What sort of household income is needed to raise a child?

[Andyrourkerip]

I know it's not really an AIBU as such, but we're on a combined income of 43k which I know is quite low compared to what many couples earn. I am the main earner, I am a civil servant and have a good maternity leave package.
Partner doesn't think we earn enough between us yet. I do understand on one hand, however I'm 32.5 now and whilst I know it's still relatively young, I don't have forever. I am planning to apply for promotion in the next couple of months, obviously there's no guarantee but would be on an extra £200 a month which is something for sure.
I work typical 9-5 hours with hybrid and Flexi time , partner works evenings and weekends ATM.
I know babies themselves aren't that expensive, I buy majority of my own things second hand and would have no issue sourcing such things for a baby, it's just childcare costs and then when they get older for driving lessons etc (obviously that's a very long way off!)
In terms of childcare I think we could make it work with our current hours, we'd possibly need to pay for part time childcare but not full time.
Just be interested to know what people think in terms of income and if it's doable.

Income isn't everything as if you are on the housing ladder & when you got on can make a significant difference

He's in a 'low skilled' role but looking to gain further qualifications to move onto higher paying roles.
According to entitledto, our entitlement would cover the cost of childcare fees, not sure if that's right?

Thanks for all answers so far.

How much more does your partner think your household income should be before you start ttc? And is that achievable in next 3 years? Could it be that he’s using that as a reason to delay?

You have your mat pay - will it reduce if you take a year? Would you go back full time?
Initial expense's- cot, pushchair car seat are main ones.
Nappies, possibly formula if needed.
Childcare by far the biggest cost.
You will get child benefit £85 a month plus probably uc . And 20% of child care coved.

If buying a house if something you plan to do in the future I’d do that before having a baby. But if you plan to keep renting and can look after the baby between you and don’t need expensive childcare then I think you’ll be fine. It’s childcare which cripples people. Kids are expensive but you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a baby. Civil servant you should get 6 months and then 3 months Stat Mat pay

I say just go for it.
There will never be a 'right' amount of money & you could be waiting years for promotion & to earn more.

We earn a similar amount & have 2 kids and it's fine. You can get everything second hand, and often people will give away bundles for free online. My kids are now 3 & 6 and they both have dancing and swimming lessons and don't miss out.

The main killer is childcare costs. I dropped to 4 days a week, and fortunately my Mum & MIL took on 3 days for me. Nursery fees for 1 day were around £260. We had '30 free hours' from age 3 (I know some areas start this at age 2). Our youngest now does 3 half days/school and it costs around £200. If you can go part time or get some childcare from family members, then that really helps.

As someone else said though, if the plan is to work from home with a baby/toddler, then it really is impossible to do. It's hard to imagine until you have a baby, but they take up every second of your time. You feel like you don't have time to brush your teeth, let alone anything else.

I absolutely think go for it though. You will be absolutely fine in your wages. Yes, you might have to scrimp on a few things but you will get by, and it's so worth it!

If you work days and partner evenings and weekends then no need for childcare

It's what we do

Dh works days. I work nights

Can be ships that pass in the night as such

6mths full pay is a good package

The money you can make work. Your bigger problems are that it sounds like your partner doesn’t really want to have children and isn’t really doing anything to progress his career (looking to do better qualifications rather than actually doing them).

maybe he doesn't want to have children. 43k is more than many have. I have seen friends strung along with similar excuses...

I think you should start trying now. I started trying when I was 32 after moving into a bigger house and thought we were in a good position, however it took us a few years to have the first baby, after 2 miscarriages. At one point I thought we couldn’t have children. Wish we started trying sooner now thinking back, as parents would manage whatever the situation