Scrimp or Splurge: How Much Should You Actually Spend on Baby Essentials?

Nobody prepares you for the baby gear rabbit hole. One minute you're scrolling for a pram, the next it's 2am and you're reading a 47-post forum thread debating whether the cup holder is worth the extra £80. We've been there.

Here's the thing: some baby essentials are absolutely worth the investment, and some really aren't. The trick is knowing which is which before you hand over your card. So we've broken down five of the biggest purchases you'll make, and given you our honest take on whether to scrimp, splurge or meet somewhere in the middle.

1. The Pram

Our verdict: Think cost per use before you decide

You will use your pram every single day, multiple times a day, for the best part of two to three years. That changes the maths considerably. A £200 pram used 1,000 times costs 20p a go. A £900 pram used just as often costs 90p. Neither is right or wrong, but when you break it down by cost per use, a mid-range or even premium option can still represent genuinely excellent value, especially if it does the job well.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Save → My Babiie makes beautifully designed prams at a price point that won't make your eyes water. Great quality, bold prints and a fraction of the cost of the luxury market. Splurge → Silver Cross is iconic for a reason. If you want something that holds its resale value, feels built to last and turns heads at the park, it's worth saving up for. Both with a little Cubbi discount to sweeten the deal.

2. The Breast Pump

Our verdict: It depends on how much you plan to use it

If you're planning to exclusively breastfeed and express occasionally, a more affordable option does the job. If you're going back to work and pumping multiple times a day, comfort and efficiency become much more important, and the cost per use argument swings firmly towards investing in something better.

The biggest game-changer in the breast pump world in recent years has been the wearable pump. No more being tethered to the sofa. You can express while making a coffee, answering emails or doing the nursery run. Once you've tried hands-free, going back feels genuinely impossible.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Save → The Momcozy S9 is a brilliant entry point into wearable pumping. Discreet, comfortable and effective — it's one of the best value options on the market right now. Splurge → If you want the most premium wearable experience, the Momcozy Air 1 Ultra-Slim is the one. Incredibly lightweight, barely-there under clothing, and designed for mums who need it to work seamlessly around a busy day. Plus, Cubbi members get an exclusive 15% OFF Momcozy. Sign up to shop.

3. Baby Clothes

Our verdict: Scrimp. Confidently and without guilt.

Babies grow out of newborn sizes in weeks. Sometimes days. We are talking about clothes that might get three wears before they no longer fit...if you're lucky. This is genuinely one of the areas where spending less is not just acceptable, it's the smart move.

You might make an exception if its especially cute and can be handed down or kept as a keepsake. The first pair of shoes, the birthday outfit, the thing they'll look back at in photos. For those moments, it's worth spending a little more on something that feels special, lasts well and holds its shape after being washed seventeen times.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Save → Vinted is your best friend here. Barely worn baby clothes at a fraction of the original price — many items still have tags on. No shame, all sense. Splurge → For that first proper pair of shoes, Kickers are worth it. Durable, properly designed for little feet and the kind of thing you'll actually want to keep, and with 15% OFF on Cubbi.

4. The Car Seat

Our verdict: Always splurge. No exceptions.

This is the one item on the list where we take cost per use off the table entirely. A car seat is a safety device, and safety is not somewhere to find a bargain. Every car seat sold in the UK must meet legal safety standards, but there is a meaningful difference between the minimum and the best in terms of ease of installation, how securely it fits your car, and the level of side-impact protection.

A poorly fitted car seat — even an expensive one — provides far less protection than a correctly fitted budget one, so the second non-negotiable is getting it properly checked by a trained fitter. Many retailers offer this for free.

💡 Cubbi Tip: For every budget → Johnston Prams stocks car seats across a wide price range and the team genuinely know their stuff. Whether you're looking for a solid everyday option or something with all the premium safety features, they'll help you find the right fit for your car and your child.

5. Nursery Furniture

Our verdict: Sleep matters. The rest really doesn't.

Your baby does not care whether their wardrobe matches the changing unit. They will not notice the drawer handles. What will make a difference is if they are safe and comfortable. For that, a new, clean and supportive mattress is genuinely worth investing in.

💡 Cubbi Tip: Save → Facebook Marketplace is honestly brilliant for nursery furniture. You'll find wardrobes, changing units and dressers in excellent condition for a fraction of the retail price (and sometimes free). Splurge → Chicco for the perfect Next2Me Cot and Mattress and Mabel & Fox for the beautiful details that make a nursery feel special.

---

Baby prep is expensive, there's no way around it. But knowing where to spend and where to save can make a significant difference to your budget without compromising on what actually matters.

But, even when you decide to splurge, you don't have to pay full price. Cubbi gives new and expecting parents access to exclusive discounts at over 250 brands — including Momcozy, Silver Cross, Cosatto, Kickers and Mabel & Fox.

Sign up for free and start saving on the things that are actually worth spending on.