Any parent out there knows the joy and excitement of creating a baby nursery. It can get expensive to do so, but if you know how to shop frugally, you can create a nursery of your dreams on a shoestring. Here are some tips for doing just that.
Check on Amazon and other online retailers. You can often find odds and ends for your baby nursery for a much lower cost. If you have Amazon Prime, you even get free shipping!
Look at baby discount stores. Burlington Coat Factory has a “Baby Depot” at some of their locations that sell clothes, cribs, nursery décor and changing tables. These are high-end pieces that you would find at Macy’s and store like it for a fraction of the cost.
Don’t turn down the thrift store. You can often find some great things at second-hand stores! The only thing to watch out for is antique items and any baby equipment such as cribs, high chairs, walkers, and toys. You never know if they were recalled or contain lead. It is best to only thrift shop for certain baby items due to safety risks. Side note: I also avoid car seats at the thrift store there is no way of knowing if they were in an accident.
Related: 39+ Must Have Baby Freebies (Worth $2,100+!)
Check out Pinterest and get crafty! You can create awesome décor for a baby nursery just by hunting on Pinterest and making some things yourself for a fraction of the cost. You wouldn’t believe some of the awesome things I have seen on there when it comes to nurseries!
Ask around. Most people you know probably have some baby furniture that is still in good shape and is still safe hanging around with no idea what to do with it. Make them an offer they can’t refuse and you could walk away with a cheap crib, changing table or rocking chair!
Shop garage sales. Garage sales are infamous for having lots of baby items. Most people have a purging of all their baby equipment, clothes, and nursery items as soon as their baby out-grows it. You may find that some are so excited to get rid of it they advertise that there are a lot of baby items in their newspaper ads and craigslist ads.
Speaking of Craigslist, this is also another great place to find frugal nursery items. Some people prefer to sell things piece by piece rather than hold a garage sale and will be more than willing to bargain and haggle with you.
Think about the long haul with furniture as well. While it may seem cheaper to just buy what you need now, in the end, spending a little more on something that can grow with your child may be the best route. There are cribs that turn into toddler beds and even eventually a full-size daybed as well as changing tables that come apart and can be just used as dressers later on. Think about your future finances when you are making your choices.
If you plan on having more than one child, don’t make the room too boy or girl specific in theme. Choosing colors and patterns that could be for either will allow you to use it again and again without having to start from complete scratch.
Are you getting ready to have a baby? Check out these Frugal baby posts:
21 Amazingly Perfect Gift Ideas for a Newborn Baby
Bonding with Baby and Staying Hands-free – Tips You Need
Nikkie says
We just did a nursery for our twins a few months ago and probably spent no more than $200 on the whole thing (the furniture was gifted to us) but that includes the painting, DIY bookshelves, DIY mobile, artwork, etc. I also loveeeee yard sales! I have more money saving tips (with twins!) on my blog: http://www.ohemgeeitsnikkie.com/2014/06/how-we-save-money-with-twins-part-1.html
JulieBavi says
When decorating our nursery I used returned “Oops Paint” purchased from the local home improvement store for just $5/gallon. Huge savings!