12 Baby Buys $12 and Under

By Published On: May 10th, 2023

These everyday parenting essentials pack a lot of use at an affordable price.

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Spoiler alert: The cost of baby stuff adds up—not only for big spenders. Even the most minimalist parents can amass a decent bill while purchasing necessities for their newbie’s arrival. From feeding to play to development and everything in between, there are copious amounts of baby products to consider buying. There may be no escaping a higher price tag for some bigger-ticket items like a stroller or car seat (although there are ways to save on these items while also helping the environment), but there are still plenty of budget-friendly essentials from brands you know and love that tick many boxes on your registry list.

Bibs

Second spoiler alert: Babies are messy, and they have no regard for keeping their adorable OOTD clean. These starter bibs from Bumkins are made from durable, waterproof fabric and come with a bottom pocket ideal for capturing food (and drool during the teething stages). They’re easy to clean and reuse throughout the day, but you can also throw them into the washing machine when needed.

Pacifiers

If your newbie takes a pacifier, you’ll always need a few backups. We love the MAM baby pacifier because it’s super lightweight and symmetrical on the top and bottom, meaning there’s no “right side up” to worry about when giving it to your infant. The nipple design also promotes healthy oral development and is BPA-free. All MAM pacifiers are developed by a team of professionals and rigorously tested for safety and efficiency. Ages 0-6 months

Bottle

Finding a bottle your baby will accept can be difficult for some parents, especially when supplementing or transitioning from breastfeeding. Philips Avent designed this glass baby bottle with a “natural response nipple” that controls the pace of feeding, similar to nursing. It also has an anti-colic valve that helps reduce colic and discomfort by preventing your infant from swallowing excess air.

Teether

This cute Comotomo baby teether design mimics little fingers because newbies love to chew on their hands. It’s easy to grip and hold and is made with high-quality, food-grade silicone that’s BPA-free, plastic-free, and dishwasher-safe. Upwards of nine thousand reviewers on Amazon gave this product five stars, claiming their little ones love it as a teether and a toy.

Snack Containers

Packing various snacks when you have tiny tots in tow is a good idea—because even at six months old, variety is the spice of life! This stacked snack holder by Skip Hop features two spill-proof compartments and a dry food container that can be used together or separately. The slim vertical design with a carry-top handle takes up minimal space in your diaper bag, making it perfect for keeping formula and food fresh and less messy when on the go.

Spout Cover

Bathtime boo-boos are better avoided with the help of this cute spout cover by Puj. Your little one can splish, splash, and enjoy the water without as much worry they’ll bump their noggin. The soft, non-absorbent material keeps this cover mildew-free and can accommodate various types of faucets. It’s also free from BPA, PVC, and lead.

Bottle Brush

The opening of a baby’s bottle is typically too narrow to clean the inside by hand, but each one should be adequately washed to avoid contamination. OXO Tot’s bottle brush has a flexible head with soft bristles that reaches deep into contoured bottles of all shapes and sizes. It also comes with an attached nipple cleaner and a separate stand for catching excess water.

Plate

Your tiny diner will soon join the dinner table with a spread of solid foods to sample. Give them the full experience with an animal-shaped silicone plate from Cloud Island. The simple, functional design separates food servings and won’t break when it’s (inevitably) thrown on the floor. It’s safe for microwaves and dishwashers and easily wipes clean in a pinch.

Cup

Learning to drink out of an open cup is a big milestone in your kiddo’s development and doesn’t have to follow drinking from a bottle or traditional sippy cup. The EZPZ practice cup can be given to babies starting at 4 months to support healthy oral and speech development, aid in teething, and encourage strong hand-to-mouth movement. Use with breast milk, formula, or purees; just remember to always consult with your child’s pediatrician before offering water if under 1 year old. Ages 4+ months

Spoon

Silicone is often preferred when it comes to baby’s tableware because it’s easy to grip and even easier to clean. When your sprout starts adventuring into solids, offer them this silicone spoon from Loulou Lollipop. The sweet utensil is available in seven different animal characters and will make an enjoyable (and adorable) mealtime companion. Ages 6-12 months

Book

This Indestructibles baby book (or should we call it a toy?) is chew-proof, rip-proof (believe it, we’ve tried!), nontoxic, 100% washable, and perfect for entertaining your kiddo. Each book tells an age-appropriate story with easy-to-identify objects for teaching baby new words. There are many stories to choose from, and at $6 a piece, you can have a few on rotation.

Toy

Even before your wee one can walk, add some developmental fun to playtime with IKEA’s birch wood pull toy. It encourages fine motor skills, logical thinking, and hand-eye coordination. And once your tot starts cruising, this little hedgehog can come along for the ride.