i know that it is very expensive to raise a child... but how much is it for the FIRST YEAR ONLY? the answers i've found only show the cost of raising a child until the age of 18...

try this link out. http://www.babyinfo.freeservers.com/growth/childcosts.html

I think it varies a lot depending on childcare costs (group, individual, how much time, etc.). As for supplies and clothes, second-hands are great, but diaper costs vary. Food is really little. Medical care could be the biggest cost, but we had good insurance. Kids get sick, need lots of immunization, etc.