how much does it cost to have a toddler and an infant?

Well, for day-to day cost, my toddler (21 months old) goes through 5-7 diapers a day and eats with the family, about half the portion of an adult for 3 meals and 3 snacks.

My baby (4 months old) currently goes through 26 ounces of formula a day (but 40 ounces would be just as normal at this age!) and usually 6 diapers. In another 2 months we'll obviously be adding solids to that. I would breastfeed (essentially free) if I could, but I can't, and the formula is expensive because he needs a special kind to prevent constipation.

Then there are the costs of wipes, rash cream, clothes (I still need to buy some for my second because my first was born in the opposite season), health insurance (they are free to add to my own, but I have more than basic covering with their needs in mind), things like shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste for my toddler, bibs, a second crib because my first is not ready for a toddler bed, baby sleep sacks appropriate to the season, bottles, bottle nipples that have to be replaced every 6 weeks, the list goes on.

How much that works out to depends on how much things cost where you live, whether or not you'll breastfeed, What kind of formula baby needs if you don't/can't, which diaper brand will work best on your baby (my second does fine in store brand, my first leaked in everything but Pampers), what kind of meals your family eats, where you get baby clothes etc. etc. etc.

In general, if you're not in a comfortable financial situation, don't add another kid.

There are too many variables to really give you an idea. How you feed your child (breast vs. formula), how you diaper your child (disposable vs cloth) and the list goes on an on.

I don't think having a planned child is a good idea if you know you need will government assistance to care for that child. It is one thing find yourself in bind and need it. But quite another to plan for that bind so to speak.

Please no insults on government help.