Get ready for baby Heather Welford Considering how small they are, babies can be expensive, but you probably don't need as much stuff as you think.

In this article

Spread the cost What your baby needs

How to cut the cost Saving money

You don't need to buy everything in one go. Items such as highchairs and full-size cots can be left until later.

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.

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

• Clothing - four or five full outfits 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. Babies get through six to eight nappies a day in the early weeks.
• Pram or pushchair.
• Car safety seat - many of these double as carriers.
• 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 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.

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.

Only buy car seats if they're clearly unused

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.

• Borrow equipment if you think you'll only use it for a few weeks or months, or share the cost with a friend whose baby's due a few months before or after yours.
• Avoid buying clothes for newborns. You'll get plenty as gifts and even if you don't, your baby can wear the next size with the sleeves rolled up.
• 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.

Disclaimer: The BBC Parenting site is provided for your general information only. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. The BBC is not responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.