ONE-TIME BABY EXPENSES
Home Safety Baby Gate or Play Yard ($60 – $200) Multiply your estimate by the number of
retractable baby gates you will need around the home to block off stairs, rooms, or hallways.
Outlet Covers ($5 – $10) You should get enough covers to plug each outlet in your home when not being used.
Table / Corner Bumpers ($15 – $40) You should get enough bumpers to cover dangerous corners on tables, countertops, and walls in your home as your baby starts to crawl or walk.
Cabinet Locks ($10 – $40) You should get enough locks to seal cabinets in your kitchen, bathrooms, or other areas where chemicals or other potentially dangerous items are stored.
Car Safety Infant Car Seat ($90 – $300) Convertible or 3-in-1 car seats will be on the higher end of the range, but won’t require buying a separate toddler car seats. Multiply by the number of vehicles or children if you need more than one car seat.
Toddler / Convertible Car Seat ($120 – $300) Larger convertible car seats will be needed when your infant outgrows the infant car seat. Multiply by the number of vehicles or children if you need more than one car seat.
Car Window Sunshade ($10 – $25) Sunshades can be attached to your car’s windows to keep sunlight off of your child’s face. Multiply the number of
car window shades for baby by the number of windows you need to cover.
Headrest Mirror ($10 – $30) Most cars do not have a way to keep an eye on your rear-facing child without attaching a mirror to the headrest. Multiply by the number of mirrors needed.
Baby Carriers Backpack Carrier ($30 – $190) Allows your baby to be secured to your back just like you’d wear a backpack. These are often used when the baby is a little older.
Front Carrier ($25 – $210) Keep an eye on your baby at all times by having them strapped close to your chest. Many
baby carriers provide the ability to be worn on the front or back, so you likely only need one.
Wrap or Sling Carrier ($25 – $80) Baby wraps are made of a wide and long piece of cloth that wraps around the baby and you to keep them secure.
Strollers Most parents will need more than one stroller for their baby. If you’re still on the fence, we can help you figure out
how many strollers you may need .
You can also check out our reviews of the
Best Strollers across the different types to find one that’s right for you.
Lightweight Umbrella Stroller ($50 – $125) Umbrella strollers are for babies and toddlers that can sit up on their own. These
lightweight umbrella strollers are great for quick trips where you can toss it in the car and go.
Full-Size / Convertible Stroller ($100 – $500) A
full-size stroller is larger than an umbrella stroller and might have an adjustable handlebar, storage basket, and larger wheels for a smoother ride. Most full-size and
travel system strollers have attachments to hold a car seat when your baby is still little.
Double Stroller ($100 – $500) Got two kids or expecting twins? A double stroller is likely what you’ll need to push both children around either side-by-side, tandem (front-and-back), or
sit-and-stand .
Jogging Stroller ($100 – $500) If you’re an active parent, a jogging stroller is likely a must-have. These strollers have 3 air-filled wheels with a suspension system to provide a smooth ride on
all-terrain while jogging or hiking. Some even work well as a
beach stroller to handle your sand-and-sun vacations.
Stroller Parent Console / Cup Holder ($10 – $40) You’ll want a place to put your water bottle, car keys, and phone while pushing your baby around. Some stroller brands require you to purchase them separately.
Child Snack Tray ($15 – $40) As much as babies and toddlers eat, you’ll need a snack tray for your child’s sippy cup and snacks. Some stroller brands provide the tray along with the stroller while others don’t.
Rain Cover ($10 – $25) If you live in an area where it frequently rains, you’ll need a stroller rain cover to keep everything dry during the showers.
Stroller Travel Bag ($20 – $50) Thinking of bringing your little one on a trip? You may want to store the stroller in a handy
stroller bag while on the plane or in the car.
Nursery Crib ($150 – $1,000+) The baby’s crib is likely one of the most expensive items for a new baby. They range from very cheap to high-end luxury cribs that often have a price tag and quality to match.
Crib Mattress ($80 – $200) Baby crib mattresses are often purchased separately from the crib itself. Often, one side of the baby mattresses is firm for use during the infant months and softer for when they grow into a toddler.
Crib Bedding Set ($40 – $140) The options are endless. Bedding sets come in just about every color and cute animal print you can possibly imagine.
