---
title: "How to budget for paternity leave and the first weeks at home"
description: "Paternity leave budget: work out your leave pay, plan for the drop in income and new baby costs, and save ahead, with a worked example for two parents."
author: "Wealtie Team"
published: 2026-11-13
updated: 2026-11-13
category: "Money as a couple"
canonical: https://wealtie.com/blog/paternity-leave-budget
---

# How to budget for paternity leave and the first weeks at home

A paternity leave budget starts with what you'll be paid while off, then plans for the dip in household income and the costs of a new baby. In a worked example, a household saves 1,200 before the birth to cover two weeks of lower pay and early baby costs.

## Key takeaways

- A paternity leave budget starts with what you'll be paid while off.
- Plan for the drop in household income alongside new baby costs.
- In a worked example, saving 1,200 before the birth covers the gap.
- Check your employer's policy and any government support early.

## What goes into a paternity leave budget?

Paternity leave, sometimes called partner or parental leave, gives the second parent time at home after a baby arrives. It's precious time, but it often comes with lower pay, just as new costs appear. Planning ahead means you can focus on your family instead of worrying about money.

Many parents say the first weeks with a newborn pass in a blur. Sleep is short, routines disappear, and there's little energy for money admin. Getting the budget sorted before the birth means bills keep getting paid, savings stay on track and you're not making rushed decisions at three in the morning. Even a simple plan, written on one page, is better than none. Agree who handles which bills and when, so nothing is forgotten while you're both tired. The budget has three parts: what you'll be paid while off, how the household income changes, and the costs of the first weeks with a baby.

Leave rules and pay vary a lot by country and employer. Some employers top up statutory pay, while others pay only the minimum, and some people aren't entitled to paid leave at all. Check your contract and any government support early, since there may be deadlines for telling your employer.

## How much should you save for paternity leave?

Here's a worked example for a household where one parent takes two weeks of paternity leave at lower pay, in round numbers that work in any currency:

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Lower pay for two weeks | 600 |
| Early baby costs | 400 |
| Buffer | 200 |
| **Total to save** | **1,200** |

![Saving for paternity leave. Lower pay for two weeks: 600, Early baby costs: 400, Buffer: 200.](https://us-1-s3.polodev.net/wealtie-blog-media/posts/2026/11/saving-for-paternity-leave-lower-pay-for-two-weeks-600-1f8c6507c7.webp "Source: Worked example in round numbers")

Pay drops by 300 a week during leave, so two weeks cost 600 in lost income. Early baby costs cover nappies, extra food, travel to appointments and the things you didn't know you needed. A buffer covers surprises. Saving 200 a month for six months before the birth covers it.

## What does paternity leave pay?

### Check your employer's policy

Some employers pay full salary for paternity leave, others pay a set amount, and some offer extra unpaid leave. Your contract or staff handbook should explain it.

### Check government support

Many countries offer statutory paternity or parental pay, sometimes with conditions like how long you've worked for your employer. Rules can change, so check the current details.

### Think about shared leave

In some places, parents can share leave between them. This can let the second parent take more time off, though often at lower pay. Work out how different splits would affect household income before deciding.

## How does household income change?

If the other parent is also on leave, perhaps at reduced pay, the household may have two lower incomes at the same time. Add up what both of you will receive each month during leave and compare it with your usual costs. The gap is what you need to plan for.

If the gap is large, look at which costs can be paused or reduced for a few months, like subscriptions, eating out and savings for long-term goals. It's fine to slow down saving during leave, as long as the emergency fund stays in place. Once both incomes return to normal, restart what you paused. Writing down what you've paused, and when you'll restart it, stops those costs creeping back in without a decision. [The maternity leave budget](https://wealtie.com/blog/maternity-leave-budget) covers planning for the birth parent's leave.

## What new costs should you plan for?

Nappies, wipes, clothes, feeding supplies and a car seat are common early costs. Many of these can be borrowed or bought second-hand, apart from the car seat, which is safest bought new. Higher energy bills from being at home more, and more convenience food in the early days, add up too. [How to budget for a baby](https://wealtie.com/blog/budget-for-a-baby) covers the costs in the first year in detail.

## How do you prepare before the birth?

Start saving as early as you can. Look at your spending and pause anything non-essential for a few months. Batch-cook and freeze meals before the birth to cut takeaway costs later. Agree with your partner how you'll handle shared costs while incomes are lower. [How to share a budget with your partner](https://wealtie.com/blog/share-budget-with-partner) covers setting up a shared plan, and [how to build an emergency fund](https://wealtie.com/blog/build-an-emergency-fund) covers having a buffer for surprises.

### Plan the return to work

When you go back to work, there may be new costs, like childcare once the other parent returns too. [Back to work after maternity leave](https://wealtie.com/blog/back-to-work-after-maternity-leave) covers the changes for the household.

## How do you plan paternity leave in Wealtie?

Use a shared account so you both see the household budget and baby costs. The account owner needs Pro, and the person invited can be on any plan. Add a baby category to your [expense categories](https://wealtie.com/features/categories) and set a [monthly budget](https://wealtie.com/features/budgets) based on your income during leave.

## Questions people ask

### How do I budget for paternity leave?

Work out what you'll be paid while off, compare household income during leave with your usual costs and save for the gap and early baby costs.

### How much should I save for paternity leave?

In a worked example, a household saves 1,200 before the birth to cover two weeks of lower pay, early baby costs and a buffer.

### Is paternity leave paid?

Often, but the amount varies by employer and country. Some employers pay full salary, others pay a set amount, and some leave is unpaid, so check early.

### What costs come with a new baby in the first weeks?

Nappies, wipes, clothes, feeding supplies, a car seat, higher energy bills and more convenience food.

*This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.*