Baby on a Budget: Affordable Baby Registry Picks for Cost-Conscious Parents

A straightforward design and a sturdy but lightweight frame make this bassinet a great, affordable pick. The sleeping portion of the bassinet can be removed so you can bring it to any room of your home to create a safe sleep space for your baby. When attached to the base, the side-to-side glider feature can be unlocked to gently rock your baby. And since its rocking feature is manual, you don’t have to worry about being near an outlet.

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.

This mattress in a box is lightweight, has a water-resistant outer cover and is ultra affordable. And when the inevitable accident happens, you can remove the outer layer and toss it in the wash for easy clean-up. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified.

Soft, breathable crib sheets don’t have to cost the same as the sheets you put on your own bed. For less than $15, you get a pair of comfortable fitted sheets in two different patterns. And if these patterns don't fit your nursery style, there are tons of other options.

You’ll be using your changing pad from birth through toddlerhood (or at least until they’ve gotten the hang of potty training). With that in mind, blowouts are bound to happen and this double-sided changing pad has a waterproof cover that allows you to wipe up accidents. It also comes with a soft liner that can be tossed in the washing machine.

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 percent cotton.

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. It comes with other helpful features like eight lullabies to soothe your baby into sleep and temperature monitoring to make sure they aren't too hot or cold. This monitor doesn’t have WiFi capability but, as a parent who has a WiFi-free monitor, it’s still very useful. 

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.

Adding 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.

A travel system is a great way to get a stroller and a car seat in one convenient, more affordable package. One Babylist parent said that they “love the weight of the car seat and the stroller drives great in gravel, grass, and normal sidewalk asphalt.” 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.

You can wear your baby in four different positions, including facing in (folded and extended), facing outward and on your back. And with an allowed weight range of 8 to 32 pounds, you can hold on to this carrier well into toddlerhood (instead of buying a new one once your baby gets older). At a price point under $40, it’ll be one of your top-used baby items and won’t cost a ton.

While a convertible car seat might not be top of mind when you're creating your registry, it's something we suggest adding because you'll likely transition your baby to one by (or before) their first birthday. This one by Graco can be used from birth all the way up to 100 pounds. The four-position extension panel gives your baby 5 inches of extra legroom in the rear-facing position (the safest way to ride). A Babylist parent said, "It’s so easy to install and the footrest extension gives so much peace of mind as she will be able to comfortably sit rear facing for longer."

If you want to skip the travel system, the Graco Modes Pramette is affordable and loved by many. When surveyed, a Babylist parent said “We use this every day. I love that the system grows with baby. It’s easy to use and not very heavy.” Although it doesn’t come with a car seat, it’s compatible with the Graco SnugRide infant car seat. Otherwise, the toddler seat can be leaned back and used as an infant pramette (where your baby lies flat on their back like they would in a bassinet).

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.

Many baby swings are pricey and cumbersome, but not this one. It’s affordable and portable and features eight melodies, three nature sounds and five different swing speeds. Once your baby outgrows the swing (or you just need to save space), you can fold it flat for easy storage. If you want a less expensive, manual option, the Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer can be used from birth to 6 months, just like the swing, and uses the baby’s kicks (or your foot) to create motion.

These anti-colic bottles are affordable, keep the gas at a minimum and you can buy the wide-neck version to make it easier to pour in formula (especially helpful for middle-of-the-night feedings).

If you’re only going to be pumping occasionally, a hand pump is a good and less expensive option. The oval shape of the opening lines up with milk ducts for well-placed suction and pressure. And here’s a tip: Babylist Health can help you get your pump, whether it’s manual or electric, free through your insurance.

But if you prefer the convenience of an electric pump, this option by Dr. Brown has two modes, let down and expression, and each setting can be customized so you can find the right pumping rhythm that'll work for you. The unique stretchy side pockets give you a secure place to put your bottles of milk (so you don't spill them when transporting them around the house). And if your baby's preferred bottle is Dr. Brown's, you'll appreciate the two Anti-Colic Options+ bottles that you pump directly into (plus the set comes with two level 1 nipples and one preemie nipple).

These bandana-style bibs are a good value and will help keep your little one clean(ish), through bottle feeding, their first bite of food and are comfy enough for them to wear throughout the day as a drool-catcher.

The updated Boppy breastfeeding pillow has a firmer surface for better support, a wider surface so you can comfortably nurse your baby in different positions and is sized to fit a variety of body types. It'll also be useful throughout your baby's first year, so it's a good buy. Plus, if a mess happens, you can remove the cover for laundering.

At just under $20, this high chair is unbelievably affordable. It’s sturdy yet lightweight and (most importantly) easy to clean, with one Babylist parent saying, “It was cheap, and I loved the cult-following of customizability.” Speaking of customizing, you can add features like a footrest or a silicone placemat through sites like Yeah Baby Goods.

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

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. Plus, it’s well-priced and well-loved.

At about 25 cents each, these diapers are budget-friendly but don’t sacrifice function. Parents love them for their leak protection and comfort.

Costo brand wipes are gentle, hypoallergenic and free from alcohol, dyes and other yucky things you don’t want near your little one’s skin. While you do need a Costco membership to get your hands on them, the plans are budget-friendly (basic plan is as low as $65 a year), so they're still a really good value.

This neutral-colored diaper bag is the perfect combination of form, function and affordability. The material is water-resistant and scratch-proof and it comes with a large changing pad (so you don't need to buy a separate one).

This classic diaper pail is simply designed, won’t break the bank and most importantly, it holds in the stink according to Babylist parents. "It doesn't smell, keeps the diaper station tidy and smelling ok."

This simple yet effective baby bathtub supports your little one from the newborn stage up to around 6 months old. Unlike traditional tubs that you need to fill with water, this design lets you place it directly in your bathtub. You can either wipe your baby down with a damp cloth or pour water over them as needed. Once your baby outgrows it, you can easily transition to a different bath seat or start using your regular household tub.

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.

It’s totally fine to use your everyday towels on baby, but if you want a few just for them, this organic cotton towel two-pack is an adorable (and affordable) choice.

This simple but useful set includes the grooming essentials you’ll need, like a nail clipper, brush and paci medication dispenser. When your baby inevitably comes down with their first case of the sniffles, the paci medicine dispenser comes in handy.

Skip the buttons and zippers with easy-access gowns. The open, gathered bottom allows you to quickly change your baby’s diaper in those early months, which is especially helpful during nighttime changes. This two-pack is inexpensive and made from 100 percent cotton.

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.

These will keep little toes warm and the terry lining helps keep the socks in place without suffocating their legs Plus, they’re all white, so you won’t have to waste time finding a match.

Babies grow out of clothes so quickly, and gently used clothing is a great way to be friendly to the environment and your wallet. You can also add clothes to your registry and mark them as “open to secondhand” to let your gift-givers know you’re happy to receive hand-me-downs.

Simple and stylish and packed with tons of activities, like black and white contrast and interactive toys, this baby gym is perfect for developing babies. Plus, the toys are removable so your baby doesn’t have to be on the mat to enjoy them. And the mat is machine washable so it’s totally reasonable to also use it as a changing pad.

With tons of different tactile sensory features like ribbons and crinkles and engaging colors, this set of newborn activity panels is a fun developmental toy that you can use at home or on the go.

While this book is one of our favorites, 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!)

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!