Some parents really do spend £1786 on ‘essentials’ for a new baby

Apparently it’s true. Some people – in fact the average parent – spends £1786 on ‘essentials’ for a baby’s arrival.

It’s no real surprise that as a result, 26 per cent find themselves in financial hot water once the baby is born.

The average first-timer shells out on what they consider to be essentials, including : feeding equipment, clothing, baby monitors, prams, car seats and cots.

A six per cent of parents spend around £9,000 just decorating the nursery.

The research of 2,000 parents comes on the back of new six part TV show How To…Prepared for your baby’s arrival.

Spokesperson for the show, Alistair Clayton said: “In anticipation of their baby’s arrival, first-time parents often feel under pressure to overspend in preparation for every eventuality: outfits for every occasion, expensive nursery equipment and gadgets they’ll never use.  Lack of money, in conjunction with the stresses and strains associated with caring for a new baby, makes for a toxic combination.  It’s therefore hardly surprising that a quarter of parents admitted that their relationship with their partner felt strained.”

How To…Prepare for your baby’s arrival will be showing on on SKY 201 and Freesat 403 from Tuesday 07 February at 7:30pm.