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How much does baby food cost a month


Budgeting for New Baby: Ongoing & One-Time Expenses

The arrival of a new baby can be both exciting and financially overwhelming. A tiny new baby can mean big changes and major expenses for new parents. How much money can you expect to spend on your little one in the first year? What financial tools should you consider creating? Here we'll show you how to financially prepare for your family's newest addition before they arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • One of the largest expenses for new parents can be the delivery—the cost of which depends on the location and health insurance policy.
  • One-time costs often include travel, home needs, and nursing/feeding.
  • Other things to consider include the cost of child care and savings plans.
  • It's important to have an emergency fund if one parent decides to stay home.

One-Time Expenses

In this scenario, we look at the first baby. That means starting from scratch in many areas such as furniture, strollers, and cribs. There is, of course, also the one-time medical expense of delivering a baby in the United States. As we'll see, this expense is by far the hardest to pin down in any meaningful way.

Medical Bills

In the U.S., the average new parent with insurance coverage can expect to pay almost $14,000 for their labor and delivery, according to a 2020 research article published by the Healthcare Cost Institute. Vaginal deliveries can cost from $7,000 in Arkansas to $17,000 in New York. Interestingly, out-of-pocket costs also exhibited a wide range, from $1,000 in D.C. to $2,400 in South Carolina. (2017 was the most recent year for which data was available.)

It is important to keep in mind that the cost of routine birthing care is highly variable based on your location and your insurance coverage. Review your policy to find out what your out-of-pocket costs are for prenatal care, hospital stay, tests, and postpartum care. Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to make an accurate prediction about how much you'll pay without reviewing your health coverage.

Your insurance policy and location are important factors when determining how much the delivery of a baby will cost.

Baby Stuff

The one-time purchases for babies are as variable as the medical costs above, but for different reasons. This category can go up exponentially depending on the wants of the parent. For example:

  • Travel Needs: To get out and about you will most likely want to purchase a stroller, an infant car seat (required by law), a baby carrier, and a diaper bag. If you plan on being out a lot, a portable playpen and/or bassinet may make sense. Like many of the things on this list, there is a wide range of costs. Buying an adapter, snuggle bags, and another option for some brands of strollers can be a $1,000 price tag without taking in the cost of the stroller itself. On the other end of that range, a seat and stroller combo can still be purchased new for under $150, and used equipment or hand-me-downs can fill in for all the others. It is worth noting that, at the very least, it is worth buying a new infant car seat. There is no foolproof way to ensure a used one hasn't been compromised in a previous accident or through hard use.
  • Home Needs: To keep your child occupied, you may want to consider a portable swing, bouncy seat, play mat, and/or jump seat. You may also want to have a crib and/or bassinet, crib mattress, basic bedding with blankets, changing table, small dresser, rocking chair, monitor, and a diaper pail. Again, this is an area where personal preference dictates cost. Unlike car seats, everything is for use at home, meaning that you can buy it used or even acquire it through one of the many share and swap groups you'll find online.
  • Nursing and Feeding: Feeding costs for your new infant do, of course, vary like everything else based on your particular situation. A birthing parent who is able to stay at home and has no issues breastfeeding around the clock will see very minimal costs for months before a high chair and dishes are required. In that situation, some things like a breastfeeding pillow, burp cloths, or even a cape are more than enough. If the parent will be storing breast milk for use, then items like bottles, nipples, cleaning equipment, and a single or dual breast pump come into play and your budget will increase. If breastfeeding isn't possible, formula feeding will add significant costs to your first year of parenting.

On top of these one-time costs, there is the potential loss of income if you and/or your partner take unpaid leave. Under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), your employer may grant you up 12 work-weeks of unpaid leave for your baby's arrival. Here again, nothing is set in stone as small businesses do not fall under the FMLA. So check to see what type of leave you may qualify for with your employer. If you take unpaid leave, calculate your regular expenses during that period—mortgage, utilities, insurance, groceries, etc.—and determine how you will meet those costs.

Ongoing Expenses

Once your baby arrives, the regular expenses to care for your little one kick in. Factor the following costs into your budget:

  • Child care: If both you and your spouse will work after your baby's arrival, your single biggest budget item will be child care. Your child care costs vary by where you live, the age of your child, how much care you require, and what type of care you use. The Care Index pegs in-center child care costs at just under $10,000 per year. The average cost of a nanny or other in-home care is around $28,350 a year, but again that can be higher or lower based on location and so on. Keep in mind, though, some costs might be offset by various tax credits, such as the child and dependent care credit. Be sure to confirm if you are eligible.
  • Necessities: ​Food, such as Gerber formula, clothing, and diapers make up most of the necessities in the ongoing costs.
  • Clothing: According to the USDA's most recent The Cost of Raising a Child report, it's advised that new parents should estimate clothing costs at around $670 up to $1,110 for the first two years. The amount ranges greatly based on personal preference and budget, but the lower end falls around $56 a month.
  • Diapers: Diapers also vary in cost, but experts advise that you should budget at least $1000 for diapers and $450 for wipes for the first year alone. That's approximately $120 a month. Parents who choose to use disposable diapers should also expect to go through as many as 3,500 diapers in their child's first year alone.
  • Food: Once you begin feeding your child solid food, you can expect to spend roughly $100 a month. The early food costs for children are relatively small compared to what you will see from a teenager.
  • The Doctor Part 2: Plan on six wellness visits the first year for evaluations, immunizations, etc., and a few additional visits for illnesses. Check your health insurance policy for your rates.

