Housing, childcare, and healthcare dominate the increased costs for families with children. Education comes into play as well, but is not as clearly dominant.

Housing, childcare, and healthcare dominate the increased costs for families with children. Education comes into play as well, but is not as clearly dominant. Food and apparel (of any quality) are cheaper in real-terms on the time-scales you are talking about. This is an important distinction because while you can substitute beans & rice for meat and patch-up your old clothing, you can't just not have a roof over your head.