Get ready for the biggest understatement...
Becoming a parent can be expensive.
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of money you'll need to spend on baby essentials like cribs, changing tables, and other nursery furniture. But don't worry—there are plenty of ways to set up your nursery without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you create an adorable nursery that won't break your budget.
Be Resourceful
In addition to shopping around for deals, don't be afraid to get creative with what you have available. Instead of buying new furniture, consider repurposing items that you already own or borrowing items from family or friends. For example, if you already have a dresser in the house, it may make sense to use it as a changing table instead of buying one outright. This will save you both time and money!
DIY Projects
DIY projects can also save you money when setting up the nursery. There are tons of DIY tutorials online that show how easy it is to transform basic furniture into something unique and special for your little one's room. You could even check out Pinterest for ideas on how to make wall art or fun toys with materials around your home! Just remember that safety should always come first when making any changes in your baby’s room - so be sure to double-check any instructions before getting started!
Shop Smart
The most important tip for buying nursery essentials is to shop smart. It's easy to get carried away with current trends and the latest versions of essentially the same product.
Here I've linked my list of nursery essentials that don't break the bank.
Click on images for links
Baby Cot
This Sweetsen crib is below the average price for a cot and it also transforms into a toddler bed to save you money further down the line. An added bonus is that it comes with a matress and is height adjustable to adapt as your little one gets bigger.
Nappy Change
If working on a budget it's not essentail to have a full cabinet dedicated to a baby change. Simple changing mats that you can easily move from room to room will suffice!
Baby Change Unit
If you did want combine the need for storage and a place to change your baby's nappy, I would suggest a closed storage unit (once with drawers in preparation for a baby's wandering hands) and one with a raised edge to stop your baby from rolling over the sides during those tired mornings.
Unfortunately these aren't the cheapest of purchases, but the money spent is worth it! This unit from Tutti Bambini is safe and simple with plenty of storage.
Nappy Bin
An essential item that should never be forgotten. It won't break the bank but it will stop you from feeling nauseous every time you enter the baby's nursery.
I tried and tested a few different brands and this Tommee Tippee bin was the best at blocking out any foul smells!
Baby Monitor
Personally I never opted for an 'all sing all dancing' monitor. I didn't want to catch myself staring at a video monitor all night long - I wanted my much needed sleep! I found that these monitors worked perfectly at meeting our basic needs and are a fraction of the price of most baby monitors.
Sleep Aids
Meet Ollie the Owl, a saving grace! We used Ollie in our night time routine from very early on. He has a heart beat sound which we found really helped settle our little one from days old. As your baby gets older it can play lullabies to help settle before sleep time, Ollie even has a setting that will start playing your soothing sound of choice as soon as your baby starts to stir or make any noise - an actual life saver!
Black Out Blind
An essential particularly handy during summer time. Black out blinds will help your baby understand the difference between day and night, which will hopefully mean a better nights sleep for everyone. The ones linked above are portable which means they can travel with you when staying at family members houses or going on holiday!
Thermometer
This room thermometer also doubles up as a night light! It will also change colour if the room temperature become too warm. A great tool for understanding the temperature of your babies nursery and therefore how to dress them for bed!
Good luck!