Prams, cars and medical expenses: New data reveals where Aussies are spending the most money pre-baby

Having a baby is an exciting part of life for couples, but it's also a really expensive time, too. 

It's no surprise having a baby can stack up financially.

Between all the things you need to buy for the baby, then everything else on top like medical costs and extras like showers, it can all add up quickly. 

But new research from the 9honey and Elevit Parenting Survey has revealed the biggest pre-baby expense for couples nowadays is the pram. 

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Of those surveyed, 40 per cent said it was the biggest pre-baby expense for them.

A lot of people may be wondering how that could be the biggest expense, but a quick look online reveals a top-of-the-range pram can easily set you back a couple of thousand dollars. 

The most interesting part about that number is it is consistent across the age of those who participated in the survey and age of children, meaning prams have always been a big ticket item for most couples.

Nowadays, though, many couples are going into big purchases like the pram, wanting the ability to convert into a double down the line, and be durable enough to last for years, and for multiple kids.

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The next biggest expense for parents pre-baby is medical costs – things like scans and doctors appointments – with 27 per cent of those surveyed saying that was where they spent big. 

And rounding out the top three was motor vehicle costs, with 23 per cent of respondents splashing out on things like a new car and car seats. 

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For 19 per cent of those surveyed, their cot was the biggest expense, which can range from just a few hundred into the thousands of dollars for high tech bassinets, which have become a cult favourite among modern parents.

Outside of that, 18 per cent of people said their biggest expense was private health, with some couples choosing to up their cover to be able to give birth in a private hospital with their own obstetrician. 

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Clothes came in at the most pricey part of things for just 14 per cent and decorating the nursery was the most expensive part for eight per cent of people. 

Only three per cent of those surveyed chose 'other' as their biggest expense – maybe a luxe babymoon or even a new home to accommodate the new arrival?

And 12 per cent of people responded that they just "can't remember" what their biggest expense was.

With the pram and vehicle costs up there, transport – whether it be out and about walking or upgrading to a family car – is clearly a focus for parents-to-be and the research shows that.

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