Editor’s note: First published 2019 | Refreshed October 2025 with updated leave rates, benefit info, and links to our Parents & Family guides.

Having a Baby in Ireland (2025) | Your Financial To-Do List for New Parents 👶

Having a baby is about the most adult thing you’ll ever do. It’s wildly rewarding — even if it doesn’t feel that way when they’ve redecorated the kitchen in puréed carrots five minutes after you mopped it.

They’re also expensive. According to The Irish Times, your baby’s first year can set you back around €4 170 (before childcare). Most of it disappears on formula, food, and nappies. If you’re having twins, double it — speaking from experience 😅

We had twins + a toddler. Cue a 7-seater upgrade — back then there weren’t many cars with three ISOFIX points. IYKYK.

1️⃣ Sort Your Parental Leave & Benefit

• Maternity Benefit: 26 weeks @ €289 per week — apply ≥ 6 weeks before leave (12 if self-employed).
• Paternity Benefit: 2 weeks @ €289 per week — not long, but a handy breather to learn the art of swaddling.

Some employers top up your pay, so check with HR. If you’re both off, that’s roughly €1 450 per month between you — less income, more expenses, so plan ahead.

2️⃣ Claim Your Child Benefit

It’s €150 per month per child (€225 each for twins). Apply within 12 months of birth — online or via hospital forms. There’s also a €280 Newborn Baby Grant for children born on or after 1 December 2024, paid with your first Child Benefit payment. This usually lands on the first Tuesday each month and is a lifesaver for nappies and Calpol emergencies.

3️⃣ Tidy Up Your Monthly Bills Before Baby Arrives

Ring your TV, broadband or utility providers and say you’re thinking of switching — magically, “retention offers” appear. Every euro helps when you’re buying baby wipes by the pallet.

And honestly, cancel Netflix for a bit. Your new show is called In the Night Garden.

4️⃣ Check Your Health Insurance (Especially Maternity Cover)

If you have private health insurance, see what it actually covers for pregnancy and birth. Some plans offer private rooms or extra consults but carry a 52-week waiting period. If you’re already pregnant, switching now won’t count — but it’s worth reviewing for next time.

5️⃣ Build a Simple Safety Net (Without Getting Morbid)

You don’t need to turn into a financial planner overnight — but now’s a smart time to think about how your household would cope if income stopped.

• Life insurance for parents — protects your family if you’re not around to earn.
• Income protection — pays you a monthly income if you’re out sick long-term.
• Unmarried couples guide — avoid tax surprises if you’re not legally wed.

No hard sell — just get the basics sorted so you’re not depending on luck and child benefit alone.

6️⃣ Think Ahead — Baby Funds & College Savings

Open a simple credit-union or bank child saver account once you have a PPS number for baby. Even €20 a month builds a buffer for school trips and uniforms later on.

Over to You 👋

If you’re expecting (or in the eye of the storm already), get the admin done now so you can focus on the fun bits. If you want help with the life-cover side of things, complete this short questionnaire and I’ll send you a simple recommendation over email — no sales chat required.

Chat soon (and good luck with the nappies).
Nick | lion.ie — Making life insurance breezy since 2011

<!– === FAQ SCHEMA (to copy into WP fields) ===
Q: How much does it cost to raise a baby in Ireland?
A: Roughly €4 000–€5 000 in the first year before childcare, according to Irish Times data.

Q: When should I apply for Child Benefit?
A: Within 12 months of birth — you can apply online or through forms given at the maternity hospital.

Q: Do I need life insurance before the baby arrives?
A: It’s smart to arrange cover during pregnancy while you have the time; it protects your family’s income if something unexpected happens.
=== END FAQ ===