Congratulations! A baby is on the way! Along with all the joy and excitement comes a very practical question that every expecting parent quietly Googles at 2 a.m.: how much is this actually going to cost?
The short answer: the first year of a baby’s life typically costs between $15,000 and $25,000 for the average American family when you factor in gear, childcare, healthcare, and daily essentials. That number can feel overwhelming, but here’s the good news: a well-planned baby registry can significantly offset your out-of-pocket expenses by covering hundreds of dollars worth of must-have gear before your little one even arrives.
In this guide, we’ll break down where the money actually goes, which costs your baby registry can tackle, and how MyRegistry.com makes it easy to build one comprehensive list from any store, all in one place.
Where Does the Money Go? A First-Year Cost Breakdown
Not all baby expenses are created equal. Some costs are one-time purchases, perfect for a baby registry. Others are ongoing monthly expenses that a cash fund or diaper fund can help cover. Here’s how the first year typically breaks down:
| Expense Category | Est. Annual Cost | Registry-Eligible? | Registry Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Gear & Equipment | $1,500 – $3,500 | ✅ Yes | Stroller, crib, car seat, bouncer |
| Diapers & Wipes | $800 – $1,200 | ✅ Yes | Diaper fund or bulk gift cards |
| Clothing & Accessories | $500 – $900 | ✅ Yes | Register by size across seasons |
| Feeding Supplies | $300 – $800 | ✅ Yes | Bottles, pump, high chair, bibs |
| Nursery Furniture | $500 – $2,000 | ✅ Yes | Crib, dresser, glider, decor |
| Healthcare & Pediatric Visits | $500 – $1,500 | ⚠️ Partial | HSA fund or wellness cash fund |
| Childcare / Daycare | $5,000 – $15,000 | ⚠️ Partial | Childcare cash fund |
| Food (formula/solids) | $600 – $1,800 | ✅ Yes | Formula fund, baby food maker |
Your First-Year Baby Registry: The Essential Categories
A strategic baby registry targets the highest-cost, highest-use items first. Focus on these five categories to make the biggest financial impact:
- The Big-Ticket Safety Gear
Car seat ($150–$500), stroller ($200–$1,200), and baby monitor ($80–$350) are among the most expensive single purchases and the most appreciated baby registry gifts. Don’t be shy about listing premium options here; guests often pool money for big-ticket items.
- Nursery Essentials
A crib or bassinet ($150–$800), a glider or rocking chair ($200–$600), a dresser/changing table combo ($250–$700), and a sound machine ($30–$80) will outfit the nursery completely. Register for these early, they’re frequently bought at baby showers.
- Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, the costs add up fast. A breast pump ($100–$400), bottles and sterilizer ($60–$150), a nursing pillow ($40–$80), and a high chair ($80–$350) are all baby registry staples with immediate, lasting use.
- Diapering & Daily Care
Newborns go through 8–12 diapers a day. Register for a diaper pail ($30–$80), a changing pad ($25–$60), a baby bathtub ($20–$60), and consider adding a diaper fund so guests can contribute to ongoing costs, one of the most practical cash gifts a new parent can receive.
- Clothing by Size & Season
Babies outgrow clothes shockingly fast. Rather than loading up on newborn sizes, register for clothing across 0–3M, 3–6M, and 6–12M ranges and across seasons. Include a laundry detergent subscription or a clothing gift card for added flexibility.
Don’t Forget Cash Funds: The Most Practical Baby Gift
For the expenses your baby registry can’t fully cover (childcare, formula, healthcare) cash funds are a game-changer. MyRegistry.com lets you add custom cash funds directly to your baby registry alongside physical gifts. Popular options include:
- Diaper & Wipes Fund: cover a full year of diapers with group contributions
- Childcare Fund: one of the biggest first-year expenses, and guests love contributing to something meaningful
- College Savings Fund: a forward-thinking gift that grows over time
- Healthcare / Wellness Fund: for pediatric visits, vitamins, and unexpected costs
- New Parent Self-Care Fund: meal delivery, house cleaning, or postpartum support
Why MyRegistry.com Is the Smartest Way to Register
Baby gear comes from everywhere: Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, Target, Pottery Barn Kids, small Etsy shops, and more. Managing multiple registries across multiple stores is a headache for you and confusing for guests. MyRegistry.com solves this by bringing everything into one place:
- Add items from ANY store online with one click using the browser button
- Mix physical gifts and cash funds in a single, beautiful baby registry
- Share one link across your baby shower invitations, website, and group chats
- Track what’s been purchased in real time — no duplicate gifts, no awkward returns
- Access completion discounts on unpurchased items after your baby shower
The first year of parenthood is expensive — but with a smart registry on MyRegistry.com, your loved ones can help carry the load. Start early, register strategically, and let the gifts do the heavy lifting.
