Our Budget-Friendly Baby Registry List For Under $1000

For the vast majority of parents a stroller is non-negotiable—but this piece of essential baby gear can be expensive. The Mompush Meteor 2 stands out as a full-size stroller that meets the mark when it comes to quality and affordability. Our product tester Krysten W. praised this model for its value for money, ease of pushing and the clever design that seamlessly converts from bassinet mode to a toddler stroller.

“The bassinet-to-seat conversion makes it practical long-term, and while a few upgrades like more color choices or mesh ventilation would be nice, they don’t take away from the stroller’s overall value,” says Krysten, who tested the stroller with her 3-month-old son. This stroller is a convenient option that can be used from birth through toddlerhood and costs less than $200—what a steal!

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A convertible car seat is a wise investment for families on a budget. Why? This one-and-done purchase can be used from infancy to early childhood. The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 can be used rear-facing for infants up to 40 pounds and easily transitions to a front-facing seat for toddlers up to 65 pounds. Better yet, it converts to a high-back booster for older children that have outgrown their car seat.

“To my surprise, each and every one of my children fit very well in this car seat,” shares product tester Kristina M., who used the car seat with her 10-month-old, 2-year-old and 4-year-old. Aside from its versatility, this convertible seat is lightweight, easy to install and has a solid crash safety rating.

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Many moms like to start using their baby carrier in the newborn stage, so they can keep baby close while checking things off their to-do list. Our top pick for parents on a budget is this streamlined carrier that can be used for babies that weigh between 7 and 26 pounds.

“I feel this was an excellent design choice for newborns,” says product tester Jessica S., who said it offered a comfortable fit for her and her son. Jessica wore the carrier while doing light household chores and during long walks and never felt a hint of back strain or discomfort. Overall, it’s a supportive carrier with a reasonable price tag.

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Many new parents use a playard with a detachable bassinet as baby's first main sleep space—that way you can combine two purchases into one multifunctional item. And if it’s value for money you seek, we recommend Graco’s Pack ‘n Play On The Go Playard. This model has a full-size bassinet that folds with the frame for quick and easy set-up. Tester Karina B. says she loves the “ease to change it from a play pen to a sleeping area for my baby,” adding that her daughter slept like an angel in the bassinet.

Once baby has outgrown the bassinet, simply remove it to transform the playard into a secure play and sleep space for your little one. Our tester told us it was nice and roomy with enough space for siblings to play together in the playard.

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Next up on our list of baby essentials is the Sniglar Crib by IKEA. This model has two mattress heights and can easily be converted from a crib to a toddler bed by removing one sidewall. The affordable price point and pared back natural wood finish appeals to many folks with a minimalist approach to baby gear. One member of The Bump forums, redselig, says: “The IKEA Singlar crib is a classic. I love natural wood with plain accents.” A crib that converts to a toddler bed will save you money, but just be aware that you may also need to buy a conversion kit.

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Introducing our third IKEA product: The Len crib sheets. They’re compatible with a selection of IKEA mattresses (including the Jättetrött) and fit snugly thanks to the elasticated corners.

Better yet, the sheets are made from breathable cotton that's soft and gentle against delicate skin. Aryssa S. tested the sheets with her 12-month-old and was particularly impressed with the fabric quality and price. “This sheet would be appropriate year-round as it is breathable, but the softness of the material makes it cozy as well,” shares Aryssa.

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Diapers are one item parents end up buying in bulk, so even minimal savings make a difference. Of all the diapers we’ve tested over the years Rascals emerged as the best quality brand for the lowest price. Like more expensive diapers, this type has a wetness indicator and is designed to keep baby dry until their next diaper change.

“These diapers were very effective,” says product tester Jaclyn G. “I had no leaks […] even when worn overnight,” she continues, adding that her little one seemed comfortable despite having sensitive skin.

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Another thing you’ll need a healthy supply of is wipes. As the name suggests Pampers sensitive baby wipes are gentle enough for newborn skin. Plus, they’re free from alcohol, fragrance and parabens. Stock up on a large multi-pack or subscribe and save through Amazon Prime for regular deliveries of your favorite wipes.

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Diaper rash is a common complaint in babies, so it’s best to have some cream to treat it on hand. That’s where Desitin’s Daily Defense Cream comes in clutch. This affordable diaper rash cream contains zinc oxide, which forms a protective layer on your baby's skin for diaper rash relief and prevention.

Product tester Amelia R. says the cream has a “buttery consistency” and absorbed into her baby’s skin quickly without leaving any greasiness or visible residue. At less than $10 for 4 ounces this is an affordable option to add to your registry list.

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Once you stock up on diapers, wipes and other supplies, you’ll need a secure spot to change baby’s diaper. Of course, you could do diaper changes on the floor but it may be hard on your back over time. Our advice is to invest in a pad like this one by Summer by Ingenuity and set it up on top of a dresser or changing table.

This changing pad has a soft but firm texture similar to a mattress and a contoured design, which prevents baby from rolling off the side. “I like the raised edges and optional safety strap, especially now that our daughter is getting more mobile,” says product tester Erin, who noted that the changing pad was a good size and fit neatly on top of her changing table.

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A baby bathtub isn’t deemed as essential by all parents, but we think they are well worth the investment. Why? A miniature tub will make bathtime so much easier as it offers head and neck support to infants under 6-months-old and many have anti-slip features. The Boon SOAK 3-Stage Bathtub is affordable, compact and easy to use, making it a welcome addition to our budget-friendly registry list.

“The compact size allows you to use it in your kitchen sink, or your tub, which is nice,” shares product tester Kerri M. who used it with her 7-month-old. Despite being small in size this bathtub has a three stage design, making it suitable from birth up to 18 months. Kerri also noted that it was incredibly easy to set up and featured a built-in temperature gauge, which is a helpful addition for new parents.

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Whether you decide to breastfeed, combi-feed or bottle-feed, it’s wise to stock up on a few baby bottles just in case. Over the years The Bump has tested many baby bottles that vary in price and quality, but at under a dollar per bottle Parent's Choice emerged as the most affordable option so far.

Our product tester Samantha J. praised the performance and affordability of these bottles, noting that they were comparable to more expensive brands she’s tried. “My son enjoyed eating from these bottles and even had less milk drip from his mouth than our normal bottles,” shares Samantha, adding that these bottles had minimal parts making them super-easy to clean.

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Once you reach the weaning stage a high chair is essential. If you’re looking for utility over style we suggest the IKEA Antilop. This high chair costs less than $20, is easy to clean and has a sturdy design with a three-point safety harness.

“Unlike many other chairs, this high chair is a very simple design, no crevices which makes it simple to wipe down,” says product tester Ariana B. While this chair isn’t foldable for easy storage, the simple, modern design will blend in well with any style aesthetic.

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