Baby on a Budget


There’s no shortage of expensive baby gear on the market. But the good news for your wallet is there’s no shortage of affordable gear, either. And just because you’re saving money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or function, either.
Baby gear doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. From your crib to your high chair, here’s a complete registry of the best budget-friendly baby gear.
Nursery + Decor
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
A crib is often one of the biggest nursery expenses–but it doesn’t have to be. This convertible option is classic with clean lines and complements any decor. And it converts to a daybed, a toddler bed and ultimately a full size bed headboard.
Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
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 in a Box
Soft, available in a ton of great prints and patterns and under $10 per sheet.
Cloud Island Baby Fitted Crib Sheet
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.
Summer 2-Sided Changing Pad
Add a cover to your changing pad to help keep your little one comfy during diaper changes.
Summer Ultra Plush Changing Pad Cover
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.
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle
It’s hard to beat this security-camera-turned-baby-monitor by enterprising parents. It’s a favorite among many Babylist team members, too!
Wyze Cam Pan 1080p
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.
Childcraft Cozy Glider and Ottoman
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 simple and stylish and come in a few different sizes.
Water Hyacinth and Coiled Rope Storage Bin
On the Go
A travel system is a great way to get a stroller and a car seat in one convenient, more affordable package. The Pivot has six possible stroller configurations an infant seat with an anti-rebound bar.
Evenflo Pivot Travel System with Safemax Infant Car Seat
Four different carry positions, a weight range of 8-32 pounds and hundreds of great reviews all for under $35 makes the Flip the best budget carrier to add to your registry.
Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier
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
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.
Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat
Gear
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 On The Go Playard
Many baby swings are pricey and cumbersome, but not the Comfort 2 Go. It’s affordable and portable and features sounds and movement.
Ingenuity Comfort 2 Go Portable Compact Swing
Feeding
These anti-colic bottles are great whether you’re feeding your little one formula or expressed breast milk.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original Newborn Bottle Gift Set
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
This bib and burp cloth set is a good value and will help keep your little one clean(ish).
Trend Lab Bib and Burp Cloth Set
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 Original Nursing Pillow
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
Skip traditional bowls and plates and go for this plate + placemat combo, perfect for new eaters and really easy to clean. (We can’t say the same for your floor, unfortunately.)
ezpz Mini Mat
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.
ZoLi BOT Weighted Straw Sippy Cup
Diapering
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.
Parent’s Choice Dry and Gentle Diapers, Newborn
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
Over 6,000 Amazon reviewers agree—this diaper bag is the perfect combination of form, function and affordability.
HaloVa Diaper Bag
This diaper pail is simply designed and won’t break the bank.
Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail
Health + Safety
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
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
It’s totally fine to use your everyday towels on baby, but if you want to splurge, this critter towel is an adorable choice.
Carter's Critters Hooded Towel
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
Clothing + Accessories
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.
Carter’s Gown (2 Pack)
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 Sleepy Tides Zip-Up Sleep N’ Play
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 Short Sleeve Original Bodysuit (5 Pack)
These will keep little toes warm. Plus, they’re all white, so you won’t have to waste time finding a match.
Gerber Wiggle-Proof White Jersey Ankle Bootie Socks
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
Play
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
We love the soothing sound this cloud-themed rattle makes—it sounds just like a rain shower!
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Rainstick Rattle
These rings may look simple to you but to your baby, they’re just right for hours of playtime fun.
Sassy Ring O' Links Rattle
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!)
Guess How Much I Love You
Help + Favors
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!