If One Parent Stays at Home

If one of you becomes a stay-at-home parent, there are important budget changes to consider—the most obvious is reduced family income. Despite the high cost of child care, the cost of one partner leaving an income behind to commit to full-time parenting can be much higher in terms of lost income, benefits, and investment.

This is compounded by diminished earning potential if that partner decides to resume their career. The decision to stay home can be personal or financial—at lower income levels, even government programs cannot balance the high costs in some regions. If it is for personal reasons, however, a couple can at least try the one-income budget prior to the birth to get an idea for it while building an emergency fund with the second income at the same time. 

Financial Tools to Consider

With your child's arrival, you'll want to create financial tools to help provide for your child's future. Review the following checklist to determine your priorities and begin budgeting:

  • College Savings Tools: According to the College Board Report, the average cost per year for college in 2021 to 2022 ranged between $10,740 to attend a public four-year in-state school and $38,070 for a private four-year education. Start saving now through one of several college education investment tools, such as a 529 plan, Coverdell Education Savings Account, or UGMA/UTMA account. There have also been some changes to the way some accounts can be used—namely the 529 plan. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 and the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE) of 2019 have expanded the use of 529 plans to include K to 12 education, apprenticeship programs, and the ability to pay down student debt.
  • Life Insurance: If you do not have life insurance, now is the time to buy it if you can afford to do so. For just a few dollars a month you can be assured that your child will have financial resources if you and/or your partner were to die unexpectedly. Talk to your employer or insurance agent for options on both life insurance and disability insurance. 
  • Health Insurance: Without health insurance, just one serious accident or illness could deplete your savings and put you in significant debt. Investigate your insurance options if you don't already have coverage, or budget for the increased monthly premium to add your child to your policy.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs enable you to use pretax dollars to pay for important family budget items, like child care and healthcare expenses. Talk with your employer or financial advisor about setting up a dependent-care FSA and/or healthcare FSA. 

Ways to Save Money

No matter your income, however, there are numerous ways to meet your new baby's needs without breaking the bank that we've hinted at throughout. Namely:

  • Consignment/Thrift Stores: Babies grow quickly. Instead of paying full price for their clothing, check out gently used and even new items at your local consignment or thrift store. Many stores will also buy back items after your child has outgrown them for cash or store credit. Online swap groups and parent networks can also provide quality goods for cheap—and sometimes even free.  
  • Family/Friends for Back-Up Daycare: Instead of having to take a day off (possibly without pay) when your child is sick, make arrangements for family or friends to help out with emergency back-up daycare.
  • Borrow Items From Friends: Ask friends with young children if you could borrow items—particularly big-ticket items they're not using, like a crib, high chair, or rocking chair.
  • Baby Shower Gifts: Register so that party-goers can buy what you really need and avoid ending up with multiple baby rattles and photo albums.
  • Downgrading Lifestyle: Having a child is going to change a lot of things, including your financial priorities. After reviewing your new budget, you may not be able to make the numbers add up. Consider closing the gap by downgrading in a few key areas. For example, think about trading in a large car for a more affordable model, shopping at less expensive stores or buying more generic items.

The Bottom Line

Children are a wonderful gift—if sometimes an expensive one. The main thing to keep in mind is that averages don't mean much when the range is as wide as it is with costs around a baby. Good health insurance can protect you from hospital bills for the most part, but only planning and budgeting can help you handle the rest. The Finnish practice of sending birthing parents home with a simple starter box that can double as a baby bed shows that many of the thousands of dollars spent on our children's first years are more for our status than their well-being.

How much does a baby cost per month?

It's hard to figure out exactly how much it costs to have a baby, since it can vary so much depending on where you live and your circumstances. Some of the biggest costs for new parents include healthcare (including birth), diapers, formula, childcare, baby gear, clothes, food, and toys. In fact, you can anticipate spending between $9,300 and $23,380 per year per child. It's scary to think about how to support a baby financially, but there are many ways to save.

How much does it cost to have a baby?

Raising a baby isn't cheap! (Check out our Baby Costs Calculator to see how it all adds up over the first year.)

On average, a child costs two-parent families in the U.S. between $9,300 and $23,380 every year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (That number is in 2015 dollars, the latest data available.) This wide range accounts for various factors such as income level, where you live, as well as the age of your child.

Of course, the total cost you can expect to pay also depends on your lifestyle and how much money you choose to spend on necessary items such as housing and food. Certain expenses are out of your control, such as how much childcare costs in your area and the price of your family's health insurance plan (through an employer or otherwise). But there are some simple ways to cut costs; for instance, you may have family nearby who can help watch your child a few days a week, or you may be able to breastfeed to save money on formula.

