Baby budget

A nappy bin… and nine other baby items that you don’t actually need

From cots to clothes, to car seats - the costs of becoming a parent can quickly add up, with your baby's first year setting you back between £1,600 and £7,200

Maryse Farag

Published: 12:04, 8 Jun 2016
Updated: 17:02, 16 Aug 2016

PLANNING for a baby can be exciting but the financial implication may be a bit daunting.

From cots to clothes, to car seats - the costs can add up quickly reaching as much as £7,200 or as little as £1,600 in your baby's first year, according to The Money Advice Service.

They've revealed a list of unnecessary purchases to help you save cash while preparing for your new arrival.

Here are 10 baby items you'll be told you need when you actually don't:

1. Nappy sacks

Money Advice Service calculates the average cost at £395 for the first year aloneCredit: Getty Images

According to Money Advice Service, we're likely to spend £395 on these in the first 12 months.

Instead, roll up that smelly nappy, secure it with those sticky ends, or wrap it in tissue and dispose in the bin.

Make the most of buy-one-get-one-free offers of nappies and buy some in bigger sizes to avoid waste.

2.Nappy bin

Apparently this is a waste of cash tooCredit: Getty Images

There is no need to splash out on this pointless item - just use your normal bin

3. Changing table

These are expensive and take up a lot of roomCredit: Getty Images

This is one piece of furniture you can definitely skip as it just adds clutter in your baby's room and it can be pricey.

Just buy a changing mat which you can use wherever you want.

4. Special baby detergent

There's a handy tip to cut down on the price of washing powderCredit: Alamy

You'll find you're spending most of your time doing baby laundry that never seems to end once you become a parent.

You don't need to wash your tot's clothes in special, and probably expensive, detergent.

All you need is a free-from-perfume detergent from the supermarket shelf that will save you money and time as you can throw the baby's clothes in with the rest of your laundry.

5. Baby timer

It's probably tempting to buy one, but there are much cheaper alternativesCredit: Getty Images

The reality is that you don't need to spend money on a timer when you can just as easily keep track of all of those things with a simple pen and paper.

If you want to be more high-tech, try using your phone or downloading an app.

6. Expensive cot bedding

Again, shopping around should become your friendCredit: Getty Images

It's tempting to splash out on pricey things to make your baby's bed look pretty.

Many high streer stores sell cheap versions though. All you need to do is get cute patterened sheets and a matching crib skirt - which hang from the bottom of the cot to the floor.

7. Baby food processor

It doesn't take much to work out why these are a waste of money...Credit: Alamy

Apart from the added cost and clutter in your kitchen...what's wrong with a regular food processor?