Every new parent knows that one of the most nerve wracking part of preparing for a new baby is getting your finances in order. One walk through the baby section of any store can surprise even the most cost-aware of new parents.
So for many moms-and dads-to-be, getting the nursery ready needs to be not just an exercise in cute decorating but also a practice in frugality. Fortunately for these families there are ways to decorate a nursery without busting your diaper budget.
Make Way
One of the most difficult tasks facing parents when decorating a nursery is the over abundance of cute (and expensive!) options in nursery decor. No matter what theme you have in mind there seem to be thousands of different bedding, wall decor and furniture options out there.
While some nursery decor can be found on the less expensive side much of it carries a price tag that could induce another round of spontaneous morning sickness, so for parents looking to stay on the frugal side making some of your nursery decor may be the way to go. Try saving photos of some of your favorite designer decor and take them along to a craft store with you. As you meander through the store look around for easy to use materials that can help you mimic the decor of your dreams.
For instance, monograms seem to be big right now and most any arts and crafts store carries plain wood or plastic cut out letters in different sizes and fonts. Purchase the letters necessary for your baby's monogram in varying sizes, a plain canvas and some fabric that matches your theme or color scheme. Using a hot glue gun attach the fabric to the canvas forming a tight wrap. Next, spray paint the letters in a color that goes with your chosen nursery bedding or colors, arrange and hot glue them to the canvas and you have yourself a trendy wall piece that costs less than $20.00.
Become a Picky Parent
Baby items are one of the easiest things to spot in yard sales and on Craigslist. As children grow and their needs change (and their sizes and toy preferences) parents are only too ready to rid their home of the old in order to make room for the new.
When searching for furniture, bedding or decorative items try yard sales and consignment shops. These treasure troves often yield the accessories that your nursery needs without the price tag of purchasing new, and often the items are in good condition as children tend to grow out of them relatively quickly and before they become destructive. Read this, 10 Best Baby Bassinet For Safe Sleeping of 2022 - Clevescene, as a guide on what to buy.
Be wary, however, when purchasing furniture that all of the pieces and hardware are still intact and available in the purchase. Your crib is the last thing you want to fall apart due to a misplaced screw. Also look for furnishings that are up-to-date on the latest safety protocols. Also consider repurposing antique furnishings for a unique and cost-effective nursery. Check out the article at DIY Network for more information on tweaking furniture to fit within your budget.
By using a little personal craftiness and know-how you can put together a nursery that is worthy of your new bundle and your newly taxed budget.