Having children — what does it really cost?
According to Nibud, a child costs Dutch parents on average between €150,000 and €300,000 until age 18. Many first-time parents underestimate the actual monthly costs. This page helps you avoid surprises.
Love is free — a child isn't
This isn't a 'don't have kids' page. On the contrary: being financially prepared makes parenthood less stressful and more fun. What most people don't know: the baby phase isn't even the most expensive — that's the teenage years. And children of well-prepared parents grow up in a more stable financial environment.
This page gives you honest figures (Nibud-based), explains the Dutch schemes, and offers a checklist to set up 12 months before birth.
How much will it cost — your situation
Adjust the sliders. Figures are Nibud-based and account for scale benefit with multiple children.
Your situation
< €40k / €40-80k / > €80k net per household per year. Higher incomes spend more per child (Nibud observation).
Total 0-18 years
€209,952
All costs summed over 18 years — indicative.
Average per month
€972
Over the whole 18-year period.
Breakdown by life stage
- Baby0-2 years€1,170/mo€28,080
- Toddler2-4 years€1,134/mo€27,216
- Primary school4-12 years€828/mo€79,488
- Secondary school12-18 years€1,044/mo€75,168
Teen years are more expensive than many parents expect (sport, phone, going out, travel, food). Plan for it.
6 Dutch schemes — use them all
Many parents miss €2,000-€5,000/year in benefits by not applying. Below what you get automatically or on request.
Child benefit (kinderbijslag)
~€280/quarter per child 0-5, ~€340 ages 6-11, ~€400 ages 12-17
Basic benefit from SVB for all parents with child < 18. Automatically requested when you register child with municipality.
Condition
Automatic — no income test. Still check: do you receive it and is amount correct for age?
Child-related budget (KGB)
Up to €1,750+/year per child (higher for single parents)
Extra allowance via tax authority for families with low/middle income. Varies by number of children and income. Single-parent top-up on top.
Condition
Income-dependent (~assets < €140k and income below threshold). Apply via MijnToeslagen. Rejected? Check next year — threshold rises.
Childcare benefit (KOT)
Up to 96% of hourly rate at low income, min. 33% at high
Most underused scheme: childcare benefit reimburses a large portion of formal care (daycare, after-school, childminder). Without KOT, childcare becomes unaffordable at €1,000+/mo.
Condition
Both parents work/study, and care at registered provider (LRK). Apply via MijnToeslagen. Adjust hours used during leave or work change — repayment risk!
Maternity leave
16 weeks at 100% pay (via UWV)
Mother has right to 16 weeks leave (6 before due date, 10 after). UWV pays during that leave 100% of last salary (up to day-wage max).
Condition
Employer must request leave at UWV. Self-employed: right to ZEZ benefit (~similar level) via UWV. Arrange min. 4 weeks before leave start.
Parental leave
9 weeks at 70% pay + unpaid portion (up to 26 weeks total per child per parent)
Since 2022: 9 weeks PAID parental leave (70% pay via UWV). To be taken in first year after birth. On top: unpaid portion can be taken until child is 8.
Condition
Both parents have this right separately. Employer can hardly refuse. Flexible (days, weeks, hours). Apply UWV via employer.
Partner leave (birth leave)
1 week 100% + 5 weeks 70% (via UWV)
Partner (non-birthing) has right to: 1 week 100% pay first month + 5 weeks additional birth leave (AGV) at 70% pay within 6 months after birth.
Condition
Employer reports first week. AGV apply yourself via employer → UWV. Many fathers don't take it — that's missed money AND missed time with baby.
Amounts are indicative for 2026. Conditions and thresholds change yearly — always check current at belastingdienst.nl or SVB.nl.
Hidden costs: income impact
Direct child costs aren't the only hit. At least as big: the income effect of working part-time and long-term pension impact.
Part-time work costs cumulatively
If one parent works 1 day/week less: ~20% less income. Over 15 years at €50k/year = ~€150,000 foregone.
Pension gap with part-time
Less salary = less pension build-up. 5 years part-time can reduce pension payout by €200-€400/mo at retirement.
Career delay
Parents who work part-time 5 years get fewer promotions. Women more often affected — 'motherhood penalty' research shows 10-15% wage difference 10 years later.
