Becoming a parent means entering a world of love, nappies, and a lot of new purchases. But how much do you really need to spend on baby essentials — and what’s just clever marketing?
Depending on who you ask, the answer ranges from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. But the truth is, there’s surprisingly little research into how much UK parents are actually spending — and even less into what’s worth the money.
That’s why we’re running a short survey to dig into this. Whether you’re a current parent or an expectant one, we’d love to hear about your experience. It takes less time than changing a nappy — and as a thank you, one entry will win a £250 voucher to spend with one of our partner brands.
👉 Click here to take the survey now!
In the meantime, here’s what we do know about baby product costs…
Prams and travel systems – £100 to £1,500+
This is often one of the first big-ticket items new parents invest in. Some go for a second-hand pushchair from Facebook Marketplace, others splash out on a full travel system with all the extras.
💡 According to Which?, the average travel system costs around £4910, but there are plenty of highly-rated options for under £300.
At Cubbi, we see users save up to 40% on premium brands — proving you don’t need to spend four figures for a great pram.
Car seat – £100 to £350+
A car seat is a non-negotiable if you’re planning to drive with your baby. But there’s huge variation in price, depending on whether you go for a basic infant seat or a swanky all-in-one solution that grows with your child.
💡 Consumer group Which? found that a safe, rear-facing infant seat can start from around £100.
Just remember — car seats are one of the few items safety experts recommend buying new, as damage isn’t always visible.
Baby clothing – £150 to £600+
Those tiny outfits add up fast — especially with growth spurts every few weeks.
💡 MoneyHelper estimates that UK parents spend around £243 on baby clothing in the first month alone.
Our Cubbi parents often tell us they wished they’d bought less newborn stuff, and invested more in multipacks and second-hand bundles.
Bottles, feeding & pumps – £50 to £300+
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a mix of both, you’ll likely need bottles, a steriliser, and possibly a breast pump too.
💡 Breast pumps can be one of the biggest outlays — with hospital-grade electric models costing upwards of £300. But there are more affordable options out there, and many brands offer discounts through Cubbi.
Top tip: If you’re planning to pump, check if you’re eligible for a discount via Cubbi — we work with some amazing breast pump providers.
Nursery furniture – £200 to £1,000+
Cots, changing tables, rocking chairs… it can feel like you need to furnish a whole new room. But you don’t need the full Pinterest nursery setup.
💡 The Lullaby Trust recommends using a simple, firm mattress and a Moses basket or cot that meets safety standards.
At Cubbi, we always say: it’s about function, not fancy. A lot of furniture can be borrowed, bought second-hand, or skipped altogether.
So, what’s the real cost of having a baby?
According to a 2023 report by Moneyfarm, UK parents spend an average of £6,000 preparing for their baby — and that’s before the cost of nappies, childcare and food kicks in.
The issue? There’s just not enough data out there to help parents know what’s “normal” — or where to prioritise their budget. That’s why we’re running a short survey to gather insight from real UK families.
👉 Take our short survey here — it takes less time than changing a nappy, and one entry will win a £250 voucher!
Your answers will help shape future resources, brand partnerships and support tools — so parents like you can make informed, pressure-free choices during parental leave.
Because every family deserves to enjoy this time without breaking the bank.
