The average cost for each utility would increase about 10 percent per child. Furnishings include furniture for a child's room and increased wear and tear on the rest of the furnshings and equipment. Annual figures reflect the replacement costs calculated over specified numbers of years related to the average life expectancy of each item. The cost of furniture and equipment for an infant is included in infant clothing costs because replacement is not required. Household operation includes such items as laundry, cleaning supplies and paper products.
Cost is based on the difference between the costs for one and two persons.
Laundry costs of an infant include increased laundry using special products. Laundering of diapers is calculated for two and a half years. Clothing costs are based on inventories of items appropriate for different age groups and sexes. The normal wear life of each item is taken into account in establishing the figures. First year costs would be much lower for subsequent infants if these items were reused.