AIBU to ask parents of more than one child

[Caretoomuch2017]

Is there a massive financial outlay to a second child?

Yes, your first always costs more as you don't have anything you need but what are the additional financial implications you found to having your second?

Been having a deep and meaningful about if we should have a second with DH and he has raised some valid points about finances in terms of being comfortable now and worrying we wouldn't be as comfortable moving forward.

We have a reasonable income and some disposable income. I work a job share and it's shifts, so we generally pay anywhere between 6-9 days childcare a month. We have a very flexible childminder at the moment.

If we were to have a second, our first would be eligible for the 30 hours free childcare by the time my mat leave ended,which would help with childcare costs.

Yes food bills will increase. Heating bills would be the same. Electricity may increase and water is fixed as we aren't on a meter.

Am I missing anything? I'm getting that urge for a second child. It's weird, between us it was always the other way round, he wanted a larger family and me being an only child was happy with just one. Recently our views seem to have swapped and I genuinely can't imagine not ever having another child.

I am desperate to have another baby but I'm also trying to be sensible too. I don't want to put our family at risk financially either. If it turns out it's a no, I won't lie, I will be devastated but it's something I'll have to get over.

I was just hoping some of you lot would be able to give me your views on having two.
I'd also welcome any stories on how it was emotionally in terms of the shift in attention and having a toddler with a baby. My DS is almost 2.

I know some of what I am asking is quite personal, hence my AIBU but any pearls of wisdom would be gratefully received!

Ah damn bracket fail!

to you both!

"I would say the pleasure of two plus the fact that the children keep each other occupied far outweighs any financial cost though"

This.

And as far as trips and entrance tickets etc costing more, there are often family tickets which mean you don't actually pay the "full price" for two kids and two adults. We don't fly much - ferry tickets, a car journey and rental accomodation with two rooms costs the same regardless of how many people are in the car / cottage.

It works out at slightly less than double the cost of 1 over 18 years I reckon. There are economies of scale to be made if you are an average family (2 adults, 2 children) but they are minor conpared to the outlay. And yes, as they get older the costs rise and rise.

Moving from 2 to 3 is proportionally much more expensive than 1 to 2 though.

Just to say, whilst tuition fees are covered in full by a loan, university maintenance costs aren't covered in total by loans, except if you're from a low income household, so you'd best start saving now!