When you’re preparing for a baby, you should be enjoying one of the happiest times of your life. The last thing you need is stress, but there’s a lot on your to-do list. From picking names to baby-proofing your home, you’ll have your hands full. Decorating a nursery is at the top of that list. While this should be a fun task, it can be daunting and expensive.
Having a great set-up for your little one is important, but a nursery’s price tag can be a stressor. There are a number of ways to cut down on costs and still give your baby a beautiful, nurturing space. Here are seven tips for new parents who are decorating their nursery on a budget.
1. Plan Your Nursery Before You Start Making Purchases
The key to decorating a nursery on a budget is to plan, plan, plan. Before you even begin buying things, you should set a budget and make a list. This list should include non-negotiables and “nice-to-haves.” Make sure you prioritize buying the necessities first. Then you can spend what’s left on the bells and whistles.
Here are some additional tips for making your budget-friendly plan.
Pick Low-cost Decor
Sure, everyone wants a fun theme for their baby’s nursery. Cute decor is part of a loving environment. However, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on picture frames, stuffed animals, and extravagant wall art. Simple wall decals are a great way to turn the room into a cheery, charming space.
Research the Big-Ticket Items
When it comes to pricey items like the crib and the changing table, it’s important to do research. Not only do you want to find the best price, but you don’t want to pay for unnecessary luxury. Plus, some of those fancy features the box touts can actually be harmful.
For example, a mattress with thick, fluffy padding is not recommended for your baby. These types of beds can increase the risk of SIDS in infants. Don’t spend your money on a mattress that isn’t firm and high-quality.
Design Your Nursery Virtually
Some online services allow you to design and build your nursery in 3D. This can help you decide what you like and what you don’t. Ultimately, virtually designing your nursery ahead of time will help you plan better for the real thing. You can try different options so that you know what you really want before spending your entire budget.
2. Use Heirlooms and Hand-me-downs
One of the smartest ways to save money on a nursery is to utilize family heirlooms and hand-me-downs. If this isn’t your first baby, you can even pass down items from one child to another. Talk to family, friends, and neighbors to see what they’re willing to lend you.
Oftentimes, people are happy to give away cherished items to people who will appreciate them. Sharing is a great way for them to declutter while also helping out a friend. You can even find unique ways to accessorize your nursery using heirlooms and hand-me-downs.
Just make sure to check safety recommendations before you bring anything into the nursery. Your mom’s old crib might look adorable, but the slats might be too wide for your newborn.
- Find a Reseller of Children’s Items
If you don’t have friends or family who can lend you hand-me-downs, buying secondhand is the next best thing.
You’ve probably seen resale shops for teen and adult clothing. Did you know there are secondhand shops for kids, too? From clothing to toys, these stores resell gently used items. They often have high standards and safety guidelines for the items they’re willing to sell.
4. Check Out Local Online Selling Platforms
In addition to hand-me-downs and items from a resale store, you can also buy items from locals online. Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are great places to start. Search functions make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for in your area.
Some sellers will even cut you a deal if you’re willing to drive to them or buy immediately. Plus, if you join a group on Facebook, you may get more than you pay for. Community members sometimes give advice on where you can get those hard-to-find items.
5. Shop Smart and Look for Bargains
There may be a few items on your list that you don’t want to get secondhand. However, that doesn’t mean these purchases have to break the bank. When you do choose to buy new, it’s important to shop smart.
Look online and in person for the best bargains so that you don’t overspend. Compare prices at multiple stores before taking out your wallet. This will also prevent you from making impulse purchases.
Ultimately, make sure you don’t make any rash decisions when you’re shopping. If you do, you might be over budget before you get everything you need.
6. Add Nursery Items to Your Baby Shower Registry
Some family members and friends love to buy clothes and stuffed animals for baby showers. While those are always nice to have, they may not fit with your vision for the baby’s nursery. If having a themed nursery is important to you, make that clear.
Add decor items to your baby shower registry if that’s what you really want. Hopefully, you can check a few items off your list if you receive them as gifts.
7. Save on Storage
Everyone needs storage space, especially babies. After all, diapers, toys, and other supplies take up a lot of space. Plus, who can resist adorable baby clothes? And if you have that baby shower, you’re likely to get more gifts than you know what to do with.
The trouble is that big fancy dressers can get expensive. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs when setting up a nursery, consider affordable storage solutions.
Get creative when finding ways to store things in your nursery. Use decorative baskets or affordable shelves with storage cubes for clothes. Put supplies under the crib. Get door racks for shoes, accessories, or even diaper essentials. These simple space saving hacks can lend a major hand when it comes to designing a low-cost nursery.
Designing a beautiful nursery shouldn’t add worry to your life. Setting up this space for your baby’s arrival can be a great way to express your creativity and love. Practicality and your budget don’t have to limit you to something utilitarian or boring. With a little planning and smart shopping, you can create the perfect nursery for your child.