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Baby on a Budget Sample Registry
Updated on
March 15, 2024

Baby on a Budget Sample Registry

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Baby on a Budget Sample Registry.

Baby gear doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While certain products may be worth the splurge for some, expensive doesn’t always necessarily mean better. Saving money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function or style.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to find baby gear that doesn’t break the bank. Here are some handy tips for finding a bargain and suggestions for items that fit the bill. The Babylist baby registry checklist also can help you see what’s essential and what’s not to help you prioritize what’s on your registry. Here are our tips for saving money on baby gear and our top picks for affordable products for those on a tight budget.

How to Save Money on Baby Gear

  • Shop consignment stores: Babies grow so quickly, and one of the best baby items to find gently used is clothing. As an added bonus, once your baby outgrows their current size, you can sell clothes back for credit toward their next size-ups.
  • Buy second-hand: Look to websites that sell pre-owned baby gear. We like Goodbuy Gear since they quality check all of their items for safety and cleanliness. But keep in mind that since baby gear like car seats and cribs have expiration dates and other safety considerations, we don’t recommend buying these items used.
  • Check Facebook: Look for local buy-nothing and parenting groups in your area. Facebook Marketplace is another great resource for finding gently used baby gear. You can filter to search for local pickup and even expand your search to listings that offer to ship.

Tips for Finding Baby Gear on a Budget

  • Stick to gear that will grow with your baby: Think of items that will last your baby for years to come. A convertible car seat is an infant to toddler car seat that will take your baby from birth to booster and some cribs can transition to toddler beds with a conversion kit.
  • Group gifting: Don’t be afraid to register for those big-ticket baby items. People are excited to buy things for a new baby and utilizing a group gift feature on your registry is a great way to let the people in your life contribute.
  • Lean into your network: As babies get older, most people don’t want baby gear taking up space so they’re eager to pass it on. And some things really hold up (especially clothing!). If you have friends or family with toddlers or older children, check with them for gently worn hand-me-downs.

Best Budget-Friendly Baby Gear

Nursery + Decor

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet - Sandstone - $99.99.

A straightforward design and a sturdy but lightweight frame makes this bassinet a great, affordable pick. Bonus: it folds flat and makes a great travel sleep solution for infants.

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet - Sandstone

$99.99
IKEA SNIGLAR - $119.00.

A crib is often one of the biggest nursery expenses–but it doesn’t have to be. This simple option is classic with clean lines and complements any decor. It’s also convertible—One side can be removed to convert it to a toddler bed.

IKEA SNIGLAR

$119.00
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress - White - $89.99.

This mattress in a box (think Casper, but for cribs) is lightweight, has a water-resistant outer cover and is ultra affordable. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified.

Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress - White

$89.99
Cloud Island I Love You Fitted Crib Sheet  - $9.99.

Soft, available in a ton of great prints and patterns and under $10 per sheet.

Cloud Island I Love You Fitted Crib Sheet

$9.99
Jool Baby Contoured Changing Pad with Cover - White Pebble - $34.99.

This basic changing pad will become a nursery staple. It’s designed to fit most changing tables and the high sides and belt help keep your little one from rolling off.

Jool Baby Contoured Changing Pad with Cover - White Pebble

$34.99
Aden + Anais Essentials Cotton Wrap Swaddles (3 Pack) - Twinkle, 0-3 Months, 3 - $31.99.

A 2-in-1 swaddle is easier to use than a traditional swaddle blanket (especially at 2 a.m.) and can be used until your baby starts showing signs of rolling over independently. This three-pack is machine washable and made from 100% cotton.

Aden + Anais Essentials Cotton Wrap Swaddles (3 Pack) - Twinkle, 0-3 Months, 3

$31.99
Motorola VM75 5" Video Baby Monitor - 1 Camera - $69.99.

This baby monitor has a crystal-clear image day and night plus two-way audio so you can talk to your baby as well as hear them. One thing to note: this monitor does not have WiFi capability.

Motorola VM75 5" Video Baby Monitor - 1 Camera

$69.99
Storkcraft Hoop Glider Rocking Chair - $179.99.

You can spend upwards of a thousand dollars or more on a glider—but you don’t have to. This one is roomy, comfortable and even comes with an ottoman for extra support.

Storkcraft Hoop Glider Rocking Chair

$179.99
Ready Rocker Ready Rocker 3.0 - Slate - $99.00.

