Parenting & Baby 2026

The average cost of a baby in the first year can exceed $10,000. By prioritizing second-hand for short-term items and choosing reusables, you can slash this by 60% without compromising safety.

Buy New (Safety)

Car Seat

Safety: Never risk invisible damage

Est. $350

Cot Mattress

Safety: SIDS risk with used

Est. $150

Buy Used (Smart)

Pram / Stroller

High durability, huge depreciation

Save ~$650

Clothes (0-6m)

Worn for weeks only. Bundles on FB Marketplace.

Save ~$250

High Chair

Easy to clean plastic ones last forever

Save ~$50

Change Table

Furniture depreciates fast. Or use a dresser.

Save ~$170

Baby Monitor

Tech resells cheaply.

Save ~$110

Wait & See

Bottle Steriliser

Boiling water works fine.

Save ~$65

💡 2026 Insight: Nappies

Terry Flat Cloth Nappies cost ~6c per wear.
Disposables cost ~35c per wear.
Savings over 2.5 years: ~$2,500+

The Frugal Baby Checklist

Buy New (Safety)

Buy Used (Smart)

Wait & See

💡 2026 Insight: Nappies