Getting ready for baby

How to reduce the cost

You can spread the cost by delaying the purchase of some high-price items. You really don't need to buy everything in one go. Items such as highchairs and full-size cots can be left until later – the newborn baby doesn’t need these yet, anyway.

Babies need clothes and nappies, somewhere warm to sleep, some form of flexible transport, and a source of food. If you meet these basic requirements, you've got it covered from the start.

Ask friends who already have children what they found really useful and what was a waste of money.

What your baby needs

• Clothing - four or five full outfits including outdoor wear, should be enough to start with. Don't feel compelled to buy all new clothes: considering how short a time each item will fit your baby, your might want to consider hand-me-downs.
• Nappies - you have a choice between disposable and reusable. If you choose the latter, you'll need at least 12 and perhaps even 24 to allow you time to wash and dry between uses. Babies get through six to eight nappies a day in the early weeks. You’ll also need toiletries and cloths for changing time.
• Pram or pushchair.
• Car safety seat - many of these double as carriers, or fix to a frame to make a pushchair.
• Somewhere to sleep - a crib, cot or pram top, plus bedding (but not pillows, as they're not safe until your baby's one year old).
• Feeding equipment - if you're bottlefeeding you'll need bottles, formula and sterilising equipment. If you're breastfeeding and plan to express milk, you'll need bottles and teats, and a breast pump if you're not doing it by hand.

Optional extras

• Baby carrier or sling - this allows you to carry your baby and keep your hands free, which makes using public transport easier.
• Baby bath - your baby can use the big bath, share with you, or you could even use a new washing-up bowl at the very beginning.
• Toys - although not really necessary at first, they're nice for you and your baby to enjoy together.
• Changing gear - you might want a changing mat or baby dresser with a changing top.
• Muslin cloths or other large, soft washable dribble cloths are useful for wiping, drying or as a top sheet in the pram or crib.

More tips

Buy second-hand baby gear. Look in your local paper, charity shops, nearly new sales (local branches of the National Childbirth Trust often hold them) and online marketplaces.

Family and friends may offer you hand-me-downs. Check whether they want them back afterwards or are happy for you to pass them on.

Remember some items are only guaranteed for a certain length of time, so there may be safety implications if they're second-hand.

Check equipment for stability and safety, and only buy car seats if they're clearly unused - if they've been involved in an accident their fixtures could be unsafe and the inside cracked but you may be unable to tell.

Cut down old bed sheets, hem them and use for cot and pram bedding. A cot sheet is half the size of a single bed sheet; a pram sheet is quarter the size.