R9k Monthly Budget Breakdown for 1-Year-Old Baffles South Africans: “Nanny Fee Is Too Low”

• An X (formerly Twitter) user stunned the internet after sharing a breakdown of their monthly budget for a one-year-old
• The roughly R9 000 breakdown included the cost of a nanny who works for four hours a day, along with groceries such as fruits and vegetables for the child
• After seeing the list, social media users gathered in the comment section, expressing confusion over what they saw

How much does it cost to raise a child each month? One parent revealed they spend over R9 000 and shared a breakdown of their monthly budget, leaving internet users in total disbelief.

On 6 September, 2025, social media influencer Thendo Muloiwa asked the public the above question on X (formerly Twitter). X user Bobby Diablo, who many assumed to be a father, shared on his account how much was forked out for a one-year-old.

Below is a breakdown of the monthly budget:

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• Nanny: R3 600 (for four hours a day)
• Milk: R1 000
• Nappies: R600
• Purity (product not specified): R570
• Porridge: R300
• Visits to the doctor for a check-up: R650
• Medication: R500
• Toiletries: R400
• Juice and yoghurts: R500
• Fruits and vegetables: R1 000 (estimation)
• Clothes as of recent: R600 (estimation)

The breakdown totalled an eye-watering R9 720 every month.

South Africans question monthly expenses

Bobby's post, which garnered nearly two million views since its publication, left several social media users heading to the comment section and scratching their heads in confusion. Some of the expenses stood out as strange to a few people.

A humorous @Thabo_Geek stated:

"Even a 30-year-old doesn’t eat fruits and vegetables worth R1 000."

@Masana_Mu shared their opinion about the caregiver's salary:

"The nanny fee is too low. It's way below the minimum wage amount. This doesn't include creche fees. Kids are expensive."

Bobby responded to the X user:

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"This is the 10th time I responded to the nanny issue. The nanny works four hours a day. This is about minimum wage."

A concerned @SKekezwa wrote in the comment section:

"Medication? Is the child having medical problems? Why do u need so many meds? Is it normal for a child to be sick all the time?"

@ayo_miss_lady also wondered about the child's health, writing:

"Doctor's check-up and medication every month? Awoa, my brother."

Bobby replied to the online user:

"My sister, I am told by people who have medical aid that they pay every month, even when they are not sick."

A confused @Mukwevho_NC remarked:

"Having raised two children as a full-time parent, some of these monthly expenses are unfamiliar to me."

@AndyMakazi joked under the post:

"This baby must just get a job."

Take a look at the breakdown in the picture posted on X below:

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3 Other stories about spending money on kids

• In another article, Briefly News reported that a South African mother shared a picture of her restaurant bill after dining with her three children. People were in shock at the total cost of all the meals.
• A local mother touched many people's hearts when she used the last of her savings to buy her children phones. She showed her kids' genuine shock and gratitude when they received their gifts.
• Online community members were surprised to hear how much parents had spent on their children's matric dance outfits. One learner revealed that her dress's fabric was imported from the United Arab Emirates.

Source: Briefly News