Let’s face it, raising children is expensive. There are so many things they need and even more that they outgrow, and having a budget-friendly baby item list with you is crucial. It’s not always easy to know which items are essential and which are not. It’s even harder to find certain things that are decently priced but also of good quality. No one wants junk they will likely have to replace, but no one wants to empty their wallet with a crib.
Below are several categories that include essential baby items and are all budget-friendly. You won’t have to worry about spending so much on clothes or a stroller. Many great options are not that expensive. Hopefully, these products will help you figure out what you need for your little one.
Best Budget-Friendly Strollers
A stroller is an essential item for your baby. It can be one of the most expensive purchases next to a crib. However, there are budget-friendly ones, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Below we picked our top three budget-friendly strollers that don’t skimp on quality even with a low price.
Travel System
Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System
Travel systems are perfect for newborns because you get an infant car seat and stroller that fit together perfectly. They can be expensive, depending on the brand. This one is about $200, which is a terrific price. Plus, you can still use the stroller once your baby outgrows the car seat. I love this travel system because it’s safe, affordable, and can be used for several years.
Jogger
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
Baby Trend is a brand I recently discovered, and I’m so glad I did. The quality for the price is fantastic. A good jogging stroller is great for parents who like to be on the go, and this one is a fantastic option—the front swivel wheel locks for jogging, which is helpful.
Lightweight
Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
A lightweight stroller that is easy to fold and store is helpful if you like to travel or take your baby out a lot. This umbrella stroller is ideal and very easy on the wallet. Plus, it only weighs 11 pounds.
Best Budget-Friendly Baby Carriers
Baby carriers are a convenient way to get around with your baby, especially clingy ones. It’s normal for them to want to be held and be close to you, and that’s why carriers give them that closeness while giving you your hands back. They’re great for use at home or on the go.
Wrap
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
Wrap carriers are one of the most popular carriers. Some of them tend to run expensively, so it can be hard to find one of good quality that doesn’t cost a fortune. The Boba Wrap is much more affordable than other brands but gets the job done just the same. Plus, it comes in several colors and patterns.
Ergonomic
Infantino Flip Advanced 4 in 1 carrier
The ergonomic carrier is another popular carrier with adjustable straps and buckles, keeping your baby secure. This brand is made to fit most body types comfortably. With this carrier, you can wear your baby facing you, facing out, or on your back, depending on weight recommendations.
TotCraft Organic Baby Carrier
This carrier is made with premium organic cotton and is GOTS certified at an affordable price! It has padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable while carrying your baby, and it has good lumbar support for your back. You also get more bang for your buck with this carrier because it comes with a bottle holder, a removable storage pocket, and customizable cotton teething pads. Babies three months and older can be worn in this ergonomic carrier, and it supports four different carrying positions.
Best Budget-Friendly Bassinets
Many parents love using a bassinet. They are much smaller than a crib, giving you more space in your bedroom. Once your child is ready to transition into their room or nursery, they can sleep in a larger crib. Until then, a bassinet is a great size. Then you’ll choose which features you want.
Portable
Dream On Me Traveler Portable Bassinet
This is the perfect budget bassinet if you want one you can take. Whether it’s to a family member’s house or a different room, this portable bassinet is easy to move around, and it’s inexpensive.
Lights and Sounds
Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
If you want a bassinet for your baby that plays music and sounds to soothe them, this Fisher-Price one is a great option. There is a removable projection, a night light, and an overhead mobile. It’s a little more expensive than some other bassinets but much cheaper than some of the more prominent brands on the market.
Rocking
Fisher-Price Rock With Me Bassinet
This bassinet is perfect for rocking as it is smooth and gentle. Some of the best features of this bassinet are the washable mattress cover and the fact you can fold it for storage. It can also be locked if you don’t want it to rock.
Best Budget-Friendly Clothes
Clothes are essential for babies. But no one wants to spend a fortune on something their child will only wear a handful of times. After all, babies are constantly growing! Here are some of our favorite affordable staple pieces for your little one.