It's definitely scary to think about having enough money to meet your baby's needs, but luckily, there are ways to make these costs more manageable. Planning ahead and setting a budget as new parents certainly helps; there are also resources available for those in a lower income bracket who need financial help for a new baby.

Cost of childbirth and healthcare

Cost: Giving birth in a hospital in the United States is expensive. The national average as of 2020 was $13,811 with employer-sponsored health insurance, or an average of $3,000 out of pocket for both a mom and her baby's hospital stays. Hospital bills could exceed $10,000 out of pocket if your baby spends time in the NICU.

The exact cost of childbirth is hard to quantify because expenses vary widely based primarily on whether or not you're insured, as well as what state you live in, how long you stay in the hospital, and the type of birth you have. C-sections are notoriously more expensive than vaginal births, costing a national average of about $17,004 vs. $12,235, respectively. Check with your insurance carrier around your third trimester to get an idea of the approximate costs you can expect to pay out of pocket for your baby's birth.

Even with insurance, most pregnant women have to pay for healthcare costs associated with their prenatal care, such as insurance co-pays and deductibles. The labor and delivery itself is the biggest expense in pregnancy, as you (and your insurer) will need to pay for things like the practitioner and the actual hospital fees. The costs may be even higher if you're medically induced, if you have a complicated delivery, or if your baby needs to stay in the NICU.

If you don't have health insurance, having a baby could run you between $9,000 and $17,000 for a vaginal birth or $14,000 to $25,000 for a C-section. Luckily though, many states make it easier for pregnant women to enroll in Medicaid or a state-sponsored health insurance program, through which all of your healthcare would be free or available at a very low cost.

Ways to save: If you're uninsured, look into health insurance options right away. Also, if your pregnancy isn't high risk, you can consider having a midwife rather than an ob-gyn deliver your baby. (Midwifery services are about $2,000 less than an obstetrician's fees, on average.) Before you go this route though, confirm that your insurance (if you're insured) covers midwifery services, as most but not all do. Also, if you're paying out-of-pocket, many hospitals and healthcare providers will work with you on a discounted package rate for your prenatal and labor and delivery services. And always double-check all bills and paperwork to make sure there are no errors or hidden, unexpected fees.

Cost of formula per month

Cost: $400 to $800 is the average monthly cost for powdered formula for babies who are formula-fed exclusively. The cost will be lower if you supplement with breast milk and higher if you give your baby more expensive brands or ready-to-feed formula. Monthly formula costs could spike if your baby needs a special hypoallergenic formula or if there's a formula recall or shortage.

As your child gets older, formula costs will lessen as the amount of formula they'll need daily decreases, especially once you start introducing solid foods around six months of age. By 12 months old, your pediatrician will likely recommend that you switch your baby from formula to regular cow's milk, assuming your baby doesn't have any allergies or health concerns.

Ways to save: Breastfeed if you can. If you're not breastfeeding or are supplementing, use powdered formula, which costs less than ready-to-use or liquid concentrate. Though this may be difficult now due to the nationwide formula shortage, consider purchasing store brand or generic formulas, which meet the same federal nutrient requirements as brand-name formulas but are less expensive.

If you do buy brand-name formulas, sign up to receive coupons or become a rewards member to get discounts on the manufacturers' websites. After you're sure that your baby tolerates a particular formula well, buy it in bulk at warehouse stores or online. You can also ask moms you know or post in a local moms' group on social media to see if anyone is giving away or selling the formula your baby drinks for a discounted price; just make sure the cans or samples you get are unopened and not expired.

Cost of diapers per month

Cost: $70 to $80 per month for disposable diapers, averaging out to about 29 cents each. The cost will vary depending on the brand you use and where you purchase the diapers. Infants require up to 12 diapers a day for the first year and toddlers need about 8, which is a total of about 2,500 to 3,000 diapers a year.

Ways to save: Try to purchase most of your baby's diapers at a "big box" chain store or warehouse store instead of a local convenience store, which is more likely to mark up prices. Buying diapers in bulk online is also a good way to save. Sign up at diaper manufacturers' websites to get coupons, and stock up when diapers are on sale. Alternatively, you may want to consider cloth diapers, which are gaining popularity with many budget-minded parents. They could save you about 27 percent a year vs. disposable diapers, plus there are a lot of cute and convenient cloth diapers on the market to choose from.

Cost of childcare per month

Cost: Varies according to which type of childcare you choose: daycare center, home daycare, relative care, nanny care, babysitter, or au pair. Childcare costs also fluctuate wildly based on where you live, how old your child is, and whether you need part-time or full-time childcare. The average monthly cost of daycare in the U.S. is around $850, while hiring a private nanny costs around $2,450 a month. You or your partner may choose to be a stay-at-home parent, in which case you may not require childcare. (But keep in mind this can impact your career and lifetime earnings potential.) Learn more about the pros and cons of all your childcare options.

