Tips for Buying Baby Gear on a (Very Tight) Budget

So, you're expecting a baby (congrats!), but you’re a little worried about expenses. Don’t stress—you’re definitely not alone. Babies are a blessing, and they need a lot of care. Prams, cots, nappies, car seats... the list feels endless, and if you're on a very tight budget, it can start to feel downright overwhelming. But the good news? You might just be able to get everything you need without blowing your entire savings (or going into debt). This is BGA’s tips on how to get smart, savvy, and a little bit scrappy when buying baby gear on a budget in Australia.

1. Second-hand is your best friend

Let’s get one thing straight: babies grow so fast. That means heaps of baby gear ends up barely used before it’s outgrown. Jump onto Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or local buy/swap/sell groups and you’ll find a treasure trove of baby items in near-new condition for a fraction of the price.

Things like bassinets, cots, change tables, baby baths, clothes, high chairs, and even prams can be snapped up second-hand for next to nothing. Just make sure you check that everything’s clean, undamaged, and meets Australian safety standards. With car seats, be cautious—buy only if you completely trust the seller and know for certain it’s never been in an accident.

2. Don’t fall for the hype

It's easy to feel like you need the latest designer nappy bag or that fancy swing that connects to your phone via Bluetooth. But babies really don’t care if their singlets are organic bamboo from Byron Bay or Kmart basics. Brands can be tempting, but they’re often charging for the name, not the function.

Stick to the essentials. Your baby needs love, warmth, milk, somewhere safe to sleep, something to wear, and a car seat. That’s really it. Everything else? Optional extras.

3. Make the most of hand-me-downs

If you’ve got friends or family members with kids a bit older than yours, don’t be shy—ask if they’ve got anything they’re no longer using. Most parents are thrilled to pass gear along rather than store it in the garage for another decade. Whether it's a box of clothes or a spare cot mattress, every little bit helps.

Offer to return it later, pay it forward, or even trade a home-cooked meal for the goods. Bartering’s still alive and well when you’re a parent!

4. Stick to the basics (for now)

When you're shopping with limited funds, it helps to separate the “must-haves” from the “nice-to-haves.” You don’t need to get everything before bub arrives. In fact, it’s better not to—because once baby’s here, you’ll quickly realise what you actually use and what just collects dust.

Here’s a shortlist of true essentials for the early days –

• Safe sleeping space (cot or bassinet with a firm mattress)
• Car seat (must be Australian approved)
• Nappies (cloth or disposable—whatever suits)
• Wipes or soft washers
• Onesies and singlets
• Blankets or wraps
• Pram or baby carrier

That’s honestly enough to start with. You can add as you go.

5. Get smart with your baby shower

If someone’s throwing you a baby shower (or you’re throwing your own, no shame there!), this is a great opportunity to stock up on useful bits and pieces. Set up a registry with affordable, practical items—nappies in various sizes, wipes, breastfeeding accessories, singlets, bibs, or even a voucher to a baby store. That way, your friends and family aren’t just buying random cute things—they’re actually helping you prep.

6. Shop out of season

Planning ahead can save you heaps. Buying winter baby clothes in summer, or vice versa, often means big discounts. Babies grow fast, but they also go through sizes predictably—so if your bub’s due in August, you can probably guess they’ll need size 00 for summer, and buy accordingly.

7. Utilise community resources

There are heaps of amazing services across Australia offering support to new parents. Many local councils or community centres have toy libraries, free baby gear swaps, or even free parenting classes. Organisations like St Kilda Mums (VIC), The Nappy Collective, or community op-shops sometimes offer donated baby goods to families doing it tough. It’s worth doing a little digging in your area.

Also, ask your hospital or midwife if they know of any local resources—they're usually across what's out there for new parents.

8. DIY where you can

If you're a bit crafty or even just handy with a needle and thread, there’s a surprising amount you can make yourself. Burp cloths, baby blankets, change mats, and even reusable wipes are all relatively easy DIYs if you’re up for it. You don’t need to be a pro, either—YouTube has plenty of beginner tutorials.

9. Compare prices and look for sales

Before buying anything new, jump online and do a quick search to compare prices. Retailers like Big W, Target, Baby Bunting, Baby Gifts Australia and Chemist Warehouse often have sales and clearance items. Also, sign up to newsletters for discount codes, and don’t forget about cashback sites—they can add up over time.

Some great Aussie sites for bargain-hunting include:

• Catch
• Kogan
• OzSale
• The Reject Shop (for basics)

10. Be kind to yourself

Lastly, remember this: your baby doesn’t need the “perfect” nursery or Instagram-worthy outfits. They need you. The love, care, and safety you provide are what really matter. If you’re doing your best (which you are), then that’s more than enough.

Having a baby on a budget isn’t easy, but it’s definitely doable. With a bit of creativity, a lot of community, and a willingness to ditch the idea of “perfect”, you’ll find your way just fine.