A recent survey involving 1,000 UK parents who’ve welcomed a baby in the last decade has offered insights into the sheer amount of resources and surprising costs required during the first year of parenthood.
Despite a whopping 75% of parents feeling prepared for their bundle of joy’s arrival, the poll highlights the unforeseen expenses associated with essential items with 71% of parents were taken aback by the extensive needs of their newborn during those initial months.
According to the study, parents go through an astonishing 5,238 baby wipes and 3,365 nappies in their baby’s first year, while only managing to clock in an average of four hours of sleep each night.
The monthly outgoings new parents grappled with included £178 on nappies, £205 on baby clothes, and £56 on baby wipes. Additionally, parents spent £60 per month on toys and books to stimulate their child’s development.
But they also received an average of 13 gifts from friends, family or colleagues.
A significant seven out of ten confessed that the first few months with their newborn were a complete whirlwind, but they managed to document those precious early moments with over 6,600 photos – averaging just over 18 snaps a day.
A spokesperson for Asda, which commissioned the survey to promote its Baby Event – offering up to 50% off key baby essentials until Sunday, 11th May – said: “It’s amazing what you can get through in just one year.
“From baby wipes and nappies to breast pads and dummies – there is so much a new parent has to think about.”
Encouragingly, three quarters of parents said they felt prepared for their baby’s arrival, confident that they had everything they needed.
The most essential items included nappies, baby wipes, and dummies. Interestingly, 13% of parents admitted they couldn’t have managed without less obvious items like car seat cleaner, concealer, or hairspray.
The spokesperson from Asda, added:“We know the list of what a new baby needs can feel endless (and expensive) so our focus through our Baby Event is to make sure parents have access to everything they need at prices which don’t break the bank.”