Ways to save: For full-time care, consider asking a trusted relative or friend who may charge less than a traditional daycare center. Home daycares and nanny sharing with a neighbor or friend can also save cash. For occasional babysitting, trade time with another parent who's a neighbor or friend, or hire a responsible student. If possible, coordinate work schedules with your partner so you can each cover some of your child's care. Finally, consider enrolling in a flexible spending account for childcare expenses if your employer offers one – this means you can put your pre-tax money toward dependent care expenses.

Cost of baby gear

Cost: Varies according to which items you buy. Babies need a lot of stuff, but some items are must-haves, while others are nice-to-have extras. The basic baby gear you'll need during your baby's first year includes a crib (with mattress) or play yard, a stroller, a car seat, bottles and/or breastfeeding accessories, a baby bathtub, toiletries such as a hairbrush and first aid kit, and toys. As your baby gets older and more mobile, you'll also need safety gear such as babyproofing tools and safety gates, as well as a high chair and other feeding accessories like spoons and cups.

There are plenty of baby gear "add-ons" that are nice to have but not necessary – for instance a bottle warmer, a rocker or glider, a changing table, various baby carriers, and different large baby toys like a bouncer, activity center, and swing. (Of course, for some families these are essentials – the tricky part is knowing what you and your baby will love.)

Ways to save: Create a baby registry so friends and family members can help with the big purchases. Start with the basics – a good car seat, stroller, and play yard with bassinet, for example – and wait to buy other things. You may be able to try out a friend's activity center or swing to see if your baby likes it before buying one. Although it's important to buy your car seat new, check for other items at garage sales and secondhand stores, on community websites, and used from friends and relatives.

Cost of baby clothes

Cost: $20 to $50 (or more) per month on average, depending on where (and how often) you shop. Throughout the first twelve months, babies outgrow clothing very quickly, so you'll be buying more clothes in infancy than when they're older. You'll also need to stock up on baby clothes for the first six weeks, especially comfy pajamas, onesies, and sleepers. To start off your baby's wardrobe, consider getting a few outfits in the 3-6 month and 6-9 month size ranges. There are endless amounts of baby clothes to choose from, but check out our list of the best baby clothing brands to help you narrow it down.

Ways to save: Many first-time parents find they receive enough gifts to keep their baby clothed for the first few months. After that, watch for store sales and online deals, and accept hand-me-downs from friends and relatives. Get gently used items from consignment stores, thrift shops, community websites, garage sales, and sites and apps that sell secondhand baby clothes. If your baby is in between sizes, consider buying clothes one size up so your child can grow into the items and wear them for longer. Finally, treat your baby's soiled clothes with stain remover and wash with a good baby detergent so they can be worn again (or handed down).

Cost of baby food

Cost: $98 to $230 per month after your baby starts solid food. Food costs about 18 percent of the total cost of raising a child, second only to housing. Your baby may eat a lot of the same food you eat, especially if you're introducing solid foods via baby-led weaning, but they'll probably still require some foods that are specific to babies and toddlers. Depending on your baby's age, some packaged foods you may choose to purchase include jarred fruits and vegetables, baby food pouches, teething crackers, and puffs.

Ways to save: If possible, make your own baby food. A hand blender is all you really need to whip up fruits, veggies, and other foods you serve your family into a consistency that's safe for babies. You can even freeze the extras to serve later on. For those times when you do buy prepared baby food, use coupons and buy in bulk, especially if the item is on sale. And if you don't mind, opt for non-organic products, which are less expensive but just as delicious.

Cost of baby toys and books

Cost: $30 to $50 per month on average. Each household is different, but the average family spends about $580 on toys a year, or up to $6,000 before a child reaches their teenage years. Toys aren't a necessity, per se, but play is an important part of your baby's development. There are many games you can play with your baby – with and without toys – to help your little one learn about the world. Reading to your newborn is also an important part of development, and it can help lay the groundwork for vocabulary, reading, and comprehension skills.

Ways to save: Let your child play with safe household items; For example, whisks, containers, pots and pans, and hairbrushes are always a hit with little ones. Buy toys secondhand, borrow books from the library, ask friends for hand-me-downs, and consider setting up a toy and book exchange with friends or neighbors who have babies around the same age.

Some websites let you trade in toys, and you can use that money earned toward newer items. If you do buy brand-new toys, even if just for special occasions like birthdays or holidays, look for sales and manufacturers' coupons for brands you like. Also consider joining the loyalty program at your favorite retailer, or searching the toy section at discount stores.

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where and how to get what they give in dairy cuisine in Moscow and the regions

Yulia Shubina

refused dairy cuisine

Author profile

In Russia, expectant mothers and families with children can receive free products.

Each subject has its own rules. I received kits at a dairy kitchen in Moscow - I'll tell you who usually gets help and how to get it in different regions.

What is a dairy kitchen?

The forerunners of the dairy kitchen were centers called "A Drop of Milk" where they gave out food for premature babies. They appeared in the Russian Empire in 1901 year.

