Being a parent can come with challenges, and sometimes those challenges are financial. But through adoption, you can give your child a brighter future, and it will be 100% free for you.

Click here to get help from an adoption specialist now, or read below about the costs of parenting vs. adoption and what to do if you can’t afford to parent.

Can I Afford Adoption for My Child?

When you choose adoption for your child, you don’t have to worry about the expenses of pregnancy, childbirth or child care. Adoption is completely free for you, and when you choose adoption, your child can have any life you dream of for them.

That means that anyone can afford adoption for their child, and in some cases, you can get care and coverage for expenses for things like:

  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • Groceries
  • Clothing
  • Transportation
  • Medical bills
  • And more

Can I Afford to Parent?

You don’t need to be rich to be a great parent, but there are financial considerations that come with raising a child and giving them the best life possible. As you think about your child’s future, here are some expenses you can expect in the first few years:

Pregnancy:

  • Pregnancy medical visits ($0-$3,000, depending on insurance)
  • Child care for current children during medical visits ($0-$600)
  • Prenatal vitamins ($80)
  • Maternity clothing ($500)
  • Healthy food (depending on budget)
  • Self-care items like pregnancy pillows and hygiene items ($0-$200)
  • Birthing classes ($30-$200)
  • Newborn items like a crib, car seat, clothing, bottles, etc. ($1200)

Birth and 0-12 months:

  • Hospital care ($0-$17,000 depending on insurance)
  • Time off of work (loss of income from work, usually two to eight weeks depending on your job)
  • Child care during work hours ($0-$10,000)
  • Baby items that have not been purchased already/additions as baby grows ($1500)
  • Diapers ($1,200-$2,000)
  • Medical appointments for yourself and baby (depending on insurance)
  • Babysitting or child care for older children during birth and recovery ($0-1000)
  • Formula or pump for breast milk and breast milk storage ($300-$2000)

Years 1-4 after birth:

  • Child care during work hours ($8,000-$10,000 per year)
  • Clothing as the baby grows ($150 per year)
  • Diapers ($1,200-$2,000 per year)
  • Formula, baby food or extra food depending on age ($1,200 per year)
  • Childhood medical check-ups ($450 per year)
  • Toys ($150 per year)
  • Furnishings as the baby grows ($150 per year)
  • Educational items
  • Classes, outings or learning experiences

In addition to these expenses, it may be helpful to also plan for:

  • Unexpected medical costs associated with pregnancy
  • Necessary time off of work for the end of pregnancy or bed rest
  • Time off of work in cases of child illnesses
  • Unexpected medical bills for your children
  • Long-term education planning

Can I Afford to Be a Single Parent?

Being a parent requires time and money.  While many single parents do an amazing job raising their families, the life of a single parent comes with its own set of unique challenges.

Some of the expenses that come with pregnancy, birth and parenting can cost you more as a single parent than if you are sharing responsibilities with a partner.

Here are some potential financial impacts of single parenting:

  • You may spend more on child care during work hours
  • Without shared responsibilities for meal prep, you may end up spending more on buying prepared, healthy food
  • When you take time off of work, you might not have income depending on your employer

Also, these potential situations could be more difficult as a single parent:

  • Unexpected medical costs or complications associated with pregnancy
  • Taking necessary time off of work
  • Taking time off of work in cases of child illness

I Can’t Afford to Parent—Are There Resources?

Lean on Family and Friends

Some parents make ends meet by leaning on family or friends for support. If you have a sibling, parent or friend who is able to babysit, then you may be able to save some on big costs like child care.

Also, you may be able to reach out to friends and family who have had kids and can lend unused items like cribs, clothing, toys and educational items. You could even do clothing swaps as children grow.

Find Community

Beyond your family and friends, you may be able to find support in your local community, like churches and charity organizations, and you can also connect virtually through social media with other parents and neighbors. Sometimes, you can find child care groups or connect with clothing and baby item swap groups.

Medical and Nutritional Help

Many people are eligible for Medicaid and WIC. You may also be able to receive income-based discounts at hospitals or lower-cost health care if you find sliding-scale providers and free or low-cost clinics.

I Can’t Afford to Parent—Can I Choose Adoption?

Adoption is always an option. Even if you can’t afford to parent, adoption is still an option. People who choose adoption don’t just have one reason for their choice but multiple factors in their lives that could make parenting difficult. Through our adoption financial assistance, it is 100% free for you. Many people choose adoption because it is the best thing that they can do to give their child the life they dream of. We’re here no matter what your reasons are for considering adoption, and we can help you find resources and get support when you fill out our contact form.