This is a sponsored guest post.
Preparing for your baby’s birth is an exciting time. One of the best parts is setting up a nursery for them, but when you’re expecting you often have a budget to stick to. The good news is that it’s completely possible to create a beautiful nursery for your precious baby on a budget.
From reconsidering what’s necessary, to buying second-hand items and repurposing other pieces of furniture, there are many ways to cut costs. When your baby first arrives, all they really need is plenty of love, milk, warmth, a few changes of clean clothes, diapers and a safe and warm place to sleep. Of course, you want to create a cosy and nurturing environment for your baby but take our advice and step away from Pinterest! Follow our tips for a sweet baby nursery on a budget, to reduce the stress on your wallet as you take your first steps into new parenthood.
Most people think they need to rush out and get a crib for their baby, but a newborn baby will often be more comfortable in a bassinet. A crib’s a big space for a tiny baby and they may feel overwhelmed or frightened. You can save money by starting your baby in a non-toxic bassinet which is handy because it’s portable and looks really cute too!
Another option is to invest in a crib which converts into a toddler bed, that way you’ll get more use out of it. When you’re setting up your nursery, rethink the idea that everything has to be brand new. Second hand or upcycled pieces of furniture can look great too. So don’t be shy to ask friends and family if they have a dresser, changing table or closet they no longer need. Maybe your grandparents have a rocking chair they can pass down to you- the perfect place to sit and nurse your newborn in comfort.
If you’re handy with a paintbrush or a sewing machine, you can add an extra lick of paint (make sure it’s lead-free) or new fabric covers to brighten things up and work well with your color scheme. An old dresser will look really chic once it’s been sanded down – add a soft pad on top and you’ve got a unique changing table, and you can store baby’s clothes and diapers inside- multipurpose!
While we’re talking about decorating, try to think long-term and go for a scheme that will grow with your child. White or cream look really stylish and you can add some pops of colour or accents to keep things interesting. This way you’ll save on redecorating a few years down the line – you can adapt the room as your child grows.
Another good tip is to use wall decals – they’re inexpensive, really easy to apply, look great and when your little one is no longer a fan of fairies or trains, you can just peel them off again. And when you’re shopping for bedding, forget the idea that you have to have everything matching! Have a colour scheme in mind, go for pieces that will complement each other and shop around for the best bargains. Compare prices online for the lowest deals and keep an eye out for sales and clearances too.
Here’s a top tip from someone who’s been there. Have two or three waterproof sheets that you can layer on top of each other. If you have a diaper leak or a sick baby in the night, you’ll appreciate just being able to peel off the top layer, clean baby up and pop them straight back to bed without having to search around for clean bedding. Skip fancy crib bumpers, stuffed teddies, and pillows in the bed. They’re unnecessary and can be a health risk for your baby.
Creating the perfect space for your precious baby can be fun and exciting if you’re not fretting about going over budget. With our simple practical tips, you’ll be able to set up a cosy space without falling into the trap of having to buy everything brand new, or stocking up on items that you realise 6 months down the line that you’ve never actually used! Second hand or upcycled pieces of furniture are a great choice for the tighter budget and no one will know the difference.
Don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity when decorating. Your nursery will be a unique, beautiful space reflecting your family’s style. Add personal touches by hanging family photos on the walls, popping a few of your favorite childhood books in for story time or making prints of your baby’s hand and footprints once they arrive, as a focus piece for the room.