Baby Monitor ($40 – $170) Audio only baby monitors will be on the low end of the cost range. Advanced
video monitors will be considerably more expensive.
Crib Mobile ($20 – $50) Mobiles are suspended over the top of the crib to play soft music and slowly rotate to soothe the baby. While not absolutely necessary, babies love to watch the mobile go around.
Bassinet ($100 – $400) In the first few months, the baby should be sleeping in the same room (not the same bed) as you. A bassinet is much smaller than the crib and portable so you can move it around.
Portable Crib / Pack n' Play ($80 – $400) A portable crib is great for traveling and visits to a family member or friend’s house. The quickly fold up and down to fit in a travel bag for your baby or toddler to sleep anywhere.
Changing Table ($100 – $250) A table for the nursery that’s at the right height for you to comfortably and safely change baby’s diaper. These are great for the middle of the night changes.
Clothes Hamper / Basket ($15 – $40) Unless you want baby clothes to be all over the floor, you’ll need a clothes hamper or basket.
Dresser ($150 – $500) You’ll want a dresser that’s big enough to hold baby, toddler, or kid clothes as they get older.
Lamp ($15 – $40) You’ll want a small lamp with a low watt light bulb for late-night check-ins or diaper changes.
White Noise Machine / Nightlight ($20 – $50) Some babies are able to fall asleep faster with a noise machine going in the background. Some double as a nightlight to help you see better when you check on them.
Nursery Decorations ($50 – $300) You may want to decorate the nursery with cute animal accessories, room darkening curtains, custom baby pictures, or stuffed animals.
Bathing Infant Bathtub ($15 – $40) Giving a baby in a full-size bathtub is near impossible and dangerous since there’s no easy way to support them. You won’t need to bathe your baby until the umbilical cord stump falls off, but you’ll want a separate tub to make your life easier.
Washcloths ($8 – $14) Washcloths used on a baby’s sensitive skin should be either 100% soft cotton or hypoallergenic bamboo.
Hooded Towels ($15 – $50) Baby bath towels with a hood aren’t just practical for drying after bathtime – they’re also adorable.
Hairbrush / Comb ($4 – $8) A hairbrush will help with babies that have longer hair or cradle cap that needs to be brushed more frequently.
Baby Nail Clippers ($5 – $12) Baby’s nails are paper-thin, incredibly soft, and require caution when cutting so you don’t snip their skin. Don’t use the same massive clippers you use on your finger and toenails.
Diapering Diaper Bag ($20 – $100) A good-sized diaper bag is essential for all parents that ever leave the house. You’ll want to throw extra diapers, milk/formula, change of clothes, and toys in the bag to bring along.
Changing Pads ($15 – $30 each) You’ll likely need more than one changing pad unless you’ll be confined to one spot of the house. You may need one for the family/living room and another for the nursery.
Portable Changing Pad ($10 – $30 each) You’ll want to keep a portable changing pad in your diaper bag for when you’re on the go.
Diaper Pail ($30 – $80) Whether using disposable or cloth diapers, a
diaper pail can help trap the tremendous scent of a poopy diaper.
Diaper Pail Refills ($80 – $100) Diaper pail refills will hold about 270 diapers before the ring needs to be replaced. You can expect to use 18 or more refill rings in the first year at a cost of $4-6 each.
Bottle Feeding Nursing / Feeding Pillow ($30 – $40) These pillows are for laying your baby on while you feed them in your lap or on the floor. They work well to keep your arms from sweating or falling asleep.
Regular Bottles & Nipples – 12 Bottles ($45 – $75) Bottles are a necessity for almost any parent. Even if you’re breastfeeding, you may freeze extra milk that you’ll want to heat up in the bottle later.
Anti-Colic / Vented Bottles & Nipples – 12 Bottles ($50 – $115) If your baby has colic or gets super gassy, you may need to try special bottles that vent the air bubbles as they drink. You should only need one or the other of the Regular or Anit-Colic bottles.
Burp Cloths – 6-10 Cloths ($10 – $24) Babies drool and spit up frequently. Soft burp cloths are essential for cleaning their face and wiping up messes.
Cloth Bibs – 10-15 Bibs ($15 – $30) Infants rarely get all the milk or formula in their mouths. A cloth bib catches it as it runs down their mouth to stop it from ruining their clothes.
