Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

How much does a baby cost?

490

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 17:50

Hello ladies,

I'm trying to get an idea of the costs involved in having a baby in Dubai. Obviously everyone does it differently, but if you can give me an idea of how much it costs a month for nappies, clothes, formula, vaccines/doctors visits and other baby essentials say for the first 6 months.

TIA

Log in to post new content in the forum.

Hello.Again.Kitty

1861

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:27

Another way to save.. If you from UK and planning a visit there before baby or you have someone coming over here, get all your baby stuff from there. Soo much cheaper, especially in the sales. Gosh yes! Whenever I'm back, I hoover up stocks like there's no tomorrow. Here in Dubai, the most decent wet wipes I've found are the Chubs ones (and amongst the cheapest at 15aed a pack - not counting the cheapie-cheapie ones that are rubbish)... in the UK, ooo, 4 packs for 18aed!

121

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:24

Another way to save.. If you from UK and planning a visit there before baby or you have someone coming over here, get all your baby stuff from there. Soo much cheaper, especially in the sales. Nappies, wipes, baby toiletries are always on buy one get one free offer. Sorry don't know about costings in other countries. Another way to save is to watch out for Babyshop/ Mothercare sales here in Dubai and stock up on what you need then. For the first 6 months babies will need 8-10 nappies per day! Another tip: google various baby shopping lists and then ask as many friends as possible what they really used and what they didn't. Good luck!

Hello.Again.Kitty

1861

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:20

Hahaha, thanks! When I posted this I did wonder 'how long is a piece of string?' but I just wanted to get a general idea. I am with you in that the day to day can be as much or as little as you make it, but OH is the one who needs convincing, he seems to think a baby will drag us into financial ruin! Well, my dad once said (before DH and I were even married) that there's no ideal time to have a baby, you're never prepared and you never have enough money, but that won't stop you and you'll cope just fine. The only really non-negotiable bit is the actual birth really. Budget up to 35k for that (private c-section), but as for the rest, you can easily just play it by ear. I bought my children's cot on Dubizzle for 200aed and although first time around I did go for the colour-coordinated nursery set (including deluxe change mat... /sigh), by the time I had my second, I'd realised that a towel on the bed does the trick just as well. Think of it this way: a/ people who actually have no money and few worldly goods still manage to have children and b/ as long as bubs is safe, loved and fed, you can pick up the accessories along the way... oh, and c/ you'll find friends and family will be incredibly generous in rather surprising ways - I've just found out one of my best friends is expecting her first and since I'm not planning on another, I'm giving her, well, everything short of a cot and a buggy!)

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:13

lol I read "how much does a baby cost?" and was considering offering to sell you my guy :) we bought a cot, change table and all other nursery furniture (really nice solid wood) second hand, and borrowed a bassinet and play mat off a friend, saved us loads. Highchair, get the cheap IKEA antilop, super easy to clean. Clothes cost as much or as little as you want to spend, H&M have cute cheap things and if you buy in advance during the sales you pay peanuts. Spend good money on a carseat, pram and monitor, you get what you pay for with these.

117

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:05

If it helps, I am due to give birth in 4 weeks and I've been keeping a spreadsheet of every single cost (including nappies, bottles to blood tests etc). My company has paid for my insurance so pregnancy check ups have been free. The birth also will be taken care of by the hospital however some costs are not free (depending on your health insurance). For example, epidurals and elective c-sections are not covered by most policies however if you have a good doctor, they might be able to give an excuse why its needed to waver this cost. As for setting up the nursery etc, I have paid AED 3,200 to date and have everything I need. This has included AED 1,300 worth of tests that were not covered by my insurer (down syndrome test at 12 wks for example). The remaining AED 1,900 has been spent on a stroller, car seat, bottles, nappies, nappy cream, baby bath, lotions and potions! I purchased a lot of stuff second hand from Dubizzle. As so many people are constantly moving away from Dubai you will be amazed what prices you can purchase various items for. I have done a rough calculation and saved around AED 3,000 alone from purchasing on Dubizzle and not buying new. That's a big saving. Also, if you have friends that have chlidren and no longer babies, they may be generous enough to give you items to borrow. My friends have been gorgeous and without asking, have given us a moses basket, base for car seat, toys, double breast pump and clothing. I haven't factored in the saving from these items. I agree with Hello Kitty who wrote you can spend as much or as little. A good friend has spent AED 20,000 just setting up their nursery. The choice is yours what you want to spend. I hope this gives you another look into how to save and what costs can be for a baby.

39

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 19:46

If you can get a health card in al wasl hospital, you can get free vaccinations for your children in the government clinic near your place.

490

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 19:33

Hahaha, thanks! When I posted this I did wonder 'how long is a piece of string?' but I just wanted to get a general idea. I am with you in that the day to day can be as much or as little as you make it, but OH is the one who needs convincing, he seems to think a baby will drag us into financial ruin!

Hello.Again.Kitty

1861

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 18:29

hehe - put it this way, once you have one, what choice do you have? If you want cheap, breastfeed, use cloth nappies or supermarket-brand nappies, use a damp flannel instead of wet-wipes and when the time comes make all your own baby food. Use only second-hand clothes and furniture. Cut out all the fancy things that quite frankly babies really don't need (matching nursery set?!) and rely on others to give bubs all the toys it'll need (which is actually true). It's very much a case of how long's a piece of string. Some people (me) go for a rather streamlined approach, others go for the whole kit and kaboodle. Second-hand clothes, for example, you can pick up a huge bag full for less than 50aed or you could go to Baby Cacharel and spend 600aed on a designer babygrow (maybe slight exaggeration, but not far off!)... baby monitors, you could go for, er, your own ears (free) or a super video-screen one for about 400aed. Anyhow, coming back to the subject, I can't honestly place a price on the day-to-day costs because it all just got mixed in with our normal shopping. There are a lot of upfront costs to set up the nursery and get the kit (and give birth here!) but the only running costs for the first 6 months are nappies and wet-wipes (which both depend on how often you need to change bubs)... you'll find you'll be given a lot of clothes, so manage people so that you get a range of sizes and not just 70 newborn items. As for medical costs, again, if your baby needs medical attention, then you have to give it... it's not really something you can budget. Some clinics do Well-Baby drop-ins and I think vaccinations are about 600aed a pop (haven't done any in Dubai - I do them in the UK). I've only once had to take my now 2-year-old son to the Dr, but DD makes regular trips to A&E! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 16/08/2011</em>

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis