The (Not so) Budget Friendly Baby Registry & Out-Of-Pocket Expenses to Plan for During Pregnancy

*NEWS FLASH* ... having a child/children is, well, not cheap - no matter what route you take.

Hence the title of this post 😅😅😅 ... truly, there is no such thing as a "budget-friendly" baby registry. 

While yes, there are ways to get $avvy and save money when prepping for little babe's arrival (I will leave all hacks on the table in this post!)..

I think it is important to underline this before we dive in... EVEN IF you go bare bones with the most budget-friendly route for all baby needs... it's still going to cost you several thousand $$ (not including medical expenses!!) to get your little babe through the first year of life.

^^ I say this in bold because I find that the "American Dream" pushes a timeline for having children & talk track that leads new/aspiring parents to neglect proper financial planning before doing so. Having kids in America is HARD... and expensive. Throw that on top of your critical need to properly invest for retirement (news flash - there are NO loans for retirement & the average monthly social security benefit is only $1,800/mo), the student loan crisis, the current housing market, etc, etc etc... understanding the costs you will incur as a parent is critical for your financial well-being BEFORE choosing to become one. Sadly, far too many parents step off the financial cliff into parenthood completely blind to the financial headwind they are about to take on- and while yes some can "figure it out" without a ton of stress- for many this lack of knowledge and preparation leads to years of unhealthy and unwanted financial anxiety and pressure. I'm not saying there is an income requirement to becoming a parent and I don't want to devalue the fulfillment and joy that can come with raising a child. I simply feel awareness is key for your health and your child's health. And that proper financial awareness & planning is often lacking when planning or choosing to have children. 

Alrighty now, let's dive in.

I have 2 goals for this blog post (and if I'm my own judge, lol, I accomplished them - so keep on reading my friends!)

1. Help you (and any future parents) save time & money researching for your baby registry. 
2. Shed light on costs associated with planning for a child. 

Starting with #1.

I'm the organized, type A sort of planner who overanalyzes and gets into the nitty gritty details most people don't. And this engine within me went full steam ahead when it came to detailing out needs for baby because...

I had to pick my jaw up off the floor a few times looking at random registries of influencers, etc on Babylist that totaled to ~$15K worth of goods.

I'm not kidding, I looked at the registry of someone who I sincerely respect & value their opinion.. it totaled $20K worth of items!!! I thought to myself, this is insane. There is NO WAY all this is necessary. The marketing and over-consumption in this space will make your head spin. Or it might just make you cry, lol. I, for one, definitely cried out of just sheer overwhelm as my type A, yet budget-conscious brain, began to research for my registry. 

If you know me, you know I also firmly believe in spending in alignment with your values to get the most bang for your buck. While there is definitely NOT a one-size-fits-all approach to a baby registry, and your values may differ from mine, I admittedly put an excessive amount of time and effort into the building of my registry & purchasing necessary items for baby. I cross-referenced several "baby registry checklists" from reputable "mom accounts" on IG, I asked 7-8 of my experienced Mom friends to send their suggestions & "proof-read" my registry, I talked to my IG audience (boy did I get some amazing tips/thoughts from this community!) and of course, I threw a little of my own research on top of it.

If I can help even just one person save themselves some time & money, this blog post is a win in my book.

So here's how this is going to go down...

• First, I will share my tips & $avvy tricks to help you (or others buying items for you!) save money on purchases.

• Second, for the critical/important items that are *for the most part* must-haves - I am going to share what I went with and why (again your values might not align with mine, that is OK!) - as well as share the alternative options I considered across price points.

• Lastly, I will link my baby registry for a full view of everything including smaller items I will not be diving into here for the sake of time & sanity. 

**and FINALLY - down the road - I will come back and edit this as I *really* learn what was/wasn't worth it for me. So stay tuned for that as I actually put these things into use! 

Mal's tips & $avvy tricks to help you (or others buying items for you!) save money on purchases.

• Shop secondhand / borrow from other mamas when you can!  Don't be above this - for real. While I wouldn't recommend buying a car seat off of FB marketplace or from a garage sale (for anyone naive like I was just a few months ago - car seats have expiration dates and the NHTSA does not recommend continued use after accidents. For these reasons I feel buying used poses more risk than reward) there is so much opportunity to save money by buying/accepting used or borrowing short-term use items from friends! Lean into your network. Reach out to your co-workers, friends, neighbors, etc who might have items they are willing to get rid of/let you borrow. 
  • Many of the items marked "purchased" on my registry, I actually ended up borrowing or buying used for a realllyyyy good price. 
  • I will denote when I did this where applicable - but s/o to a couple of my local mama friends Alex & Lauren. Here's a short list of smaller short-term use items I am borrowing or gladly accepted used items that are no longer needed in homes with children past the age of use. Again, thanks to the generosity of just a couple of other moms! I definitely plan to support others down the road in this fashion! 
    • This popular sit-me-up seat (I didn't have on my registry and several of my "proofreaders" told me I'd need it). 
    • This infant lounger (another shorter-term use item parents rave about) 
    • This infant bath seat (another necessary, but short-term use item)
    • ... and a few more items I will touch on later. 

•  Lean into retailers/auction sites where you can purchase like-new items (oftentimes just a damaged box, etc) for a significant discount! 
  • Goodbuygear.com is incredible. You can also sell items here if needed down the road! And if you live in Dallas, Denver, Houston, NYC, Philly, or Alexandria - they have physical stores/warehouses in your city! You have to check them out. 
  • For my local KC folks - my famous auction site is EquipBids. IYKYK!!! Items found here are sold off truckloads from major retailers who offload returned items as opposed to re-processing them back into inventory for re-sale on their own behalf. So much good baby stuff can be found here @ MAJOR discounts. If you're not local to KC, scour for something like this in your area. 

Mal's guide to the "must have" items. What I went with & WHY + Alternatives I explored. 

Really quick here, I want to reiterate again that everyone has different values. There is no "wrong" choice if your purchase aligns with your values! You are not less than if you purchase the cheaper car seat that YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE with or the pricey baby monitor that eases your anxiety. 

😘 Your values may not align with mine and you may think I am coo-coo in a couple of areas... that's OK! I am sharing this information to help you with your research - because I have found in this whole baby space you will hear THIS baby monitor or mattress is the best, but in reality, while those items might be popular and the best for some - they may not actually align with your values (or budget!) and research is so important! 

THE CRIB MATTRESS (a splurge due to my values - and a purchase that strayed away from the mainstream reccos)

Starting with the one I researched the most. This is NOT on my registry as it was a gift from Gma & Gpa. Side note- I really struggled to put higher price items on my registry for the most part (I just don't feel comfortable asking that of others was wanted to keep my registry focused). So when my Dad & Stepmom asked me for an idea for a larger, practical gift - I told them about the mattress while it was on sale for 20% off. 

I recruited Boomer Brenda - my mom - to help me here. For those of you who don't know, my mom is an OB-GYN with 35 years of experience. I won't get into her resume, but she takes a more functional approach to medicine than most OBs. You will notice as we move along here, one of my "values" is limiting exposure to toxins inside the home. I will not go crazy trying to eliminate every possible toxin in my child's life, but certain areas like where they will lay their head and breathe in and out for hours and hours and years on end - I care more about. Sharing this context only as this is what drove my decision and research! You may not feel the same about exposure to certain chemicals found in mattresses - just like I was willing to drink my full 200mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy while others don't feel great about that! 

Ok, that being said & given my value primarily being finding the best "non-toxic" mattress... 

I went with this mattress -  the Lightweight 2 Stage version of the Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress

• I also like that it has a wipe clean waterproof surface. This was another necessity for me because *baby blowouts* & #timeismoney. LOL.  
• If breathability (the ability for baby to breathe through the mattress) is something you value- they do have a "breathable" version here. Again, we may be different, but this isn't something that stresses me out or concerns me - so I went with their non-breathable version due to cost. Obviously still not cheap. 
• I also got the Naturepedic mattress protector here just for another layer of protection and ease of cleaning. 

Other highly touted mattresses I considered... 

• The Newton Breathable mattress - this is definitely the "it" trending mattress. The breathable + washable aspect of it is huge but *for me* it didn't hit the non-toxic mark I (or I should say Boomer Brenda) was looking for. It is GreenGuard Gold certified however and people love it!! This one is also pricey. 
• The Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress - is budget-friendly, 43K 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is also GreenGuard Gold certified. I've heard MANY great things about this mattress as well - again *for me* it just didn't quite hit the non-toxic mark I was looking for. 

THE INFANT CAR SEAT (the other item that I quite literally researched for hours). 

My values here are safety, price, and again chemical exposure as this is somewhere a baby spends a considerable about of time. I also wanted the ability to buckle in/travel without a base in case of emergency or travel. 

Also not on my registry, just FYI!

Given the above values and requirements - the best fit for me was the Chicco KeyFit 35 Cleartex.

It felt like everyone and their mother raved about the Nuna Pipa Lite, noting it a *must-have*. Don't get me wrong - it is an incredible car seat. But I am SO GLAD I did my research here. The Nuna Pipa is an expensive seat - and infant car seats are only used up until 30-35lbs OR like 32 inches tall pending the seat which isn't *that* long. 

Reasons why I went with the Chicco KeyFit 35 Cleartex over the Nuna Pipa Lite... and to be clear, I was actually comparing the Chicco KeyFit 35 Cleartex to the Nuna Pipa Lite RX as currently, the RX is the only version of the Nuna Pipa that can be installed without a base (again this was a requirement for me with grandparents being frequent caretakers, travel in mind, etc)

1. Safety. After taking Safe In The Seat's car seat safety course (highly recommended btw - she's a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Expert and Founder of "Safe in the Seat")... I felt extremely good about the safety of Chicco KeyFit 35. While the Nuna Pipa Lite RX does get a slightly higher review on safety - with all other things considered like the rear passenger seat safety ratings of my vehicle and my husband's - I feel 1000% content with the Chicco KeyFit 35. 
2. Price. The Nuna Pipa Lite RX + 1 base = $550. The Chicco KeyFit 35 + 2 bases = $389. AND Chicco gives you 20% off your first purchase from their website, so I got the seat & 2 bases for just over $300. 
3. Chemicals + Canopy. Both seats are GreenGuard Gold certified with no added chemicals AND a UPF 50 canopy. While historically Chicco has been behind the mark in this camp, they recently upped their game with the ClearTex fabric. 
4. Weight. This is huge for many and one reason why the Nuna Pipa Lita is so popular. However, the Nuna Pipa Lite RX is just 3 lbs lighter than the Chicco KeyFit 35. I get it, 3lbs is a lot for some people and if you want the lighter seat - the Nuna Pipa Lite is IT. But for me, I'm fine with a better arm workout coupled with the $200+ difference in price. After all - people RAVE & LOVE the uber-heavy Doona car seat (more on my exploration there below). You figure it out and build some arm muscle I guess, ha!

So last thing... I did also explore/research the Doona. A SUPER POPULAR infant car seat/stroller combo but ultimately strayed away from it due to price, longevity of use (again infant car seats cannot be used that long), and reported awkwardness for tall people (my husband is 6'5). Price was the big one here. With this car seat, you will also need a more traditional stroller (I will get to those next, but they ain't cheap!!). Many people also feel the need to register for a "normal" infant car seat for the traditional stroller on top of the Doona. Read *ching ching ching* LOTS of money. I've seen registries with this $500 Doona, a regular infant car seat and base around ~$300 (or more if Nuna), PLUS a stroller like the Mockingbird or Uppa Vista 2.. more on those below. Although it seems super convenient for bopping around town or traveling and might make sense for you and your lifestyle, I personally couldn't justify it. If I want to use one for a trip, I'll seek to borrow one :) 

THE STROLLER (an investment item for me!). 

I basically went with the Mercedes Benz of strollers ok. This one made me cringe a little, but I know this thing will last me for years and the testimonials from those who have it were all 5 stars. I mean, the Amazon reviews do also speak for themselves. 

I got the Uppa Vista 2 and here's why... (+ an alternative "knock-off" I sincerely considered!)

1. Quality/Durability. A stroller is a piece you will use for years. Quite literally until your child/children are big, strong, and mature enough to not need any pushing around even during long days at the Zoo or at Disney. The Uppa Vista 2 is durable AF. I'm not known to be super light on things and neither are kids, so this was important to me. One of my good friends is still using hers after 7 years and now 3 kids... her direct quote "The Uppa is a tank". Not to mention, because the quality is so great, resale values are solid when you're all said and done. 
2. Single to Double travel system. I wanted a stroller that could be used for up to 2 kids & as a travel system. With the Uppa, you can add a second seat and it converts into a 2 seater. As we plan/hope for more than one kid, this mattered to me. Secondly, the Uppa Vista 2 serves as a travel system that is compatible with many infant car seats. This means you can easily click in your infant car seat onto the base of the stroller - a huge convenience for transporting an infant from car to stroller without having to take them out of their car seat.

A more affordable Uppa Vista *dupe* I explored = The Mockingbird. I've heard great things about The Mockingbird but ultimately went with the Vista. I "test-drove" them in stores and the Vista was noticeably more durable with a smoother ride. Like I said, I've heard amazing things about the Mockingbird and for a price difference of roughly $500 - it was a decision I thought long and hard about! I was able to snag my Uppa on sale during Black Friday for ~$800, so ultimately went with it. 

THE BABY MONITOR

Another purchase exposing my #crunchier values, LOL. I went with the Vava monitor HERE. 

I don't like the idea of having a monitor with Wifi in my child's bedroom. For some, it's a security concern (there have been known creepers who hack into Wifi enabled monitors) but for me, I value the reduction of electric frequencies around my child's body while they sleep (eye-roll @ me if you need to - I get most people don't care about this or understand me here. Just being completely transparent about what drove my purchases and I won't belabor this statement) so the Vava was a no-brainer! I'd say it's mid-range price-wise for monitors - and I was okay with the price knowing this is also something you use for years. 

THIS monitor is a more budget-friendly No-Wifi option I also looked into! 

As you'll see if you explore my registry link below, I also threw the add-on camera on my registry. This is just forward thinking to a time when I *might* have 2 children and will need a camera in each room linked to the same monitor screen for Mom & Dad. If we are blessed with a second, I am not sure when that will be and I don't want to run the risk of tech changes, etc that could make it hard to find an add-on camera at that time... so I just got the second camera in advance.

And I have to mention it due to the hype. A lot of people RAVE about the Nanit monitor - this would align with your values if you want all of the bells, whistles, and sleep tracking that comes with this modern robot monitor LOL.. but it's entirely unnecessary for me (I actually feel like all the sleep tracking/stats would be unhealthy for my type A self and turn me into a complete psychopath), doesn't align with what I value most in a monitor, and is super expensive. You also have to pay for a subscription service to their app for sleep tracking after a certain point. 

THE NURSERY RECLINER (another splurge for me but found on sale!)

There are SO MANY choices here. For me, as this is something you will spend HOURS in - I wanted something comfortable, durable, and stain resistant.

I went with the Baby Letto Kiwi Recliner in the color "beach". We love it already and actually had it sitting in our living room for a while during the process of painting and putting new carpet in the nursery. It's fabulous. 

If you can hold out for sale, we got ours on Black Friday and got 15% off. They also have a military discount if you're eligible for that! 

THE CRIB

Again, something you can research for hours and some might prefer a certain *aesthetic* for the nursery which impacts your decision.

I went with a good ole' IKEA crib & called it a day. Before you call me out, it's not the most non-toxic crib out there, or even close to it. I know, and I was okay with that for this item. 

THE BOUNCER/SWING

From what I've heard, you really don't need both. It's more like one or the other. You won't see a swing on my registry, although I did end up getting one solely because I saw the matching swing to my bouncer on my auction website and snagged it for just $30!  

Budget Friendly Bouncer I was gifted: People say this "puppy bouncer" works magic. A generous friend gifted me hers and we're using this one at Grandma's house as she will be a part-time caretaker for the first year. 

Bouncer we registered for, for our house: Has great reviews, and came highly recommended. Mid-price point for bouncers. I opted for this one over the uber-popular BabyBjorn bouncer due to the price and longevity of use. Most baby bouncers can only be used up to ~20 lbs.  

Matching Swing we got: Again, I snagged this for just $30 on my famous auction site. I hear babies are very hit or miss on if they like swings or not... so that's why I didn't register for one. Just couldn't turn it down for dirt cheap and figured... why not! If child #1 doesn't like it, maybe child #2 will and we'll have it on hand!

I know the Mamaroo swing is a really popular one - but it's top-of-the-line pricey and like I said these things are hit or miss per your babe's preferences! I have heard from many who have these expensive, bulky-to-store items and their babies didn't love them. They are also used for a very short period like I mentioned and are a dime a dozen from what I've seen on resale sites, etc... so keep that in mind! 

A swing I think would be a great item to borrow from someone if you can - if your baby loves it - you know! If they hate it, you didn't waste the dough or precious contributions from someone shopping your registry. 

THE DIAPER BAG

Again, so many options here! Also, something you are going to use frequently for an extended period. I wanted something functional, durable, wipeable, and unisex. My husband is going to be carrying this thing too, won't be all on me, ha! 

We went with the Lululemon New Parent Backpack.  I posted about it on stories and had so many DMs from people swearing by it. It comes with a portable diaper changing pad, has clips to easily clip onto strollers, and more.  

*Pro tip* If you or someone you know is a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, coach, athlete, studio/gym owner, military, first responder, doctor, or nurse - you're eligible for a discount! The prenatal personal trainer I worked with offered to order me mine at her discount and I was so thankful! Info is here & here for discounts for those groups of people. 

THE BASSINET/ PACK N' PLAY 

Grouping these 2 "must have" items together as I have heard from many that the Pack N' Play duals as a great bassinet for the early days when baby is sleeping at your bedside. 

I actually went ahead and got both - thanks to a gift & my famous auction website - so you won't see them on my registry. 

For the Bassinet, this is another area you can go HAM. There are $1,700 bassinets that connect to wifi, rock your baby back to sleep, and guarantee them a full-ride scholarship for that cost (LOLOL jk sorry had to!).

• Given the short-term duration of use for this item (most people transition their babies to the crib around 4-6 months) - I went with the highly-rated Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper and got it "gently used" for just $100 on GoodBuyBaby! Super impressed with this purchase already and so happy I didn't buy it or ask someone else to buy one new on my registry. It feels like it was just an "open box" item that wasn't actually ever used as it was clear it had never been put together - screws were still in original packaging, etc. 

^^ This is definitely an item I would consider borrowing from someone if you can, or do as I did and buy gently used ones. I've seen tons at garage sales as well still in great condition. Hit up an affluent neighborhood during #garagesaleszn and it's a gold mine. Again, like the baby swing & bouncer - the duration of time you will use this item is not long at all. 

For the Pack N' Play - I have 2 (will explain why in a min!) and can't wait to "review" both of them once I actually use them. 

1. The traditional Graco Pack N' Play (great reviews & budget friendly): Again, s/o to my friend Lauren for her generosity here. She gave this to me and we are using it at Grandma's house as she will be nannying for baby boy the first year. This is a great solution for her to manage naps, etc. 
2. The 4Moms Portable Play yard (great reviews, easier set-up/takedown, and not so budget friendly if bought new): Another local auction site win, got this for $112! Probably wouldn't have purchased or added it to my registry otherwise, but many shared they use something like this at home for a safe play space, and also obviously travel. Since GMA will have the Pack N' Play at her house, snagged this one for a steal. Def pricier - people love it because it's super easy to set up and take down. Again, I'll compare the 2 down the road since I'm slightly excessive and have both, ha! I highly doubt this more expensive version of Graco is THAT much better... but maybe who knows!

THE HIGH CHAIR (not a necessity immediately - but was advised to add one!)

I went super boujee here. I was forced into it due to my ONE VALUE when it came to the highchair - SPACE.

Our kitchen/dining area is tiny and so is our panty & laundry room storage space. We needed something that could be easily pushed up against a wall and kept out while consuming minimal square footage.

All that being said, we went with the Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair. One of the few truly expensive items on my registry. 

A phenomenal budget-friendly high chair option = the IKEA high chair. I wish so badly it folded up quickly for storage/consumed less space. As I said, our kitchen/dining room is just TINY.  

THE CHANGING PAD (last detailed review "must have item")

You won't see this one on my registry either as my sister bought me mine for my birthday. 

I really wasn't sure about this one!! Another item you will use A LOT, but again, the range in prices for these things is insane! 

I ultimately landed with the splurgy Keekaroo changing pad (thanks sista for the bday gift!). Definitely a "nice to have" and not necessary but I had several friends recommend it and advocate for a changing pad that is completely wipeable/doesn't require covers when proofreading my registry. I had the budget-friendly option below on my registry before my sister got me this one. 

Alternative budget-friendly changing pad with great reviews - this one is inexpensive and "waterproof" although it does require changing pad covers (or most people use them with this!). So, little more laundry in the loads perhaps with this bad boy - but I mean the price is right I do have to say. 

 ...and FINALLY - the link to my registry!

DIVE IN HERE - but note the below!! 

• Filter to ALL GIFTS when viewing as most items have now been purchased. 

• As I mentioned earlier with some of the bigger, more expensive items - you won't see them on the registry as we bought them ourselves or were gifted them for Christmas. Make sure you read the above for the inside scoop on some big must-have items!

• In general, although it seems like a lot (or does to me!), I tried to keep it focused on items I really believe I need and will use/ was told I will need and use. It is SO EASY to go overboard adding this and that especially when you're a naive new momma! The marketing in this space, I tell ya! Sheesh.  

• I made my shareable registry on Babylist (clearly) but also recommend making private registries on Amazon, Target, etc, and filling them with the items you don't receive once all is said and done. These registries offer a 15% completion discount for all items that are not purchased and that discount is good for a few months past your due date! So as you randomly come across things you need down the road like perhaps the C-section recovery kit you never imagined needing or just some more wipes/diapers, you can throw them onto your Amazon registry - go to checkout - and get it for 15% off retail price. 

Now for #2 - out-of-pocket expenses thus far.

I am going to keep this short and to the point. I was hyperaware of daycare costs, healthcare expenses, etc before trying to conceive.

But I never could have guessed the money I would spend before even birthing the child. 

Before I detail them below, I want to acknowledge the privilege I have. I am in a financial position where these expenses are not stressors. I am in a position where I can spend in alignment with my values without overthinking or experiencing major financial setbacks. While I had a bit of a bumpy road TTC, I was extremely blessed we were able to conceive our son without the need for expensive fertility treatments such as IVF. For many, these costs are MUCH higher. And if you are battling infertility, dealing with loss, or struggling to conceive right now, just know I am thinking of you daily and sending my virtual love and hugs. 

My Out-Of-Pocket Expenses thus far (36 weeks pregnant on the dot). 

**This is the total cost of everything spent on this journey to date - OUTSIDE of the registry - which btw if you add that up, totals $6,750!!!**

• Prenatal Vitamins (I have been buying these for ~1.5 years since I started TTC in Feb of 2022) = $1,883.
  • Note, do your research and consult your doctor. I personally really value quality here and took/take a few different supplements. 
• Over-The-Counter Medication (Due to my issues with TTC, I needed progesterone and was put on a thyroid medication) = $240
• Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses to date (this includes extra labs, ultrasounds, etc again due to my hiccups TTC) = $847
  • I'm actually shocked this isn't higher. But will say my insurance is solid although I have a HDHP (hello HSA aka the unicorn of investment vehicles, ain't passing that up!). My deductible is $1,500 and my out-of-pocket max is $3K. I fully expect to pay at least $3K this year after delivery bills, etc
• Maternity clothes/nursing bras (I've been pretty conservative here and am really stretching some clothes let me tell ya!) = $345.95
• Random Nursery Items like paint, closet organizers, name sign, lamp, etc = $355.99
• Cost of items that were NOT on the registry (stroller, car seat, bassinet, pack n' play, etc) = $1,575

COST OF NON-REGISTRY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES = $5,246. 

TOTAL COST OF REGISTRY ITEMS + NON-REGISTRY EXPENSES = $11,996. 

Whew, that's a lot. Could this be lower? Oh yeah. But did I go crazy? Absolutely not. And this does not even include labor and delivery costs and the MANY MORE costs to come associated with raising a human! In addition, as I mentioned earlier, many incur hefty out-of-pocket expenses before conception occurs.

It's really eye-opening when you actually zoom out and look at the numbers.

Going to wrap this baby up now (pun intended lol!). I hope this provided some sort of insight and or value :)

Thoughts?? Shoot me an email or IG DM! 

Xx, 

Mal