How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby in Ohio?

It is no secret that children are expensive. The average cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 – not considering college tuition – is about $310,605, on average, in the United States. The cost of childbirth and postpartum care alone is almost $19,000 for an expectant/birth mother.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Ohio, you may be considering all your options, including parenthood. However, as a parent, you may be wondering what types of costs you can expect. So, how much does it cost to have a baby in Ohio?

The price tag for birth and child-rearing will vary by state. It primarily depends on the state’s average cost of living and childcare. If you live in Ohio, a state that ranks slightly lower than the national average, then you may be relieved to know that it is not among the priciest states to raise a baby, such as California or Massachusetts. The costs of having a baby, however, can still cause sticker shock—especially if you are already facing financial strain.

Knowing the costs of having a baby in Ohio upfront can help you make an informed decision for your pregnancy, and prepare for the future.

How much does it cost to have a baby in Ohio? Read on, as we explore this answer.

The Cost of Having a Baby in Ohio

Everyone knows that the costs of raising a child are high in America, but many do not consider the cost of bringing a child into this world. Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care often rival the costs of a new car purchase. These costs vary depending on health insurance coverage and costs within your home state.

In the U.S., the average cost of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care for Americans is $18,865, according to the Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation. Nearly $3,000 of that total is paid for out of pocket, if you have health insurance.

The average cost of having a baby in Ohio is $11,012, according to the Health Care Cost Institute. Vaginal births in Ohio cost, on average, $9,797. C-sections, meanwhile, typically cost about $13,465.

Of course, the cost of giving birth to a baby in Ohio is only the beginning.

The Cost of Raising a Child in Ohio

Once the baby is born, parents need to consider the costs of childcare. According to Care.com 2022 Cost of Care Survey, more than half of American families planned to spend more than $10,000 on childcare that year. That amount exceeds the average annual cost of in-state college tuition.

This national average rings true for those living in Ohio. Single parents in Ohio typically pay 44 percent of their income for center-based infant childcare. Families of four – two married adults and two children – living at the poverty line pay 63 percent of their household income for childcare in Ohio.

In addition to childcare, parents in Ohio must consider the general cost of living. Whether you have a mortgage or pay rent, you will need to factor in your monthly cost of housing. You will also need to consider the other basic living expenses, such as utilities, insurance, phone bills, and entertainment expenses such as cable and internet.

Other expenses to consider when planning to raise a child include:

• Food/Baby formula
• Clothing
• Medical coverage
• Diapers – A baby needs between 6 and 12 diapers each day – typically more in the early weeks. The American Academy of Pediatrics shares that families spend close to $936 on disposable diapers in the first year (about $18 per week).

The cost of having a baby in Ohio can be overwhelming when added up. As an expectant/birth parent, you will want to be prepared and plan to make the best decision for your future. If you want to choose parenthood, you will want to save money and consider financial assistance programs, if needed.

If you decide you are not yet ready (financially or emotionally) to raise a child, there is another positive option: Adoption. Adoption is a free option for expectant/birth parents, and can provide you with financial assistance for any costs related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Adoption is an Option for You

Adoption is a brave, selfless, and loving choice. It allows you to choose a loving family for your baby, and place your baby in a stable, secure home.

At Adoptions With Love, we understand the emotional – and financial – stress an unplanned pregnancy can evoke. If you choose adoption, we can support you. We can offer you emotional support through complimentary counseling as well as financial assistance as it relates to pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. We can cover the following:

• Living expenses – rent and utilities
• Food costs
• Medical costs related to pregnancy that are uninsured
• Comprehensive counseling
• Legal assistance
• Adoption planning assistance
• And more

There are never any fees for birth mothers who place their child for adoption.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by this pregnancy, just know that you have options and there are resources available. You can find a supportive, experienced adoption agency in Ohio that can help you with every step of the adoption planning process.

Having a baby is a life-changing experience. Whether you decide to raise your child yourself, or you want to plan your child for adoption, you can make a plan that works for you. Adoptions With Love will respect any decision you make regarding your pregnancy. We can help you create an adoption plan that meets your needs and guide you through this emotional journey. You are not alone.

If you want to learn more about making an adoption plan in Ohio, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can help you and place your needs first. Call us 24/7 at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.