Dairy kitchen - Big Medical Encyclopedia

There are more such organizations in the USSR. Dairy kitchens helped save the lives of many children during the Second World War: then they began to offer additional food, including to full-term babies. They continued to do so after the war.

Today there is no concept of "dairy cuisine" in Russian legislation. But there is a guarantee: according to the doctor, children under three years old, pregnant and lactating women must be provided with food. What to give and to what extent - the leadership of each region decides independently.

Art. 52 of the Law "On the Basics of Protecting the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation"

How to get free food in Moscow

Only people with a Moscow residence permit can use dairy cuisine in Moscow. Here are the people who will be given food:

  1. pregnant and lactating women;
  2. formula-fed or formula-fed children under 6 months;
  3. children from 6 months to 3 years;
  4. children under 7 from large families;
  5. children under 15 with chronic diseases: glomerulonephritis, hemoblastosis, malignant neoplasms;
  6. disabled children under 18 years of age.

Regulation on the provision of free food for certain categories of children and women who are residents of the city of Moscow

But you can’t just go to the dairy kitchen for food: first you need to get a prescription from a doctor. For this, pregnant women need to contact the antenatal clinic, in all other cases, the prescription will be issued at the children's clinic where the child is assigned.

To confirm the right to receive products, the antenatal clinic or polyclinic will ask you to submit documents. They will need to be brought only once, after which all the necessary information will already be in the system. Here's what you need:

  1. Pregnant woman's passport or child's birth certificate together with the passport of either parent.
  2. Compulsory health insurance policy for a pregnant woman or child.
  3. Certificate of registration of a child in Moscow (form 8), pregnant women will need to show the registration page in their passport instead.
  4. If the child is under guardianship, you will additionally need a document confirming the establishment of guardianship.
  5. If the child is older than 3 years, you will need to confirm his benefits: a certificate of a large family, a certificate from a medical and social examination, or a medical certificate confirming the presence of a chronic disease will do.

They will also ask you to fill out an application for receiving products: a ready-made form will be provided at the clinic, you only need to sign it.

/kids-rule-everything-around-me/

Benefits for families with many children in Moscow until the 10th day of the month. It was tiresome.

Now everything has changed: a doctor issues a benefit once through the EMIAS system and information about it is automatically transferred to the dairy kitchen until it expires. For example, this happens when a pregnant woman gives birth to a child or he reaches the age of three. Now you can go to the dairy kitchen right away, without wasting time getting a prescription from a doctor and without worrying about what date is on the calendar.

Where to go with a prescription

Each clinic has its own dairy kitchen - food packages will need to be received there. Sometimes several points are assigned to one clinic - then parents are offered to choose. You can find out what milk distribution points are in your area using the map on the Gormedtekhnika portal.

Those who come to buy food for the first time are assigned a number by the dairy kitchen staff. It must be remembered and called every time to get a set. Nothing critical will happen if the parents forget the number and instead ask to find a set by the child's last name, but it is more convenient for the kitchen staff to work with him.

Dairy kitchens usually distribute visitors by day of the week. In some kitchens, employees ask parents when it is more convenient for them to come for kits, while in others they appoint themselves: for example, they give out kits for pregnant women on Mondays, and for children under six months on Wednesdays. This rule is also not strict: if you miss the right day, you can safely come for a set on another.

/baby-cost/

How much does a baby cost in the first year? We did not encounter this: even at the end of the month, my husband easily received a full set of products for 30 days.

Dairy kitchens in the capital are open from 06:30 to 15:00 from Monday to Saturday. From 12:30 to 13:00 - lunch break.

To receive food, you will need to show your passport or other identification document - the husband usually shows the rights. According to the rules, dairy kitchens give out food packages only to parents, and if you need someone else to receive them, you need to issue a power of attorney. In reality, you can agree with the employees: sometimes my brother got the dairy kitchen and no one asked for additional papers - I think the point is that we have the same last name with him.

Before you go to the dairy kitchen, think about how you will collect food. We had to take a taxi, and other parents came with hiking backpacks: a set for a child of 6-12 months for 30 days weighs about 10 kg.

What foods are given in Moscow? Mothers are given juice and milk, and babies are given supplementary or complementary foods, depending on their age. These can be mixtures, canned purees, instant cereals and similar juices and milk, as for mothers.

Regulation on the provision of free food for certain categories of children and women who are residents of the city of MoscowPDF, 653 KB

