Cost of having a baby?

[Wannabemummy25]

Very new here so sorry if this is in the wrong topic, however I'm just wondering if anyone can give me an indication of how much babies cost? I appreciate it is probably a how long is a piece of string but apart from nappies and clothes, how much do the extra things cost? I've had a brief look and there are SO many things you can buy that just seem extra and unnecessary. I've seen big items like prams costing £800+, snuzpods £200+, car seats, playmats, swing chair things for newborns (saw these on mammas and papas as I didn't realise they were suitable but apparently they're for 0-6mo), changing mats, bags, sterilisers, bottles, pumps, toys, etc. Also, are things like changing table furniture necessary? I always thought it was safer to change nappies on a mat on the floor but I keep seeing these picture perfect nurseries on Instagram! Also, extra things like NCT classes, waterbabies etc!

So I'm just wondering if anyone has ever worked out how much they spent before their baby was born/in the first year?

Another question, has anyone decided on a nanny rather than nursery and I just wondered how much that was?

(Side note, I'm not pregnant but I like planning things so my questions stems from wondering how much money DH and I would have to save before having a baby!)

We probably spent about £2000 before baby was here and I've since spent at least £150 on classes and have bought more clothes etc.

Formula and nappies are actually pretty cheap!

When it comes to changing tables etc we have one that goes across the cot which cost £20 rather than one of the chest of drawers because we wanted a bigger chest of drawers. We did initially think oh well just do it on bed/wherever but after my csec i couldn't bend over and besides that is is easier on your back this way!

As fur the rest, can be as expensive as you like. Lots can be bought second hand like bouncers/swings.

I preferred to get things like prams and cotbed new as these were items that will last a while and fur hygiene's sake too. I tried looking for a 2nd hand cot but couldn't find one that wasn't knackered in some way.

Clothes don't have to cost a fortune. But it is nice to dress your baby. Look up preloved groups on fb you can get good quality nice clothes quite cheaply.

Plan for £1 million. After that you'll either have some left over when the little one is old enough to earn some money or you at least won't have any surprise debts.

I'm 37 weeks pregnant and so far have spent on the following:

Travel system £400
Cot £109
A couple of nursery furniture from IKEA £75
Snuzpod (used) £75 plus new mattress £30
Clothes around £100
Bouncy chair (used) £40

We also got tons of stuff for free:
-My mum bought loads of clothes (first grandbaby!)
-Free high chair, baby scales and play mat from neighbour
-Free baby bath and nursing pillow from friend
-I'm in Scotland so got the free Baby Box from the government full of things like clothes, blankets, thermometers, books, teethers etc. Plus the box itself which comes with a mattress and sheets and will be used for daytime naps downstairs.