First Year with Baby
What you need to buy, plan and think about before and during your first year as a parent.
Before Birth - What Do You Need?
Essential Equipment (estimated costs)
- Pram/Pushchair£200 - £800
- Car seat (infant carrier)£80 - £250
- Cot + mattress£100 - £300
- Changing mat/table£30 - £150
- Moses basket/crib£40 - £100
Save money
Much equipment can be bought second-hand in good condition. However, car seats should ideally be bought new or from someone you trust completely (not involved in an accident).
Clothes - Newborn
Basic wardrobe for newborn
- 6-8 bodysuits (size 0-3 months)
- 6-8 sleepsuits or trousers
- 2-3 cardigans
- 2-3 hats
- Snowsuit or pramsuit (if winter)
- Socks and mittens
Expect to spend £100-200 on the first wardrobe. Babies grow quickly, so don't buy too much in the smallest size!
Ongoing Costs in the First Year
Monthly budget (approximate figures)
- Nappies£40-60
- Wipes & toiletries£10-20
- Formula (if not breastfeeding)£50-80
- Food (from 6 months)£40-80
- Clothes (average)£25-50
Administrative Tasks
Checklist
- ✓ Register the birth (within 42 days)
- ✓ Claim Child Benefit
- ✓ Apply for maternity/paternity pay
- ✓ Consider child insurance (first few weeks)
- ✓ Apply for childcare (6 months before you need it)
- ✓ Add baby to health visitor and GP records
First Year - Milestones
Timeline
- 0-3 months: Establishing routines, feeding, lots of sleep
- 4-6 months: Starting solids, more alert baby
- 6-9 months: Proper food, crawling, sitting
- 9-12 months: Standing, first steps, more social
Total Cost First Year
Estimated total cost
- One-off equipment£1,000 - £2,500
- Ongoing costs (12 months)£2,000 - £4,000
- Total first year£3,000 - £6,500
With Child Benefit of ~£111/month (~£1,330/year), the net cost is approximately £1,700 - £5,200 for the first year.