If you don’t really have the budget (or the space) for a nursery rocker or glider, this little thing transforms almost any chair, sofa or bed into a relaxing rocker for you and your baby.

Ready Rocker Ready Rocker 3.0 - Slate

$99.00
Pillowfort Striped Coiled Rope Basket - $12.00.

Adding toy storage to your registry will help you stay on top of keeping organized once your little one (and all of their stuff) arrives. These baskets are stylish and open on top for easy access.

Pillowfort Striped Coiled Rope Basket

$12.00

On the Go

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System w/Litemax - Grey - $319.99.

A travel system is a great way to get a stroller and a car seat in one convenient, more affordable package. The Pivot is proof that a top rated stroller doesn’t have to be expensive, and the Litemax is one of our picks for the best infant car seat.

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System w/Litemax - Grey

$319.99
Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier - Natural - $49.99.

Four different carry positions, a weight range of 8-32 pounds and tens of thousands of stellar reviews all for under $45 makes the Flip the best baby carrier to add to your registry.

Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier - Natural

$49.99
Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller - $99.99.

You’ll get a ton of use out of this stroller any time you want (or need) a lighter, more portable version of your full-size stroller. This one weighs just 13 pounds and costs under a hundred dollars.

Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

$99.99
Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat - $59.98.

A convertible car seat can easily be a big-ticket item. This rear- and forward-facing model from Wal-Mart’s brand Cosco is extremely well-priced, safe and LATCH-equipped and accommodates infants from five pounds through toddlers up to 40 (not to mention well-loved as one of our top rated baby car seats).

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

$59.98

Gear

Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard - Reign - $59.99.

You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this playard that can be used as a sleep space, a safe spot for baby to play, a travel crib and more.

Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard - Reign

$59.99
Ingenuity ConvertMe 2-in-1 Compact Portable Automatic Baby Swing & Infant Seat - $75.99.

Many baby swings are pricey and cumbersome, but not this one. It’s affordable and portable and features sounds and movement.

Ingenuity ConvertMe 2-in-1 Compact Portable Automatic Baby Swing & Infant Seat

$75.99

Feeding

Dr. Brown's Anti-colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle Starter Gift Set - Clear/Blue - $29.99.

These anti-colic bottles are great whether you’re feeding your little one formula or expressed breast milk.

Dr. Brown's Anti-colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle Starter Gift Set - Clear/Blue

$29.99
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump With Personalfit Flex - $34.99.

If you’re only going to be pumping occasionally, a hand pump is a good and less expensive option.

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump With Personalfit Flex

$34.99
KeaBabies Organic Bandana Bibs (8 Pack) - Basics, 8 - $21.96.

This bib and burp cloth set is a good value and will help keep your little one clean(ish).

KeaBabies Organic Bandana Bibs (8 Pack) - Basics, 8

$21.96
Boppy Boppy x Babylist Nursing Pillow Original Support - Sand Stick And Twig - $44.99.

The Boppy breastfeeding pillow curves around your waist to hold your baby while you are nursing or bottle feeding, making it much easier on your arms and shoulders.

Boppy Boppy x Babylist Nursing Pillow Original Support - Sand Stick And Twig

$44.99
Inglesina Fast Table Chair - Dark Green - $79.00.

This hook-on high chair isn’t the most inexpensive on the market, but it’s still pretty affordable and we like that it doubles as an at-home seat and a high chair on the go.

Inglesina Fast Table Chair - Dark Green

$79.00
IKEA Antilop - $19.99.

At just under $20 this high chair is unbelievably affordable. It’s sturdy yet lightweight and (most importantly) easy to clean. We love Yeah Baby Goods for their fun add-on accessories (like a footrest) made specifically for this model.

IKEA Antilop

$19.99
AEIOU Future Foodie Gift Set - Sage - $54.00.

Skip traditional bowls and plates and go for this bundle, perfect for new eaters and really easy to clean. (We can’t say the same for your floor, unfortunately.)

AEIOU Future Foodie Gift Set - Sage

$54.00
Dr. Brown's Milestones Wide-Neck Sippy Straw Bottle - $9.99.

One of our favorite sippy cups for new drinkers (the weighted straw moves to the liquid and there’s no valve so it’s easy to suck) is well-priced and well-loved.

Dr. Brown's Milestones Wide-Neck Sippy Straw Bottle

$9.99

Ready to Add These to Your Registry?

With Babylist, you can add any item from any store onto ONE registry. Start your registry today and get a Hello Baby Box full of free (amazing!) goodies.