To whom they give What is How much per month
Formula-fed infants 0-3 months Powdered and liquid milk formulas 5.5 kg
Formula-fed babies 4 months old Powdered and liquid milk mixtures, fruit juice, fruit puree 7.9 kg
Formula-fed babies 5 months old Dry and liquid milk mixtures, fruit juice, vegetable puree, dry porridge, fruit puree 9. 8 kg
Children 6 months on any type of feeding Dry and liquid mixtures, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree 7.3 kg
Children 7-8 months Dry and liquid mixtures, children's cottage cheese, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree 9.9 kg
Children 9-12 months Dry and liquid mixtures, children's cottage cheese, kefir, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree 12.3 kg
Children 1-2 years old Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice 9.8 kg
Children 2-3 years old Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice 8.4 kg
Pregnant Fruit juice, milk 12.9L
Nursing Milk, fruit juice 16. 2 L
Children from large families, disabled children Milk 18 l

children 0-3 months on artificial feeding

What

Dry and liquid milk mixtures

volume

5.5 kg

children 4 months old 4 months on artificial feeding 9000 9000

What

Sukhaya dry and liquid milk formulas, fruit juice, fruit puree

Volume per month

7.9 kg

Children 5 months on artificial feeding

, fruit puree 9Ol000 7.3 kg

Children 7-8 months

What

Dry and liquid mixtures, baby cottage cheese, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree

90 903

volume for a month

12.3 kg

children 1-2 years old

What are

Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice

volume

9,000

children 2-3 years

What

Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice

volume

8. 4 kg

Pregnant

What

Fruit juice, milk

volume

12.9 l

Burners

that

Milk, fruit juice

volume for a month

16.2 l

children from large families, children with disabilities

that

Milk

volume

0003

18L

Free food for 11 months baby for 30 days

My experience of getting food in a dairy kitchen

I started getting free food when I was pregnant. I was observed at the antenatal clinic by registration, so I was given a prescription for the nearest dairy kitchen. But due to the fact that I live in a different area, getting groceries was inconvenient. They found a way out quickly: my younger brother began to call for boxes. The products remained with him: I didn’t really need them.

When our daughter was born, we assigned her to a polyclinic in our place of residence. They began to receive recipes for a dairy kitchen near the house. As a nursing mother, I was given juice and milk. I did not plan to take these products, but my brother liked them. Therefore, we used the recipe.

/guide/prikorm-detyam/

How to introduce complementary foods to children

Later, I learned that in the first six months we were also given a dairy kitchen for our daughter: she was mixed-fed. But for some reason, the pediatrician did not report this. True, this fact did not upset me much: I fed my daughter with Nutrilon Comfort, they are not given out in sets. And we would not change the mixture just to get it for free: for a baby, this is fraught with digestive problems.

What purees, juices and mixtures did they give us? I read the advice of pediatricians on Instagram and decided, at least at first, to follow the composition of baby food. I didn’t want fanaticism in food, but mashed potatoes without unnecessary components were important to me. Therefore, in the first month of complementary foods, I carefully chose jars of mashed potatoes, which we bought with our own money.

From 6 months we began to receive dairy products. I was pleasantly surprised: there was nothing superfluous in the compositions. Therefore, for six months we actively used the food that was given to us. Monthly managed to save 1000-2000 R.

up to 2000 R

we saved on baby food

The variety of canned purees in the dairy kitchen pleased me. First, they gave the classic trio of vegetables that are recommended to start complementary foods with: broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini from Agushi. True, I didn’t really like the Agusha zucchini: it was too liquid and it was inconvenient to feed a child with it. Later, carrots and pumpkins of the same brand were added - with excellent composition and consistency.

Meat puree was also varied: the sets included poultry, beef, and veal. From 9months, jars of “chicken and vegetables” and “beef and vegetables” began to be issued. My daughter still eats this, despite the fact that she mostly prefers a common table. By the way, for some reason, there were no fish in the set from the dairy kitchen, although the pediatrician's memo said that fish should be introduced from 10-11 months.

Meat puree from the dairy kitchen had a good composition. True, the smell was not very appetizing, but my daughter ate with pleasure

Fruit puree was also given out by Agusha. The compositions were good, the tastes were different: we came across an apple, a pear, a peach. When my daughter got older, they began to give puree from several fruits and berries, for example, "apple, cherry, blueberry."

In addition, the set contained a mixture of two types: dry and liquid. We refused the liquid mixture: my daughter ate another, and in the kitchen they gave the same Agusha. The liquid mixture was packed in a separate box, so the husband immediately said: “We don’t take this.” We gave Nestogen dry mix to friends.

/list/fake-healthy-foods/

Corn flakes and "children's menu": what not to feed a child

My daughter fell in love with Agusha cottage cheese: she liked trying to eat from plastic packaging on her own.

What I didn't like about the dairy kitchen

First of all, the composition of some of the products that were given out on a monthly basis was contrary to the recommendations for complementary foods.

National program for optimizing the feeding of children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation - methodological recommendations of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia, p. The documents indicated that the products were issued in accordance with the age marking of the manufacturer, but in our case this did not always coincide with reality.

For example, milk porridges were not recommended until 9 months of age. In fact, we began to receive instant cereals with powdered milk from 7 months. Even the pediatrician did not advise giving fruit juice until a year old. And we began to receive it from 6 months - as a result, adults drank the juice from us.

Feeding and nutrition of infants and young children - guidelines for the WHO European RegionPDF, 1. 28 MB0003

Secondly, cereals included fructose and milk powder. Rospotrebnadzor does not recommend introducing sugar up to a year. And WHO recommends to refrain from cow's milk in favor of breast milk, as cow's milk is too rich in protein and sodium.

