6 Affordable Swaps for Popular but Pricey Baby Registry Items

In the world of Wi-Fi baby monitors, the Nanit Pro is a go-to option for parents. Its success is due to the crystal-clear video, an audio stream sensitive enough to pick up soft sighs, helpful sleep analytics and a top-of-the-line encryption system. “The camera and audio quality are excellent,” says product tester and mom of one Janelle L. “We can clearly hear and see our baby day or night, including details like her eyes and the pacifiers in her crib,” she continues. With the app, users can view “day” and “night” insights that track baby’s sleep and can help establish a napping schedule. The monitor also comes with a breathing band that's worn around baby’s chest and tracks breaths per minute (BPM), but Janelle didn’t test this feature. As for security, the Nanit uses 256-bit AES encryption—which is also used by financial institutions and the US government—and two-factor authentication on the app is mandatory. However, these fabulous features come at a high price tag as the Nanit Pro Baby Monitor retails at $399 full price. (Although Nanit are currently running a promotion with 20 percent off.)

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor with Camera
Monitor type: Video WiFi | Video display: 1080p HD | Mounting type: Wall

Currently priced at $150, the Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor is a great budget-friendly alternative to the Nanit. Janelle also tested this product and noted that the video feed was just as clear. “The camera quality was on par with the Nanit, offering high-quality 1080p HD video both day and night,” shares Janelle. While the video quality is well-matched, the viewing options are not “The biggest difference I noticed was in the camera setup and field of view—while the Miku requires a strict bird's-eye view of the crib to use the breath monitoring features, the Nanit does not,” explains Janelle. In practical terms, this means that the Miku monitors the crib only, while the Nanit captures a wider portion of the room.

When you use the breathing monitor, the camera and app work in unison, so you can see a visual representation of baby’s real-time breath rate. “I really loved the breathing monitoring of this camera/application,” says Janelle. “It's contact-free, meaning your baby does not need to wear any extra gadgets or clothing for the monitoring,” adds Janelle, noting that the Nanit’s equivalent feature requires the use of a wearable breathing band. For our tester, this smart feature gave her added peace of mind. “I can't tell you how many times I go in just to place my hand on her chest or back to feel her breath, and I felt comparable simply looking at this app and letting [my daughter] sleep in peace,” shares Janelle.

Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor with Wall Mount
Monitor type: Video WiFi | Video display: 1080p HD | Mounting type: Wall

While shopping for an infant car seat the first thing I noticed was the weight. Some of the show models were easy to lift with one-hand, while others took a lot of upper-body strength to lift—and that’s without a baby in-situ. Unsurprisingly, many parents rave about the Nuna pipa aire rx + pipa relx base, which is one of the lightest options on the market. Without the canopy and inserts this car seat weighs just 6.2 pounds and with the accessories it’s 8.4 pounds, which is still incredibly lightweight. “The car seat looks heavy but it’s actually very lightweight and the weight distribution makes it so easy to carry,” shares Noora L. who tested it with the help of her 5-month-old. Aside from the featherlight design, this car seat offers top-notch comfort and unimpeachable safety features. The deep seat creates a cocoon-like space to cradle your baby and the fire-retardant free fabric is soft and easy to care for. Thanks to the “True Lock” system, the seat can be correctly installed with ease and side impact protection offers another layer of safety. All in all it’s a safe and stylish infant car seat that’s a dream to carry. But at $650, the car seat and base will make a significant dent in your baby budget.

nuna pipa aire rx + pipa relx base
Dimensions: 27.3" (L) x 17.5" (W) x 23" (H) | Weight (seat): 6.2 lbs. without accessories | Weight capacity: 4 to 30 lbs. | Height limit: 30"

If your main shopping concern is weight and ease of use, the Maxi-Cosi Peri 180° Rotating Infant Car Seat is also a solid choice. It weighs a mere 8.5 pounds with the canopy and inserts, but without the accessories it’s a pound lighter. Unlike the nuna pipa aire rx, this car seat rotates 180 degrees, making it incredibly easy to load and buckle your child into the seat. The brand actually states that it’s the lightest rotating car seat on the market, and we’re yet to see another that beats this claim. “In general I feel it’s pretty light weight without [my son],” says product tester Ashley K. She found it very easy to attach and detach the seat from the base and says, “the rotating feature makes it even easier to remove the baby.” In terms of safety features this seat has side-impact protection as well as a load leg and anti-rebound bar for added stability. The plush, padded seat is comfortable and all of the fabrics and cushions are removable and machine-washable. At full price this infant car seat is $120 cheaper than the nuna pipa aire, and it is currently on sale for an even lower price.

