The Cost Of A Baby

NEW research published by Sainsbury’s Loans reveals that expectant parents spend an average of £2,100 preparing for the arrival of a new baby.

Dubbed ‘flair-ents’, these parents are splashing out on designer clothes and fashionable buggies.

Over the last five years around 50,000 expectant parents spent over £1,500 kitting out nurseries with fashionable cots from the likes of Boori, whose sleigh bassinets can cost upwards of £275. Over 200,000 parents-to-be spent over £500 on a pram or pushchair from brands such as the über-trendy Bugaboo.

Steven Baillie, Head of Sainsbury's Loans said: “Being a parent is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences in life, and as our research shows, expectant parents want the best for their unborn child so are investing significant sums of money before they are born. We expect that when the baby arrives however new mums and dads, will be carefully managing their household budgets, so when considering a loan it's worth shopping around as taking out a loan with an uncompetitive rate could add a significant and unnecessary amount to your overall costs.”

From Disney wallpaper to plush carpets and comfy cots, expectant parents spend on average over £210 decorating and furnishing nurseries. Toys and clothes account for another £216 of expenditure before the baby has even been delivered.

Purchasing all the items to transport a new baby is an expensive business, with parents spending on average £210 on pushchairs or buggies and a further £70 on car seats. Just purchasing a seat at the table for a new born baby sets the average parent back £44, as they invest in highchairs ready for the new arrival.  Other costs incurred include parents changing their family car, trading sport two-seaters for sensible family saloons, and parents’ baby-proofing homes with cupboard locks and stair gates.

While using a combination of measures to fund preparations for the new arrival, the majority of expectant parents rely on their salaries (64 per cent) and savings (47 per cent). However, some will use their overdrafts (8 per cent), personal loans (5 per cent) and loans from family members (11 per cent) to help with their preparations.