We started getting milk porridge "Agusha" from 8 months. Unlike other products, its composition was not perfect

Thirdly, did not contain mashed potatoes with chunks in the packages. This was a little depressing: it is recommended to start introducing pieces from 9-10 months.

But in the end, I understand that mashing food with a fork is much easier than making a full-fledged puree on your own. In addition, I know that in other regions the level of support for the authorities is significantly lower compared to Moscow. So I was grateful for what I have.

Why did we end up giving up free products

This happened simultaneously for two reasons. The first - by the year my daughter switched to a common table. The second - a set of products for children from the age of one did not suit her.

For example, I try to give cow's milk and juices as treats, the rest of the time she drinks water. My daughter prefers grained cottage cheese and ordinary cereals to dry cereals and children's creamy cottage cheese: she likes to eat them with her hands or with a spoon. I never add sugar to buckwheat or rice - purchased cereals cannot boast of this.

The only thing that could really be useful to us from the set for children from one year old is Agusha kefir, it has a good composition. But they give a lot of it, and the shelf life is short. On the one hand, this is good: it means that there are no preservatives in kefir, with which ultra-pasteurized milk is stored for months. But on the other hand, we had to drink kefir with the whole family until it got spoiled.

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I feed my family with farm products and save money

In addition, it was simply unprofitable to force my husband to go to the dairy kitchen for one yogurt.

How are things going with free meals in the regions

Each region independently determines what products, to whom and in what quantities to provide. In some regions, payments are assigned instead of products.

You can usually find out if there is a dairy kitchen in the region and who is entitled to it, usually at the children's clinic or social security departments. I will tell you about how things are in several large regions.

Moscow region. Dairy cuisine has been canceled in the Moscow Region. You can get money instead. The amount of the monthly cash payment in 2022:

  1. Pregnant women - 400 R.
  2. Nursing mothers - 1000 R.
  3. Children from 0 to 1 years old on artificial or mixed feeding - 1000 to 9003 years old Children from
  4. years old on artificial or mixed feeding - 600 R.

Decree of the Government of the Moscow Region dated November 26, 2019No. 868/41

If a woman has several children, she will receive payments for pregnant and lactating women in a single amount. If there are several children and they are formula fed, then a monthly cash payment is provided for each child.

Appointment of a monthly cash payment for food - the portal of public services of the Moscow region

St. Petersburg. In St. Petersburg there is neither a dairy kitchen nor compensation. But there is a "children's" card - it receives regional payments and benefits: for example, a one-time compensation payment for the birth of a child or a monthly allowance for a child up to one and a half years. You can only spend money on baby products in certain stores, including baby food.

Rules for using a "children's" card - St. Petersburg public services portal

You can order a card together with a one-time payment at the birth of a child. This is done online on the public services website or through the MFC. The card will be ready within three months, the service is free. You will need a passport to get it.

Nizhny Novgorod. Dairy products are distributed only to low-income families until the child is 2 years old. In order to receive food for children under one year old, the average per capita income of a family should not exceed two living wages, and if the child is from one to two years old, the average per capita income must be less than one living wage.

Regulations on the procedure for providing adequate nutrition for children under the age of 3 through special nutrition points (dairy kitchens) according to the opinion of doctors in the city district of Nizhny Novgorod

What products are distributed in Nizhny Novgorod

is issued
What is How much per month
Children under 5 months Dry mix 3.5 kg
Children 6-7 months Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese. By prescription, kefir 4.13 kg + 12 liters of kefir
Children 8-12 months, depending on doctor's prescription Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese 6 kg + 12 l kefir
Children 1-2 years old Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese 2 kg + 13. 2 l kefir
Children 2-3 years old Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese 1.9 kg + 13.2 l kefir

Children up to 5 months

What

Dry mixture

volume

3.5 kg

children 6–7 months

LUCK MARE MARRY, dry mixture, cottage cheese, cottage cheese . Kefir is dispensed by doctor's prescription

Volume per month

4.13 kg + 12 liters of kefir

Children 8-12 months old, depending on the doctor's prescription

that

Dry milk, dry mixture, cottage cheese

volume per month

6 kg+ 12 l kefira

children 1-2 years old

that

dry milk porridge, cottage cheese

volume for month

2 kg+ 13.2 l kefira

children 2-3 years old

What

Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese

volume

1. 9 kg+ 13.2 l kefira

9020 Kaluga region. Children of the first year of life on artificial and mixed feeding receive free meals. For children from 2 to 3 years old, the poor are paid compensation - up to 500 R.

Explanations on the provision of adequate nutrition for children of the first year of life who are artificially and mixed-fed - the official portal of the authorities of the Kaluga region you can apply if the income per family member does not exceed the regional subsistence minimum by more than 1,000 rubles.