Bodysuits
Gerber Unisex Baby 15 Piece Onesies Bodysuits
Multi-packs of bodysuits are a must for the youngest babies. They are easiest for changing diapers and can be worn for various occasions. This includes at home and during outings. This pack of bodysuits by Gerber is a fantastic value. Plus, there are multiple colors to choose from.
Sleepers
Gerber Baby 4pk Sleep n Play Footies
Sleepers or footie pajamas are great for when your baby gets chilly. They are convenient and make diaper changes easy. We have boy and girl styles here, but they are the same brand. They each have a zipper design which is always better than snaps.
Best Budget-Friendly Cribs
This is where your baby will spend most of their time during the night. Cribs can run very expensive, depending on the brand. We picked two budget-friendly styles of quality materials, so you don’t have to worry about your baby’s safety.
Convertible
Delta Children Skylar 6-in-1 Convertible Crib
This beautiful convertible crib can be used in six ways: it converts to a toddler bed, daybed, sofa, and full-size bed with or without the footboard. It’s much more affordable than some other cribs out there. The Delta brand produces many high-quality products.
Crib with a Changing Table
Graco Hadley 4-in-1 Crib and Changer with Drawer
I opted for a separate changing table because of space concerns, but I love the combo crib and changer idea. Many parents love these. This one by Graco is a steal, and it has an extra drawer under the crib for even more storage. Plus, it’s ALSO convertible!
Best Budget-Friendly Mattress
Finding the perfect crib mattress can be tricky. You want it to be safe but don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars. There are two main types of crib mattresses: foam and innerspring. I picked the two best ones that are great if you’ve got a budget-friendly baby item list you’re making.
Foam
Sealy Serene Duo Sleek 2-Stage Sustainable Fiber Foam Mattress
This foam mattress by Sealy is comfortable, supportive, and free of harsh chemicals. It’s also waterproof and stain resistant. Each side of the mattress is made for a specific reason. The firmer side is for infants, while the softer side is for toddlers.
Innerspring
Dream On Me 2-in-1 Breathable Sweet Dreams Coil Spring Mattress
The Dream on Me spring mattress is like the Sealy in design, except it contains tempered steel coils as the foundation instead of foam. It is also non-toxic and durable; the toddler side has a waterproof cover.
Best Budget-Friendly Bouncer
A bouncer is a great way to entertain your baby and a must on your budget-friendly baby item list. This is especially true if you need your hands for a little while. Below is our favorite inexpensive bouncer, and it’s both cute and functional. I highly recommend it if you want one.
Bright Starts Playful Pinwheels Portable Baby Bouncer
This bouncer has a cute unisex design that is perfect for any baby. A toy bar is also included, which helps them reach and grasp. The seat pad is machine washable, and the harness is perfect for safety. It’s battery-powered and vibrates for soothing.
Best Budget-Friendly Swing
Swings are similar to bouncers but are used more often for soothing than entertaining. Some parents like to use both, and some have a preference. I do recommend a swing for fussy babies who love movement.
Ingenuity Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing
This swing is terrific for the price. I have seen many that can cost hundreds or more, so it’s challenging to find one that is both budget-friendly and of excellent quality. The Ingenuity has a removable headrest and seat pad that are machine washable. It has six speeds, options for vibration, and music.
Best Budget-Friendly Essentials
MAM Newborn Essentials Bottles and Pacifiers
This baby bottle set comes with everything your little one will need to feed in the first months of their life. It includes five anti-colic bottles (three 5 oz anti-colic bottles with two slow flow nipples, two 9 oz anti-colic bottles with two medium flow nipples, one extra slow flow nipple, and one fast flow nipple), and three pacifiers. These bottles are great because there is no need for a separate bottle sterilizer; they self-sterilize in the microwave in as little as 3 minutes!
MAM Mini Cooler Teether with Clip
This teething ring massages and cools baby’s sore gums when teething. It’s filled with purified water, and it can be chilled in the refrigerator to cool their gums. It also has a clip to make sure it remains clean and secure.
I hope you found these tips and suggestions helpful as you shop for budget-friendly baby items. Remember, you don’t have to buy a top-of-the-line item if it’s not within your budget. There are so many affordable products out there!