Diapering

Parents Choice Dry & Gentle Diapers 44ct - $4.62.

At about 10 cents each, these diapers are budget-friendly but don’t sacrifice function. They’re loved by parents for their leak protection and comfort.

Parents Choice Dry & Gentle Diapers 44ct

$4.62
Up&Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes - $16.79.

Target’s wipes are gentle, hypoallergenic and free from alcohol, dyes and other yucky things you don’t want near your little one’s skin. They’re also a really good value.

Up&Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes

$16.79
KeaBabies Original Diaper Backpack - Classic Gray - $45.00.

This gender neutral diaper bag is the perfect combination of form, function and affordability.

KeaBabies Original Diaper Backpack - Classic Gray

$45.00
Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail - $39.99.

This diaper pail is simply designed and won’t break the bank.

Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail

$39.99

Health + Safety

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-to-Toddler Tub - $19.99.

This basic bath tub grows with your little one from the newborn days through the toddler years. It even fits in your sink.

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-to-Toddler Tub

$19.99
Spasilk Baby 10 Pack Soft Terry Bath Washcloth Wipes - $7.99.

From bathtime to wiping down tiny hands and faces, these basic washcloths come in a pack of ten so you’ll always have one handy when you need it.

Spasilk Baby 10 Pack Soft Terry Bath Washcloth Wipes

$7.99
Carter's Hooded Towel (2 Pack) - Cows/Animals, O/S - $33.00.

It’s totally fine to use your everyday towels on baby, but if you want to splurge, this critter towel two-pack is an adorable (and affordable) choice.

Carter's Hooded Towel (2 Pack) - Cows/Animals, O/S

$33.00
The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit - $24.99.

Everything you need for your baby’s health and grooming is right here in this 17-piece kit including things like a brush and comb, nail clippers and more.

The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit

$24.99

Clothing + Accessories

Small Story Gown (2 Pack) - Shooting Stars, 0-6 M - $23.99.

Although not a must-have, gowns make diaper changes in those early months quick and easy. This two-pack is inexpensive and made from 100% cotton.

Small Story Gown (2 Pack) - Shooting Stars, 0-6 M

$23.99
Cloud Island Zip-Up Sleep N' Play (5 Pack) - $26.00.

Just like their name implies, these footed sleepers work for both day and night. The best part? No snaps to fumble with, just easy zippers.

Cloud Island Zip-Up Sleep N' Play (5 Pack)

$26.00
Carter's 5-Pack Short-Sleeve Bodysuits - True White, Newborn - $18.99.

Perfect for layering or on their own, these bodysuits are a baby wardrobe staple and extremely wallet-friendly. We recommend adding at least two size ranges to your registry.

Carter's 5-Pack Short-Sleeve Bodysuits - True White, Newborn

$18.99
Gerber 8-Pack Wiggle-Proof Jersey Ankle Socks - $12.47.

These will keep little toes warm. Plus, they’re all white, so you won’t have to waste time finding a match.

Gerber 8-Pack Wiggle-Proof Jersey Ankle Socks

$12.47
Used Baby Clothes - $0.00.

Hand-me-downs for the win! Babies grow out of clothes so quickly and gently used clothing is a great way to be friendly to the environment and your wallet.

Used Baby Clothes

$0.00

Play

Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe - Magical Tales Black & White - $69.99.

Simple and stylish and packed with tons of activities perfect for developing babies like black and white contrast and interactive toys. This baby gym is also easy to take on the go.

Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe - Magical Tales Black & White

$69.99
Sassy Sensory Activity Panels - $17.99.

With tons of different sensory features and engaging colors, we love this set of newborn activity panels.

Sassy Sensory Activity Panels

$17.99
 First 100 Words - $4.78.

This is one of our favorites, but we suggest adding a few of your family favorites to your registry too. (And don’t forget: you can also add requests for preloved books to your registry!)

First 100 Words

$4.78

Help + Favors

Blank Coupon - $0.00.

Some of the best things can’t be purchased in stores. Don’t forget to add a few help and favors to your baby registry, too!

Blank Coupon

$0.00

Briana Engelbrecht

Assistant Editor

Briana Engelbrecht is Babylist’s Assistant Editor, where she brings her passion for early childhood development and the perinatal period, plus experience as a mom of two to Babylist articles and guides. She’s also a certified lactation counselor. A former preschool teacher, she loves children’s picture books, cats, plants and making things.

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and review products, as well as the Babylist Health Advisory Board.