What a baby costs: the gear for the first year

The gear for the first year, added up from the catalogue: what you need before the birth, what comes around six months, and what depends on how you feed. Running costs like nappies and childcare aren't in it.

The total

Everything on this page: 1.429 € to 5.487 €

The low figure is the cheapest option on every line, added up. The high figure is the dearest. A stroller or a cot bought second hand pulls you towards the low end.

Before the birth

This is the newborn checklist in short. The newborn checklist guide has the same items one by one, with what to look for.

Around six months and later

The high chair is the one big item here. Look for EN 14988 and a harness. Whether you need a second car seat this year depends on your infant seat's height and weight limits, so it isn't in the total. Don't buy one early just to reuse a base.

Depends how you feed

Add the line that fits how you feed. Advice on sterilising differs: the NHS says sterilise everything, while German and French guidance say hot water and washing-up liquid, or a dishwasher, is enough at home. Pumps can often be rented, so ask your midwife first. The formula here is the first tin only.

Not counted here

These are things bought every week, or not bought by everyone. They depend on where you live and how you do things, and no single figure for them would be honest.

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