Baby on a Budget: Affordable Baby Gear

The news that you’re having a new baby is so wonderful and exciting. However, it can also be overwhelming when you start calculating how much your little one is going to cost. And it’s not a coincident that there are so many items out there marketed at babies because companies know how excited you are.  According to What to Expect on average parents spend 13,000 on their baby within a year…and unfortunately this estimate doesn’t even include the cost of delivery or medical care for you little one. But don’t worry…you can still have a baby on a budget.

If you avoid overbuying and only buy the things you need, budget and shop around for good prices, you can save money on baby items that first year that could save you thousands of dollars.

Quick Tips:

These tips will help you have a baby on a budget.

1. Most items you buy for a newborn or infant will not be useable later on. So keep this in mind when shopping. Most toys, chairs and carriers have a maximum weight limit of 25 lbs. For my son that was about 13 months. I recommend shopping at second hand children stores like Once Upon a Child or Facebook Marketplace. You can save 50% off these items that you child will quickly outgrow.
2. Shop discount stores like Burlington Coat factory that carry a good selection on discount baby gear.
3. Choose quality over brand. There are designer baby items these days that seem appealing because they are so popular but baby’s are simple. As long as the item is safe for your baby and will hold up for use… the brand doesn’t really matter.
4. Don’t buy things you don’t need or won’t use.
5. Return items that don’t work for your baby. Many times we will order something offline and it doesn’t fit or may not be comfortable for your baby. We put those things to the side to collect dust, knowing it won’t be used. Instead when you open something and you are certain you won’t use it, return it. It doesn’t seem like it but, holding on to these items adds up at the end of the year. If you have 10 items you can’t use by the end of the year ranging from $20 to $50, you have wasted $200 to $500.

I have made this list of baby on a budget items. Not every single item may be necessary for you, but all of these are great options at a great price.

1. MAM Day & Night Pacifiers

0-6 months. Glow in the dark. These are my sons favorite, he will refuse all other pacifiers. I also like that they come in so many designs and this particular pack includes day pacifiers and a glow and the dark pacifier. It makes it easy to find your child in a dark room.

2. Avima Newborn Baby Bottle Starter Kit 

I wish I had seen this set before I bought the items separately. It is much cheaper to buy together in a starter kit, like this. Avima bottles are quality bottles, easy to clean and anti-colic. My son used Avima for more than 8 months straight and the bottles are still in great condition. No leaks and not a ton of extra valves or parts to wash and store.

This 22 piece set includes 4 pacifiers, 2 pacifier sterilizer cases, pacifier holder, 3 4-ounce bottles, 3 9-ounce bottles, slow flow nipples, medium flow nipples, formula container and 2 bottle brushes.

3. Gerber Unisex Onesies 

This 8 pack of short sleeve onesies are great for babies. It’s more than a week worth of shirts. Having this amount will allow you to wash some and still have a few choices left for your baby to wear. Buying in a larger pack is cheaper than individual onesies.

4. Onesies Brand Baby Cotton Pants

Four pack of baby 100 % cotton sweatpants. Sweatpants and leggings with a lot of stretch are the easiest to get on your baby. They go on easy and the fabric is also very comfortable for lounging and napping, which is what baby’s do best.

5. Gerber Long Sleeve Mitten Shirts 

These shirts are a must-have. My son scratched his face and eyes many times, even though I cut or filed his nails. The scratch mittens were nice, but they were hard to keep together during laundry and he was often able to get them off once he was able to wiggle. Also if your baby has big hands, the mittens will not be of use for you. The is a great alternative and I didn’t have to worry about him scratching his face.

6. Gerber Baby Nightgowns 

These nightgowns make nighttime feedings and diaper changes a lot easier. You don’t have to disturb your baby so much from their curled-up position. You can easily just fold up the gown and change the diaper and pull the gown back down. Trust me, it takes so much less time that zipping or or buttoning and taking the legs out of a sleeper. If you use these type of nightgowns I do recommend comfortable, somewhat loose socks so your baby’s feet don’t get cold.

7. Unisex Quilted Baby Swaddles 

I used these baby swaddles overnight for my son. They helped him not move around so much and startle himself awake. I think the cocoon feeling also reminded him of his 9-month home. These are easy to use and they wash well. It also gives your child a blanket without actually using a blanket, because it can be very dangerous to use with babies. These quilted swaddles come in a pack of 3.

8. Bliss N Baby Head Shaping Pillow 

This is a great way to make sure your baby is comfortable, but still safe in their bassinet. It also helps to prevent flat head syndrome and help with reflux, which most baby’s go through.

9. Baby Lounger with Pillow 

This baby lounger gives your baby a safe and comfortable place to rest or nap. It includes a pillow much like the one above. Easy to pack when on the go. and machine washable for messes.

10. Nursing Pillow

I used this for the first 9 months for feeding, propping and to support my arms while I held my son. There were times I held him for a long time and your arm may become heavy and stiff. This helps support that. This is a great pillow to have because it’s has so many uses. Your child can use it for a real pillow as they grow.

11. Deluxe Nursery Center

This is a budget friendly and practical option for sleep that includes bassinet, changing station and pack and play. These are very versatile and save you money by combining 3 necessities into 1. Also being portable is a great thing. Much easier to move around and carry than a traditional crib. you can also easily pack it away if you are going on vacation or the baby is staying a night at grandma!

12. Summer Splish Splash 

Washing your newborn is super easy with this three stage newborn to toddler bathtub which Includes a parent assist tray, drain plug and newborn sling. I used this tub for the first 12 months of my son’s life.

13. Ultra Soft Baby Washcloths 

This 16 pack of baby washcloths are enough to keep your baby clean for a whole year! Budget friendly, super soft for your baby’s skin and they dry super fast as well.

14. Aveeno Wash and Lotion Set 

Aveeno is a well known brand and their baby products are hypoallergenic for sensitive baby skin. This set includes oat wash + shampoo & lotion. This duo is fragrance free and free of parabens, phthalates and phenoxyethanol.

15. Safety First Deluxe Grooming Kit 

This baby safety kit includes everything you need to take care of your new baby. Grooming tools…comb, brush, nail clippers. It even includes a pouch to carry all these little items is for easy transport.

16. Little Remedies New Baby Nose and Tummy Kit

This new baby essentials kit, includes 6 pieces to keep your baby healthy. This set includes saline spray, nasal aspirator, gas relief drops, infant fever & pain reliever, gripe water and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.’

17. Baby Trend High Chair 

This is a full-size high chair that is foldable. If you don’t have a lot of  space you can fold it up and tuck it away, when not in use.  It has 6 height adjustments and 3 recline adjustments. This is great because early on your baby will not be able to sit directly up for their bottle. The tray is dish washable safe. This high chair is safe for children up to 40 pounds.

18. Baby Trend Travel System 

Traveling systems are essential and can be extremely pricey. This set is budget friendly and safe option for your newborn baby. It includes an infant car seat and stroller. The car seat clips easily into the stroller for simple and quick transporting from car to stroller.

19. Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play 

This tummy time mat is budget friendly and offers a prop pillow to support your baby. It come complete with mirror and rattle toys to help take your babies attention and help him/her learn.

20 Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail

This one goes without saying. Those little pampers will smell up your house without a great diaper pail.

I hope this article helped you find options for having a baby on a budget.

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