Plan actively for this: who works part-time, how to compensate pension build-up, and how to divide care tasks fairly? This is not blame — this is forward planning.
12-month pre-baby checklist
What to financially arrange before your child arrives. Spread over 12 months so you don't do everything in last 3 weeks.
#1Month 10-12: employer & leave rights
As soon as pregnancy known: inform employer (not required before week 28, smart earlier). Discuss leave, working hours change, breastfeeding breaks. Ask in writing: how long do I stay employed on departure?
#2Month 8-10: check insurance
Health insurance: check coverage of maternity care + any hospitalization. AVP (liability) must cover parents + children. Consider annuity/life insurance if financial dependency develops.
#3Month 6-9: build emergency fund
At least 3 months' costs buffer — preferably 6. A newborn + pay dip from leave = no time for tight account. Start if not yet: €500/mo auto-transfer to savings.
#4Month 4-7: home + furnishing
Check: does baby fit in current home? Budget for nursery (crib, changing table, chair) ~€1,000-€2,500. Tip: 50% second-hand (Marktplaats, shops) = same result, half price. Car seat ALWAYS new (safety).
#5Month 3-5: work division after birth
Talk with partner: who takes how much leave? How much part-time after? Who drops off/picks up? Who gets up at night? How to divide finances after leave? No judgment — just alignment before sleep deprivation starts.
#6Month 0-3: apply for benefits
Just before/after birth: apply kinderbijslag at SVB (via municipality registration). KGB + KOT via MijnToeslagen. Notify partner leave to employer. Check within 6 weeks: is first payment correct?
Frequently asked questions
That €200,000 is too high — really?
Maybe for your situation, yes. The €150,000-€300,000 range is Nibud-based and includes EVERYTHING: food, clothes, school, activities, vacation, pocket money, subscriptions, childcare, birthday, room furnishing, electronics refresh, etc. over 18 years. If you share a lot (secondhand), don't use childcare (e.g. family helps), and no private school: can go toward €100,000. Conversely: with expensive sport, private music lessons, abroad vacations, study contribution: easily €350k+. The calculator above gives a more honest picture for your situation.
Until what age must I financially support?
Legally: in Netherlands you have 'maintenance obligation' until child is 21, EVEN if studying or not at home. Practically: more Dutch parents contribute until 23-25 (rent, health insurance, small allowances). DUO loans carry interest since 2024, so many parents help pay off or step in to limit this. Discuss this early in study time: 'What do we pay, what you, and for how long?' Prevents misunderstandings AND teaches budgeting.
Will our income REALLY drop after a child?
For most NL families: yes, to varying degrees. • One parent reduces work (usually mother, 1-2 days/week) = structurally 20-40% lower income on that salary • Maternity/parental leave = temporarily ~30% dip in those weeks • Childcare costs (partially compensated by KOT, not fully) • New expenses (clothes, food, activities) At same time: first parenting year SPENDING often lower (less going out, more home). After 2-3 years rises again. Plan: assume household income is 20-30% lower for 6-12 months. Got buffer? Then you're fine.
How do I arrange study allowance and living expenses for later?
Three routes Dutch parents use: 1. **Study savings plan**: From birth €50-€100/mo to separate account. After 18 years: €15,000-€30,000 + interest. Covers study contribution or first car. 2. **Invest for child (Jeugdsparen ABN/ING/etc)**: Higher return over 18 years (~5%) but more risk. Average €50/mo investing from birth = €20,000+ at 18. 3. **Gifts at smart moments**: NL has gift tax exemption for children (~€6,000/year). So over 18 years room for much. Conversely teach child financial independence: let them work from 15. Gives more pride + insight than just receiving.
Children AND buying a house — at same time?
Many couples think 'house first, then child' because the financial impact of both together is large. In practice: • For mortgage application children count as 'burden' → lower max mortgage • Double impact (mortgage + child) in first year = financially tight But: buying house with baby also works. What's important: - Very ample buffer (6 months costs, not 3) - Realistic income calculation (part-time future, not current dual-fulltime) - Starter benefits used well (0% transfer tax, NHG) See also our 'Buying first home' page for full financial prep.
Financially clear, together
Having children deserves a good financial foundation AND a good conversation with your partner. Start the conversation, or read the hands-on guide to money-upbringing.