Maxi Cosi Peri 180° Rotating Infant Car Seat
Dimensions: 29.5" (L) x 18.25" (W) x 28.5" (H) | Weight (seat): 7.5 lbs. without accessories | Weight capacity: 4 to 30 lbs. | Height limit: 32"

In the newborn stage, babies must lie flat when sleeping or riding in a stroller. There are many incredible bassinet strollers on the market, but the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is one you’ll hear mentioned frequently by parents in the know. Released in fall 2025, the V3 is an updated version of the beloved Cruz V2. The new and improved stroller includes a lie-flat seat for newborns, so you can use it without a bassinet attachment. With that said, our tester tried it out with the bassinet and really liked it. “My baby fits great in the bassinet and I do think they could be in it up to 4 to 6 months, depending on the size of your baby,” says Erin P. It’s worth noting that the bassinet attachment is sold separately, but it is certified for overnight sleep when used with the stand. Aside from newborn-readiness, this stroller now features one-handed magnetic buckles, an extendable canopy with a UPF 50+ sunshade that tucks away, a more compact self-standing fold and updated suspension with reflectors on the wheels. Full disclosure though: This stroller is expensive. The stroller costs $1000, while the bassinet attachment is $280 on top of that.

UPPAbaby Cruz V3
Dimensions (open): 37.5" (L) x 22.8" (W) x 40" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 10.6" (L) x 22.4" (W) x 42.1″ (H) (with seat); 17.2" (L) x 22.4" (W) x 32.3" (H) (without seat) | Weight: 26.5 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Car seat compatible: Yes | Stroller board accessory: Yes

In contrast to this the Mompush Meteor 2 is extremely affordable. It costs under $200 (yes, really!), and parents say it performs exceptionally well for newborns. Unlike other strollers that come with a separate newborn attachment, this model has a built-in bassinet that transforms into a seat for older children. “The bassinet fabric felt soft and smooth to the touch, but also durable. It was well-padded and looked cozy enough for a newborn,” shares product tester Krysten W., who took it for a stroll with her 3-month-old. “Transforming the bassinet into the toddler seat was simple and intuitive,” says Krysten, who tested the conversion process to see how straightforward it is. “I really appreciate that the bassinet and seat are one piece. It saves space and keeps things streamlined,” she continues. While this stroller isn’t designed for rugged terrain, it was super-easy to push along city streets. In terms of performance, our tester felt it was just as good as other high-end bassinet strollers, although she wished it was available in more color options. “It falls in the lower price range, but the quality, durability, and features feel more in line with a mid-range or even premium stroller,” concludes our tester, adding that she was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy and well-made the stroller is. Between the $800 price difference and the glowing review, there's plenty of reasons to take a chance on this affordable bassinet stroller.

Mompush Meteor 2
Dimensions (open): 38" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 43.3" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 25.2" (L) x 33.9" (W) x 6.7" (H) (with seat); 25.2" (L) x 33.9" (W) x 9.4" (H) (without seat) | Weight: 23.2 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Car-seat compatible: Yes | Stroller board accessory: Yes

If, like me, you’re looking for a stroller that can grow with your family, a single-to-double is a wise investment. The UPPAbaby Vista V3 reigns supreme in this category, with countless online reviews, Tik-Tok shorts and Instagram reels devoted to the benefits of this premium stroller. I actually took this model for a test stroll and found it incredibly easy to push. “It rolls SO easy,” agrees product tester Dani W., who used it with her 2-month-old and 3-year-old. “The dual-spring suspension system is a great touch–that, paired with the quality wheels, makes the entire stroller feel like it's gliding,” continues Dani. The Uppababy Vista V3 has over 30 configurations (adapters sold separately) and can be used as a single stroller and double stroller—you can even add a stroller board, so a third child can hitch a ride. One issue with this stroller is that the bassinet must be placed at the bottom in double mode. If you intend to use it as a single stroller only this won’t be an issue, but if you plan to have more children in the near future this may give you pause for thought. On the plus side, this stroller has a spacious basket that holds up to 30 pounds. “The basket underneath the stroller is a great size,” agrees Dani, who fit everything she needed for a day out with two kids. Aside from the practical features, the Vista V3 looks and feels high-end with soft fabrics and refined design details. New and improved features, such as added ventilation panels, magnetic buckles, a no-rethread harness and an upgraded suspension system, add to the overall experience of this day-to-day hero product. Of course, this stroller comes with a hefty price tag: It retails at $1000 for the stroller alone and additional attachments are sold separately.

UPPAbaby Vista V3
Dimensions (open): 36.5" (L) x 25.7" (W) x 39.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 16.3" (L) x 25.7" (W) x 33.8" (H) | Weight: 27.6 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Car-seat compatible: Yes

The Mockingbird 2.0 is a high quality single-to-double stroller that costs considerably less than competing models. It functions perfectly as a single stroller, but offers 22 configurations for growing families. Although it’s important to note that the car seat adaptors, bassinet attachment and second seat are sold separately. Product tester Michelle B., who used it in both single and double mode with her kids aged 3 months and 2 years and, found the stroller incredibly easy to push and steer. “The maneuvering is unimaginably smooth and glides effortlessly,” says Michelle, who noted that she could push it with one hand in single mode. “As a double, the stroller is easy to navigate and maneuver in tight spaces, in stores and through all terrain areas,” she adds. Similar to the Vista V3, this stroller has a spacious under-seat basket that holds up to 25 pounds. “The basket is a fantastic size and holds everything I need as a mom of four,” confirms Michelle. One area in which this stroller potentially outshines the Vista V3 is the one-hand fold. “The Mockingbird has a wonderful one-hand fold and was quick to catch on to,” explains Michelle. This stroller certainly has a lot to offer growing families and is worth adding to your registry if you’re looking for a more affordable option.

Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0
Dimensions (open): 33" (L) x 25.5" (W) x 40" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 34" (L) x 25.5" (W) x 18" (H) | Weight: 27 lbs. (single seat) 35 lbs. (two seats) | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Car-seat compatible: Yes

As a new parent, anything that improves the quality and quantity of your sleep is a saving grace. A smart bassinet, like the SNOO Smart Sleeper can help minimize sleep disruptions by responding to your baby at the first signs of distress. The SNOO’s cry-detection technology uses microphones to monitor baby’s sleep. If it detects fussiness or crying, the bassinet will respond with an appropriate level of white noise and rocking. Sounds good, but does it actually work? In short, the answer is yes! The Bump team tested the SNOO with two families, both of whom agreed that it helped improve baby’s sleep. “The fact it realized when he was upset and crying amazed me. Once it did that it would start swaying and calming him down,” explains Shawna C, who tested the SNOO with her 6-week-old. “The gentle rocking motion is very effective in putting him back to sleep, which allows us to get more sleep,” agrees product tester Caitlin H. With the app, parents can also gain daily insights into their baby’s sleep patterns. Aside from offering new parents (and babies) an extra hour of sleep per night, this bassinet has a built-in swaddle that keeps infants sleeping safely on their backs. This high-performing device will set you back $1,695 at full price, but it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for seasonal SNOO sales. And, if you do decide the price is worth it, use the exclusive code BUMPBEAR at checkout to receive a complimentary SNOObear with orders over $199.

Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper
Age range: 0 to 6 months | Dimensions: 35.75” (L) × 19” (W) × 31” (H) | Weight: 38 lbs. | Weight capacity: 33 lbs.

If you’re not in a position to purchase a SNOO and don’t want to add such a high-ticket item to your registry, there are great budget-friendly alternatives on the market. One such example is Graco’s SmartSense Soothing Bassinet. At under $500, this smart bassinet is less than a third of the price of a SNOO and has many of the same features. For starters, this bassinet also uses built-in microphones to listen and respond to your baby. “When the bassinet detected my son crying, it would start cycling through different features to calm him,” says product tester Ashleigh A. The SmartSense responds to baby’s cries with a range of white noise, lullabies, gentle vibrations and a rocking motion. While the cry-detection feature isn’t as sensitive as that of the SNOO (our tester says the responses took a few seconds to kick in) it was effective at soothing her baby and improving his overall sleep quality. “My baby falls asleep so much quicker and stays asleep longer in this smart bassinet versus a standstill one,” confirms our tester. This model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles—such as an app, sleep analytics or a swaddle system—but it is a great, affordable option for parents that are in the market for a self-rocking bassinet.

Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet
Age range: 0 to 5 months | Dimensions: 22.75" (L) x 31.5" (W) x 36" (H) | Weight: 31 lbs. | Weight capacity: 20 lbs.

When compared to the other baby gear on this list, a changing pad is a much lower ticket item. But all those little purchases do add up, so it’s good to save money where you can. The Keekaroo Peanut is the trendy changing pad. Why? The peanut-shaped design is aesthetically pleasing and practical, as the sloped surface means that fluids—aka pee and poop—flow downwards rather than pooling around your little one. It’s also incredibly easy to wipe clean and has a water-repellent layer that puts a stop to bacteria growth. “Our daughter pooped THREE TIMES the day we used this changer and any residue wiped off the pad super super easily,” shares product tester Erin W. Our tester also loved the feel of the pad, which was firm but still soft to the touch for baby’s comfort. No doubt about it, the Keekaroo is an awesome changing pad, but at $150 it is on the pricey side.

Keekaroo Peanut Changer
Dimensions: 32" (L) x 14" (W) x 4" (H) | Weight: 7 lbs. | Weight capacity: 30 lbs. | Material: ‎Polypropylene

With a $90 price tag, the Bumbo is a slightly more affordable option. Similar to the Keekaroo, the wipeable surface sloped in the direction of baby’s feet allowing liquids to flow away from your child. “It's the same surface as similar products I've tried, so I know from experience it's easy to wipe down,” says Erin, who also tested the Bumbo. This changer also has a couple of additional safety features, which we appreciate. Namely, a built-in safety strap that goes around baby’s waist and a non-slip base that securely grips onto a changing table or other flat surface.

Bumbo Changing Pad
Dimensions: 27.2" (L) x 17.1" (W) x 3.7" (H) | Weight: 3.2 lbs. | Weight capacity: 30 lbs. | Material: ‎Foam