What products are distributed in the Kaluga region

To whom they give What is To what extent
Children under 6 months Dry mix It is not known exactly, at the rate of 900 R per month per child
Children 6-12 months Dry mix, dry porridge It is not known exactly, at the rate of 900 R per month per child

Children under 6 months

What

Dry mixture

volume for a month

It is not known exactly, at the rate of 900 r per month per child

children 6-12 months

What are

Dry mix, dry porridge

volume

, at the rate of 900 R per month per child

In Bashkiria. Products are provided to orphans, as well as children, lactating and pregnant women from low-income families. You can get a dairy kitchen if the family income per person does not exceed 10,015 R.

Dairy cuisine of the Republic of Bashkiria

Provision of specialized food for pregnant women and nursing mothers - Republican Center for Social Support of the Population

What products are distributed in Bashkiria

What is How much per month
Pregnant Dry formula for pregnant women 2 kg
Lactating Dry formula for nursing 1 kg
Children under 6 months Powdered formula or specialty formula for medical indications 0.75 kg
Children 6-8 months Dry or specialized mix for medical indications, dry porridge, cottage cheese 2 kg
Children 8-12 months Dry or specialized mixture for medical indications, dry porridge, milk, kefir, cottage cheese 2 kg + 6. 5 l milk and kefir
Children 1-2 years old Dry porridge, cottage cheese, milk, kefir 2 kg + 16.4 l milk and kefir
Children 2-3 years old Curd, milk, kefir 1.1 kg + 16.6 liters of milk and kefir

Pregnant

What

Pregnancy powder

Monthly volume

2 kg

Nursing

that

Dry mixture for feeders

volume for a month

1 kg

children up to 6 months

What

Dry mix or specialized mixture for medical reasons

volume

0.75 kg

Children 6-8 months

What

Dry or specialized formula for medical indications, dry porridge, cottage cheese

Monthly volume

2 kg

children 8-12 months

What

Dry or specialized mixture for medical reasons, Sukhaya, milk, kefir porridge, cottage cheese

volume

2 kg+ 6. 5 l of milk and kefir

1-2 years old

What is

Sukhaya, cottage cheese, milk, kefir

volume for a month

2 kg+ 16.4 l milk and kefir

children 2-3 years old

cottage , milk, kefir

Monthly volume

1.1 kg + 16.6 liters of milk and kefir

Remember

  1. Provision of food for pregnant and lactating women on the conclusion of a doctor, as well as children under 3 years old - a state guarantee. But the specific conditions of the program depend on the region.
  2. Moscow provides food packages: pregnant and lactating women - juices and milk, infants under six months on artificial or mixed feeding - milk formulas, and older children - cereals, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, kefir and juices.
  3. To get food, you need to go to the antenatal clinic or children's clinic for a prescription. To do this, you will need to bring documents: a child's birth certificate, a parent's passport, confirmation of Moscow registration and a compulsory medical insurance policy.
  4. After 3 years, children from large families can receive formula - up to 7 years, children with some chronic

From 4 to 6 months

Breast milk is the best food for your baby.
It is very important that the baby consumes breast milk for as long as possible.

The right age to start complementary foods

It is recommended to start introducing complementary foods into the baby's diet no earlier than 4 months, but no later than 6 months*. At this age, the baby is in the active phase of development and reacts with curiosity to everything new! Some babies at 4 to 5 months of age can no longer satisfy their appetite with breast milk alone and need complementary foods for healthy growth. Other children have enough breast milk, and they are ready for the introduction of complementary foods only after 6 months. The decision to start complementary foods should always be made according to your baby's development. Do you feel like your baby is not getting enough breast milk? Does your baby hold his head on his own, show interest in new foods or a spoon? Then it's time to start feeding. If in doubt, consult your pediatrician.

If your baby spits out the first spoonfuls of puree, be patient. After all, he must first learn to swallow it. Start with a few scoops and give your child time to get used to the new form of feeding.

*Recommendation of the Nutrition Committee of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)

Why is complementary food important for the baby?

After 4-6 months of life, mother's milk or milk formula alone is not enough to supply the child's body with all the nutrients and necessary energy. In addition, the transition to solid food trains the muscles of the mouth. And finally, with the introduction of complementary foods, the child will get acquainted with the variety of taste directions, which is also important for his development.

When to start complementary foods?

Gradually replace one breastfeed with complementary foods. First for lunch, then for dinner and finally for lunch. The mouse eats breakfast with the usual dairy food.

Starting complementary foods with HiPP products is easy. The first spoons will be vegetable or fruit purees HiPP:

First step: lunch

We recommend that you start complementary foods at lunchtime with HiPP vegetable puree (for example, "Zucchini. My first puree", "Cauliflower. My first puree" or "Broccoli .My first puree"). Then, for satiety, feed your baby as always: breast or bottle. The amount of vegetable puree can be increased daily by 1 spoon. Be patient if your baby does not immediately love vegetables. Try repeating the vegetable puree in the following days. Next week, you can expand your diet with other varieties of HiPP vegetables (for example, "Carrots. My first puree" or "Potatoes. My first puree").

If your baby tolerates vegetables well, in the third week you can introduce grain porridge into the diet, and as a dessert, offer a few spoons of fruit puree enriched with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to better absorb iron in the body.

Learn more