure stretches from a manageable 5.4% in Belgium to a staggering 88.8% in Moldova. Parents in Albania spend 66% of average annual wages on baby supplies, while Turkey (45.1%), Montenegro (45%), Serbia (41.4%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (36.1%), Portugal (35.7%), and Hungary (34.7%) all require at least one-third of yearly earnings.
Conversely, infant essentials account for under 10% of annual wages in Luxembourg (6%), Denmark (6.7%), the UK (7.5%), Norway (7.6%), Ireland (8%), Switzerland (8%), Germany (8.1%), Austria (8.2%), France (8.5%), Malta (8.9%), and the Netherlands (9.4%).
Pro Tip: When budgeting for a newborn, remember that these figures exclude nursery and crèche fees, which can add tens of thousands of euros annually depending on the country and available government support.
The Hidden Burden of Nursery and Crèche Costs
Baseline retail supplies represent only the beginning of family expenditures. Nursery and crèche care introduce substantial additional financial strain across Europe, according to OECD figures from 2023.
Gross childcare fees for two children reached €64,211 in Switzerland, while the Netherlands recorded the highest figure in the European Union at €39,229. In stark contrast, gross fees in Germany sat at just €552. When evaluating net costs for two-earner couples, Switzerland drops to €27,551, though targeted government support can pull net expenses below €5,000 for qualifying families in select nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do baby essentials cost on average in Europe?
The estimated cost for first-year baby essentials across 38 European countries is €4,727, according to Remitly data from July 2026.
Which country is the most expensive for a newborn’s first year?
Spain is the most expensive country in Europe for baby essentials, with an average first-year cost of €6,294.
Which country has the lowest baby costs in Europe?
The UK records the lowest costs among major European economies at €2,813 for the first year.
What are the most expensive categories of baby supplies?
Clothing (30.3%), baby formula (25.7%), and nappies (24.5%) make up 81% of total first-year expenses.
What are your thoughts on the cost of raising a child in your country? Do these figures match your real-world experience? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more financial insights and family budgeting guides.
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