Waterproof / Silicone Bibs – 3-5 Bibs ($10 – $25) As babies and toddlers begin trying solid foods, they’ll need a more durable and waterproof bib. These often have pouches to catch crumbs and bits of food that don’t make it into their mouth.
Bottle Brush ($6 – $12) Over time, the formula and milk begin to leave a residue on the bottle that is hard to clean. A bottle brush may be the only way to get them really clean.
Bowl & Plate Set ($10 – $15) You’ll want silicone bowls and plates for when your baby begins trying cereal and soft baby foods.
Plastic Spoon & Fork Set ($4 – $14) Babies have an easier time feeding when you use plastic or silicone tipped spoons.
Sippy Cups ($5 – $20) Not needed right away, but a sippy cup is how they learn to transition from a bottle to a regular cup. It also helps prevent water and juice from spilling.
Silicone Suction Place Mat ($9 – $25) Silicone placemats are portable bowls/plates that suction to the table at a restaurant or the family dinner table.
Disposable Place Mat ($8 – $20) These fold up nicely in a diaper bag and help keep your baby from touching or licking dirty tables.
Breast Feeding Breast Pump – Electric ($60 – $500) If you’re a frequent pumper, an
electric breast pump makes the task much easier. Note: Check with your health insurance provider to see what they can offer for free.
Breast Pump – Manual ($13 – $40) A manual breast pump is ideal for pumping milk while on the go.
Breast Milk Storage Bags – 500 Bags ($65 – $75) You will likely need to store excess breast milk for later use in the freezer or refrigerator.
Nursing Bras – 3 Pack ($20 – $40) These special nursing bras have easy access for pumping or breastfeeding your baby.
Nursing Cover / Wrap ($10 – $40) Provides coverage so you can discreetly feed your baby in public places.
Breast Pads – 800 Pads ($80 – $90) These pads help absorb extra breast milk that may periodically leak for nursing mothers.
Breast Shields ($8 – $12) A breast shield is a soft silicone or rubber piece that fits over the areola while feeding. This may be needed if things get too tender after the constant feedings.
Nursing Ice Packs ($9 – $20) These are ice packs for the bra that provide some soothing as nursing mothers recover after feedings.
Baby Gym & Activity Gear Baby Swing ($80 – $180) A baby swing can help soothe a cranky baby and gives you an additional spot to hold your baby for a short time.
Bouncer Seat ($30 – $200) A bouncer seat works great to hold your baby while the family is eating dinner or just lounging by the TV.
Activity Play Mat ($25 – $100) These small activity mats sit on the floor for your baby to play with toys or teethers that hang down.
Activity Center ($40 – $130) A baby activity center is for babies closer to 6 months old that can sit up on their own. It has a suspended seat and several toys to keep them entertained.
Jumper ($40 – $120) As the name implies, a
baby jumper is a seat for your little one to jump around or practice standing on their own.
Baby Walker ($20 – $90) A
baby walker helps your baby learn to stand and walk on their own. They often have lights, toys, and music to keep your baby entertained as well.
Comfort & Soothing Pacifiers ($8 – $24) The ultimate baby soother, you’ll want several pacifiers since they frequently find their way to the dirty floor.
Teethers ($5 – $8) Your baby’s teeth will begin to show around 6 months. Baby teethers help soothe them as they struggle with the pain of teeth breaking through their gums.
Cool Mist Humidifier ($30 – $80) A humidifier is great if you live in dry climates or experience cold winters. These help keep your baby comfortable as they sleep.
Air Purifier ($40 – $100) An air purifier can help remove pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from the air.
Keepsakes & Photos Birth Announcements ($35 – $75) You’ll want to shout it to the world when your new baby arrives! A simple postcard or picture of your baby is a great way to get the word out.
Photo Album or Scrapbook ($16 – $35) You’ll likely have hundreds, if not thousands, of baby pictures on your phone in the first year. A photo album is a safe way to keep and share them with others.
Newborn & Milestone Pictures ($200 – $400+) Getting adorable pictures of your newborn isn’t cheap, but it’s amazing what a good photographer can do with your little one.
Miscellaneous Any Additional Baby Expenses Are there any other costs you can think of that we may have missed? Put the total in the box below.
