When you're expecting a baby, the list of "essential" equipment can feel endless—and expensive. But here's a secret experienced parents know: you don't need to buy everything.

Some items make perfect sense to own. Others? You'll use them for a few weeks or months, then they'll gather dust. Those are the ones worth renting.

Best Items to Rent

Travel Cots

Unless you're travelling constantly, a travel cot spends most of its life folded up in a cupboard. They're bulky to store, awkward to transport, and typically used just a handful of times.

Verdict: Rent when you need one. At £6-15 per day, renting for occasional trips costs far less than buying a quality travel cot outright.

High Chairs (Portable/Travel)

You'll want a high chair at home, but what about visiting grandparents or going on holiday? Portable high chairs are handy but used infrequently.

Verdict: Buy one for home, rent for travel and visits.

Bouncers and Swings

Babies typically use bouncers for 3-6 months before they outgrow them or lose interest. That's a short window for an item that can cost £100-200 new.

Verdict: Great candidate for renting. Try one to see if your baby even likes it before committing.

Baby Carriers (Premium)

High-end carriers like Ergobaby or Artipoppe cost £100-300+. Every baby (and parent) has different preferences, and what works for one family might be uncomfortable for another.

Verdict: Rent to try different styles before buying your forever carrier.

Secondary Prams

Many families end up with two prams—a main one for daily use and a lighter one for travel or public transport. That second pram is often used rarely.

Verdict: Rent a lightweight pram when you need one rather than buying a second.

Items Worth Buying

Your Main Pram or Pushchair

You'll use your primary pram almost daily for 2-3 years. This is worth buying (though consider second-hand) because the cost per use is very low.

Cot or Moses Basket

Your baby needs a safe sleep space every single night. This is a daily-use item worth owning.

Home High Chair

Used multiple times a day for a year or more. Worth buying a quality one.

Car Seat

Safety-critical items should be bought new so you know their history. Always buy car seats new or from someone you trust completely.

The "Try Before You Buy" Approach

Not sure if you'll use something enough to justify buying? Rent it first. This works brilliantly for:

• Premium prams — test that £800 pushchair before committing
• Carriers — find the style that works for your body and baby
• Bouncers/swings — some babies love them, others don't
• Specific brands — see if it lives up to the reviews

Quick Reference Guide

The Bottom Line

The smartest approach to baby gear? Buy items you'll use daily, and rent the rest. You'll save money, save space, and avoid the guilt of expensive equipment gathering dust in the corner.