All expecting parents want the best nursery for their baby. Every piece of furniture they buy is an expression of their love, and every accessory makes the room perfect for their little one. There’s nothing wrong with this. However, most people put too much emphasis on the appearance of the nursery instead of focusing on functionality and safety.
With this approach, you end up with too much unused furniture that your baby outgrows and barely notices. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? We’ve provided a comprehensive guide to nursery furniture costs and how to achieve a stunning nursery without spending a fortune. Let’s dive right in.
What Furniture Should Be in a Nursery?
If you’re a new parent, it’s tempting to buy all the baby furniture you come across. A changing table, for instance, doesn’t seem like a bad idea. After all, you need a convenient place to change your baby. However, if you think about it, you don’t really need a changing table because as long as you have a changing mat, you can change your baby anywhere in their room. The only crucial furniture you need in a nursery include:
Crib
Newborns sleep up to 17 hours a day. Therefore, one of the must-have items in your nursery furniture list should be a crib. Don’t go for the first crib you come across. There are several things you need to consider before purchasing a crib. These include:
- Visibility: You need a crib that provides maximum visibility so that you can check on your baby through a baby camera.
- Sturdiness: The crib should be strong enough to hold the weight of your baby as they grow.
- Adjustable mattress to ensure baby’s comfort: The mattress should also be firm and not sink under your baby’s weight.
Depending on the brand and quality you choose, you should expect a crib to cost anywhere between $100 and $1000. Most quality options range between $200 and $500. So research and compare your options to get something within your budget.
Nursing Chair
A newborn feeds every hour or more. This means you’ll spend a lot of time in the nursery breastfeeding. For this reason, you need a comfortable nursing chair that allows you to sit in a comfortable position, rock back and forth, and put your legs up.
There are various types of nursing chairs to choose from, ranging from $300 to $800. However, you’ll find that most of these chairs can only be used for nursing. Therefore, when your baby is past the breastfeeding stage, you may not have any use for the chair. It’s advisable to get a regular rocking chair with full extension. This way, you can still use the chair when your baby is past breastfeeding.
Drawers and Dressers
Tiny humans have numerous clothes because you need to change them up to thrice a day. Drawers and dressers provide enough storage space for all the baby’s clothes and everyday items like bibs. Make sure you get one with ample space at the top and a good height so that you can use it as a changing table. This way, you don’t have to spend money on a changing table.
Depending on the quality and design you choose, you can get drawers for as little as $85 to $400. Dressers are more expensive and range from $1000 to $2000. Again, weigh your options, compare the features and go for the furniture that offers you more functionality and durability.
Source: Money Crashers
How Much Is Too Much?
Even the most frugal parents find it hard to practice restraint when it comes to buying nursery furniture. Everyone wants the best for their baby. However, the mistake most people make is believing that “the best” equates to a hefty paycheck.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. For instance, you can get a high-quality crib that will last for years at $250 and a $1000 crib that doesn’t last as long—quality, safety, and durability matter most, not the price. Therefore, make sure you’re looking for the right feature when buying baby furniture.
However, parents are different. What appeals to you may not be someone else’s first choice. Furthermore, wants and needs vary from parent to parent. Therefore, there isn’t an exact figure you should look at as a guide to furnishing your nursery. As long as you’re within your budget, you’re on the right track.
How to Save Money on Nursery Furniture
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to furnish your nursery. There are several ways you can save on nursery furniture and achieve the look you’re going for. The following tips will help you get the best for your baby without breaking the bank.
Set a Budget
The first thing you need to do is set a budget. How much are you willing to spend? Which items do you think you should spend the most money on? A budget prevents you from splurging on things you don’t need and allows you to know which items to look for because you know the price range you should be working with.
Source: Money Crashers
Invest in Furniture that Grows with Your Child
Babies grow up so fast. A changing table may seem like an essential item, but you’ll not need it in a few years. For this reason, it’s best to invest in items your child can use in years to come. For instance, if you forego a changing table and opt for a drawer with ample top space, you can rest assured your child will use those drawers even when they’re all grown up. How’s that for value for money?
Recycle, Reuse, Reduce
If you know parents who have baby furniture their children have outgrown, they’ll probably not mind selling them to you. You can also visit thrift furniture stores and look for affordable quality items. This approach saves you a ton of money.
However, make sure the items are of top-notch quality before pulling out your wallet. Also, avoid buying things like second-hand cribs for safety reasons.
Know What to Splurge On
Once you’ve set your budget, the next thing you need to do is make a list of things you’re willing to splurge on while sticking to your budget. For instance, it makes sense to invest in the best crib on the market because it has the best safety features. It’s not a good idea to go for a matching changing table if it will only increase your costs.
Make sure you get everything your baby needs to be comfortable. After all, they won’t notice if they’re being changed on a changing mat instead of a fancy changing table.
Buy Furniture after Your Baby Shower
Baby showers are a life-saver for new parents. The guests carry numerous gifts when they visit, thereby saving you the need to get those items. If you’re planning to have a baby shower, include some of the items you plan to buy in your registry and wait to see what you get before you begin shopping. You’ll save a ton of money. However, this may not work for a surprise shower because you don’t have control of the registry.
Source: Home Guides
Now Go
You don’t have to spend a fortune to furnish and decorate your baby’s nursery. You can get most items at affordable prices without compromising on quality. Also, use the tips in this article to cut back on costs and remember to stick to your budget.