Baby Bargains. Your one-stop shop for the best baby deals!

Let’s be honest: that second line on the pregnancy test is terrifying.

Suddenly, the excitement is mixed with a very real panic. How do I keep a human alive? How can something so small cost so much money?

It is easy to spiral when you see $1,200 strollers and $400 bottle warmers on Instagram. The truth? You don’t need the most expensive gear to be a great parent—you just need the right gear. Smart budgeting isn’t about being cheap; it’s about saving your cash for the things that actually matter (like college funds or desperate coffee runs).

Here is the essential breakdown of what you actually need to survive the first year without going broke.

1. The Big Ticket Items

This is where the bulk of your budget goes. Do not skimp on safety, but don’t overpay for features you won’t use.

• Car Seat: This is the only non-negotiable. Whether you buy an infant bucket seat or a convertible one, look for safety ratings first. Pro Tip: Don’t buy used car seats; you never know if they’ve been in a crash.
• Stroller: Match this to your lifestyle. If you live in the suburbs, a bulky travel system is fine. If you live in the city, you need something lightweight that folds with one hand.

2. Disposables

Your baby will go through 2,500+ diapers in the first year. This is a recurring cost that drains bank accounts silently.

• Diapers: Don’t stock up on 500 “Newborn” size diapers; babies outgrow them in weeks. Buy one small box of Newborn and a large box of Size 1.
• Wipes: Buy these in bulk immediately. You will use them for everything—bums, faces, and spills—for the next five years.

3. Feeding Essentials

Babies are picky. Do not buy a starter set of 10 bottles from one brand until you know if your baby will actually take them.

• Bottles: Buy one or two from a few different brands (Dr. Brown’s, Philips Avent, Comotomo) to test.
• Cleaning: A high-capacity drying rack and a durable bottle brush are worth their weight in gold.

4. Sleep & Clothing

• Swaddles: Skip the blankets and get velcro or zipper swaddles. Trying to fold a blanket origami-style at 3 AM is a nightmare.
• Zippers Over Snaps: When buying onesies (sleepers), avoid snaps at all costs. Zippers are the only way to survive a midnight diaper change.

The bottom line: parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything today. Watch for deals, buy incrementally, and check back here daily so you never pay full retail price.