Why infant care costs the most
Infant care is the most expensive age group because it needs the lowest child-to-staff ratios — typically three to four infants per caregiver, versus eight to ten preschoolers per teacher. Fewer children per paid adult means staff wages (the bulk of any childcare budget) are spread over fewer families. Nationally, median center-based infant care is about $7,987/year versus $6,500/year for preschool — roughly 19% more (2018 medians). Cost falls each time a child ages into a higher ratio band.
Source: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices. Data as of June 2026.
How median cost falls by age (center-based)
| Age group | US median /yr | Typical ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–23 mo) | $7,987 | ~1 adult : 3–4 children |
| Toddler (24–35 mo) | $7,280 | ~1 : 4–6 |
| Preschool (3–5 yr) | $6,500 | ~1 : 8–10 |
| School-age | $5,523 | ~1 : 10–15 (part-day) |
The takeaway for budgeting
The most expensive year is usually a child's first. Plan for the highest cost up front and expect relief as they move to preschool. See your state's full age breakdown on any state page, or estimate the drop with the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Why is infant daycare more expensive than care for older children?
Infant care requires the lowest child-to-staff ratios — often three to four infants per caregiver, versus eight to ten preschoolers per teacher. Fewer children per paid adult means each infant carries more of the staff cost. Nationally, median center-based infant care ($7,987/yr) runs about 19% more than preschool ($6,500/yr).
At what age does childcare get cheaper?
Cost falls in steps as a child ages out of each ratio band: infant to toddler, toddler to preschool, then to school-age (where part-day before/after care is common). The biggest single drop is usually leaving infant care.
Do ratios vary by state?
Yes. States set their own licensing ratios, so the infant premium and exact prices differ. But the direction is universal — infants always need more staff per child than older kids, so infant care is the most expensive everywhere.
Last updated: 2026-06-20