Budget Baby Essentials Checklist
Everything you genuinely need (and nothing you don’t) to get through the first six months without overspending.
The real cost of “must-haves”
Most marketing lists contain duplicate gadgets or premium branding you simply don’t need. After tracking receipts from real UK families, we built a minimalist shopping plan that keeps quality high while trimming impulse purchases.
Tiered saving plan
Starter bundle (bare essentials)
- Group 0+ car seat (see best budget picks)
- Second-hand pushchair frame + new mattress insert
- Bedside crib with two fitted sheets
- Manual breast pump or two bottles
Comfort bundle (balanced pick)
- Travel-system pushchair from our value list
- Video baby monitor from our review
- Bottle prep shortcut: Perfect Prep style machine
- Clip-on high chair ready for weaning
Stress-free bundle (nice-to-have extras)
- Travel cot that doubles as safe play space
- Nappy bin with compatible value refills (we tested them)
- Baby bouncer for hands-free showers
- Monthly nappy & wipe subscription to smooth cashflow
Checklist you can screenshot
Sleep
- ✓ Cot/crib + 2 sheets
- ✓ 2 sleep sacks
- ✓ Audio monitor (upgrade later if needed)
Feeding
- ✓ 3 bottles + slow-flow teats
- ✓ Microwave steriliser or cold-water tablets
- ✓ Muslin cloth bundle
Getting around
- ✓ Car seat (always new)
- ✓ Pushchair frame that fits your boot
- ✓ Baby carrier for days without the pram
Changing
- ✓ Changing mat + portable caddy
- ✓ 150 nappies + wipes multipack
- ✓ Barrier cream
Skip these to stay on budget
❌ Multiple gadgets that do the same job
Choose either a prep machine or a kettle routine—not both.
❌ Newborn-sized clothes haul
They outgrow newborn sizes in weeks. Buy a 0-3 month bundle instead.
❌ Premium nappy bin refills
Buy compatible bags in bulk and stash them in a tote under the cot.
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