Thrifty Thinking: Where To Save and Splurge When Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery Room

Having a baby is expensive. And as much as you want to buy them the best there ever is, sometimes your budget won't allow it.

Especially when it concerns your little one's nursery room.

So where to save and splurge when decorating your baby's nursery room? 

What are the items that are okay and not okay to buy second-hand? 

Why is it okay to buy some used baby items? 

And how do you save on baby essentials?

Keep scrolling to find out.

Where to Save and Splurge When Decorating Your Baby's Nursery Room

Where To Save

Cribs

Cribs can last for decades and more if they're of good quality. 

They're basically the type of furniture that can be passed down from one kid to the next, so you don't need to get one at its premium price.

You can definitely save more by getting cribs on sale during Black Fridays or just getting a used crib.

Some families with several kids have saved a ton of money by just reusing the same crib for all their children!

Plus cribs are easy to clean, so you don't need to worry about stains or dirt that can be left behind on them.

Just consider these things when looking to purchase a 2nd hand crib - (a) the manufacturing date as those that are made after June 28, 2011, are considered CPSC compliant, (b) any bite marks, splinters, or damage, and (c) how sturdy and durable it still is.

And if you're particular about the design of your baby's room, (d) the color and style of the crib.

Storage

Shelves, cubby furniture, drawers - all of these are A-okay to get used or on sale.

You can actually get those store displays, the ones at the shop's window, at a very low price. Just ask the staff!

Or you can go around garage sales, or look at second-hand markets online.

As long as it's still sturdy, it doesn't have any big damage on it that can compromise its overall quality and structural integrity and nothing is sticking out or poking out that can hurt your kid, then it's fine to get second-hand storage items.

Curtains

Curtains can be quite pricey but if you're not particular about the brand and you just want something basic that can darken your baby's room a bit, then just get them on sale or look for some used ones.

Just remember to thoroughly wash second-hand curtains as there might be a lot of dirt, and human and pet hair sticking on them!

Decorations

Wall decors, wall art stickers, rugs, and basically anything that won't be necessary to take care of your baby, can all be bought at less than their usual price or even second-hand!

You can go wait for a sale during peak seasons or go around garage sales. 

Or even see if a family or friend has some cool stuff display that's gathering dust in their store room, that could turn out to be a gem for your little one's nursery room!

Clothes

Babies can easily outgrow their clothes. And a lot of parents will just opt for hand-me-downs or clothes on sale, instead of buying new ones.

Plus, if you do get second-hand baby clothes, they're a breeze to clean.

It doesn't matter if they were used for years and have stains on them.

You can easily chuck them on the washing machine and ensure that they're clean.

And you can always rewash them if you want to be extra sure that they're really unstained and unsoiled for your baby!

Other Furniture Pieces

You can definitely save on these by getting them second-hand or waiting for a big promo online.

Or you can look around your house and see if you can repurpose some items for your baby's nursery room!

Bookshelves, nightstands, even chairs - you don't need to buy them at their full price or brand new as you can just easily use what you already have at home.

Where to Splurge

Mattress

If your crib doesn't come with a mattress, don't scrimp on it by getting a second one. 

You don't know what a used mattress has gone through. It's not easy to clean. 

It could look decent but remember, spit, vomit, poop, or worse could have stained it. And some pet hairs might be stuck in there as well! 

So just get a new one, one that's firm, perfectly sized, and carries a safety certification by the CPSC.

Crib Sheets

Your baby will be rubbing their face and probably sleeping on their tummies once they get older.

So it's highly ideal to get new sets of crib sheets, to avoid any irritation on your little one's sensitive skin.

Plus the sheets would probably be washed a lot of times, since your baby will, of course, drool, spit up on it or have a diaper explosion!

And you don't want 2nd-hand crib sheets that are worn down and might form a tear.

Car Seats

Some parents are okay with buying this second-hand.

But it's highly recommended to buy it brand new, to be sure that there's no damage or missing items from its original parts.

A brand one car seat also guarantees that there's no history of it being in a car crash!

And you're sure that you can use it for years and not be worried about its expiration date. 

Baby Carriers

There are a lot of used baby carriers sold online that are in excellent condition.

And don't get me wrong, most of them are safe to use as long as they don't have any damage to them or are not that worn down yet.

But personally, for something that would carry my most precious cargo, I would be more comfortable buying a brand-new baby carrier. Instead of one that's used and is a tad worn down.

Baby Monitor

Buying a used baby monitor can give you a headache as it might look like it's still in semi-pristine condition. But it might actually just die on you, within just a few days or weeks!

Plus, I find baby monitors a necessity, to quickly check on your baby and ensure that they're safe.

So if something is that vital to your baby's safety, just splurge on it. 

At least it will give you some peace of mind, as you can't hover around your baby 24/7.

Nursery Chair

You will spend a lot of time on your nursery glider (or rocker). You'll be there for feedings, cuddling, story time, and hanging out with your baby. 

So it's worth it to splurge on a comfortable, brand-new one!

FAQ on Where to Splurge vs Save On Your Baby's Nursery Room

Where do I start when decorating a nursery?

You can start decorating a nursery room with a theme in mind. 

Choose a color palette and create a nursery mood board so you'll know what items to get for the nursery room.

Then consider the space that you have. If you have a small room, then definitely consider space-saving items.

How do you furnish a nursery on a budget?

You can furnish a nursery on a budget by buying things on sale. 

Wait for a Black Friday or Cyber Monday promo, Christmas sales, Labour Day promotions, etc.

Or you can get them second-hand! You can go to Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, Goodbuy Gear, and lots more.

What is a good budget for a nursery?

A good budget for a nursery room is subjective. It will depend on your purchasing power, your style, and where you shop.

When should I start furnishing my nursery?

You should start furnishing your nursery room before you get too big and too uncomfortable to move around furniture pieces.

Don't furnish it too early so the best time to start working on your nursery room is in the middle of your second semester.

Takeaway on Where to Save and Splurge When Decorating Your Baby's Nursery Room

Don't feel guilty getting your baby some items on sale or second-hand pieces.

One, they won't care and two, as long as it's sturdy and properly cleaned, it would be absolutely safe to use.

Besides, what babies need are happy, present parents.

So if saving a lot more on baby items is keeping you less stressed and overwhelmed, then go for it!