Pushchair - our biggest purchase £250 for an off-road running buggy (bought it online at a massive reduction but it did mean we had to wait a while for it) which we can in theory use until he grows out of it with a £130 carrycot extension. You can easily pick these up secondhand for much cheaper too. We live in the country and are very active so decided a proper off road buggy was more important than a travel system which would barely get used.
Baby carriers - £50 for a secondhand, very good condition Tula with newborn insert and £20 for a never used Hoppediz wrap sling.
Car seat - £140 on a Joie Every Stage which would in theory last until he was completely out of car/booster seats and rear-faces until 4. My car is too old for isofix so that wasn’t a consideration for us. We may upgrade once we buy a new car but I’m pretty thrilled with the seat currently.
Nappies - Have spent approximately £250 on cloth nappies of various styles and sizes which should last us all the way through to potty training and for any future children or can be resold if well looked after. We’ll also be using cloth wipes which are included in this expense.
Cot - £79 on a John Lewis cot which we altered to be a co-sleeping cot and approx £40 on a lovely mattress which was in sale. Neighbour has given us a toddler bed she was getting rid of. If we want to transition baby into a cot in his own room before he’s ready for the toddler bed, we can buy a secondhand cot and keep the mattress.
Daytime naps - Got a box and mattress from babybox university for free (£6.99 postage I think?). My mum bought us a Poddle Pod for £50. We’ll see which he prefers.
Clothes - Have been buying bits and bobs new and second hand in sales, supermarkets etc. In various sizes throughout my pregnancy. Have probably spent £100ish. We’ve already had loads of gifts - can’t stop people knitting blankets and cardis! So I’m waiting to see what extras we might need once he’s here.
Changing bag - £30 Amazon. Would happily have used s nice rucksack I already owned if I had one.
I’m planning to breastfeed so will buy any feeding paraphernalia as and when we need it. It’s readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies so don’t feel like we need anything in advance ‘just in case’.
You honestly don’t need to spend a fortune! I reckon we could have saved an extra £300ish if we’d bought our pushchair and cot (not mattress) secondhand, and if I hadn’t gone completely mental on nappies 😬 but they’ll still save us in the long run!