Prepping for baby and his/her nursery is supposed to be one of the most exciting things for a new parents-to-be. But… what is supposed to be fun and exciting often turns into a stressful shopping trip where you buy everything or put everything on the registry that anyone and everyone you know has recommended. 

If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with more furniture, organizers, toys, and gadgets than you have room for or know what to do with! 

We all want our babies to have everything they need, but that can be accomplished without breaking the bank and still creating a beautiful and safe environment for your new addition to the family. There are definitely items that are worth splurging on to be sure you get good quality and function; but there are also things that you can save money on.

Here are some guidelines as to where to splurge vs. save when it comes to all things baby.

Splurge on items that will last and grow with your little one. It’s important to invest in the items that have longevity, especially if you’re wanting to have another baby in the future.

Splurge: The Crib

The crib is definitely an item in the nursery that you want to spend a little extra money on. When shopping, consider investing in a crib that can transition into a toddler bed. Remember, all cribs have to follow specific federal guidelines in order to be sold to the public. So while you are shopping, definitely invest in a good and sturdy quality crib, but at the same time don’t feel like you have to spend $1500 on a crib if you’ve found a look-a-like crib that is a little more cost-effective.

Splurge: Crib Mattress

Your baby will spend many hours sleeping on this mattress. And, as adults, we all know that good sleep is priceless. For comfort and, more importantly, your baby’s safety your crib mattress needs to be a high quality product. I realize that with all the fun things you’re buying and receiving during this exciting time a mattress is a pretty boring thing to have to focus on, but please take the time to do some research and find a crib mattress and mattress cover that is safe and will help your baby get a good night’s sleep.

Splurge: Baby Monitor

With a baby monitor you can rest easy at night knowing that your baby is safe in the next room when you make the transition to your little one sleeping in their own room. Well, you may watch the screen all night for awhile (ha!), but a baby monitor with video capability ensures you that baby is a-okay when you make the move from sleeping bedside to the nursery crib. And, if you want to get even fancier, there are baby monitors that sync to your smartphone.

If you do have more than one kiddo in the house, and still want to monitor your oldest as they sleep, there are dual baby monitors that allow you to view both rooms simultaneously or one-at-a-time.

Splurge: Rocker

Baby’s rocker will become one of your favorite pieces in their nursery. Why? Because not only will you rock your little one to sleep, but they’ll grow up with this rocker. From bed time stories to just a simple “hold-me-mommy” cuddle session, the rocker will carry many memories you’ll treasure forever. For this reason, you’ll want to splurge on a rocker that is comfortable, easy to clean, and durable.

Splurge: Dresser / Changing Table

There are places that I have read that they say skip the changing table, but I was a mama who always changed my babies in their room at their changing table. However, when it comes to a changing table, investing in one that sits on-top of a dresser is well worth the extra money. Once your little one is potty trained, you can simply take the changing table attachment off the dresser. And, viola! You have a dresser that grows with your child, well into their school days.

Now that we’ve talked about what items to splurge on, let’s move to the save category. Items that will wear quickly or get soiled quickly and easily are common items to put in the save category.

Save: Crib Sheets

This is one component of baby’s crib that you can save on. Crib sheets will soil easily and typically after so many washes, will show wear and tear. Plus, if you send your little one to a Mother’s Day Out program, they usually require you to bring crib sheets from home for nap time. You don’t want to send high-dollar items to daycare. Of course, crib sheets need to comfortable and some babies can have breakouts due to certain fabrics. So make sure to buy a variety of fabric options and don’t overbuy these before baby is born just in case they do have breakouts due to a certain fabric.

Save: Rug

Rugs can make a nursery feel extra cozy and bring a pop of color to the room. If wanting a rug in your nursery, don’t go overboard on the budget here. Just as sheets will be washed frequently, so will the rug. From tummy time to play time, you’ll want a rug that is easy to clean and won’t upset you if you ever have to throw it out.

Save: Additional Furniture Pieces

Bookshelves and nightstands and other pieces of furniture you might want to add to the nursery, can definitely be in the save category. These items can be repurposed from other rooms within your house or they might come from grandparents house to be passed down. Don’t be afraid to repurpose or make (if you’re good with capentry) items in the nursery.

Save: Nursery Decor

One of my favorite ways to make a nursery look expensive in decor is to buy pretty prints online from Etsy. Most are simple PDF downloads that you can then print at your local office store on cardstock paper. Place the prints in an inexpensive from Target and ta-da! You’ve got nursery art.

I’ve also had clients who have order wall art stickers from Amazon to apply to nursery walls. This is also a really great way to make a statement wall in a nursery without over-spending.

Save: Curtains

Curtains can be just downright pricey these days. Remember, the curtains in your baby’s nursery don’t have to be name brand to do their job. And, just a little tip here… consider blackout curtains when picking out the perfect window decor for the nursery.

Okay, so we’ve talked about splurge vs. save inside the nursery but what about outside of the nursery?

Below are just a handful of other considerations when it comes to adding thing to and buying things off your registry.

Save or Splurge? Bassinet vs. Pack-n-Play

Bassinets are considerably more expensive than a pack-n-play and while I know bassinets are more stylish, there is nothing a bassinet can do that a pack-n-play can’t. In fact, pack-n-plays usually have more versatility. I know mama’s that wished they had never purchased a bassinet because their baby slept mainly in the pack-n-play beside their bed. Plus, the pack-n-play is what they would take when they went on vacation or traveled anywhere.  A bassinet isn’t as easy to go with you.

Of course, if your heart is set on a bassinet, get a bassinet. But if you’re battling the bassinet vs. pack-n-play purchase, I would definitely invest in the pack-n-play.

Splurge: Magnetic Onesies

Magnetic onesies are one of the best things ever invented! If you’re going to splurge on something that is just a convenience for you as new parents to make your life easier, get a handful of these! No more mismatched noisy snaps or skin pinching zippers! Plus, in the middle of the night, for late night changes, magnetics are much easier to handle.

Splurge: Breast Pump

If you are planning to breastfeed your new little one and will be using a breast pump, this is something that is definitely worth splurging on! There are many brands and models available with different features so be sure to do your research and get what works for you. It will be worth the investment to have a good quality breast pump.  It can save you so much time, frustration, and discomfort to have a pump that works well.  Having a high-end breast pump can allow you to breast feed your baby for a longer time period because it can help keep you from getting discouraged and quitting. And, remember, there are some insurances that will help cover the cost of a breast pump.

Save and Splurge: Carseat

If you didn’t know, you’re not allowed to leave the hospital unless baby is in their carseat. And, when it comes to a carseat, this is an important decision and investment to make. You may have realized that there is no shortage of options out there to choose from, but I want you to know this… Just as cribs have to follow federal guidelines so do carseats! So while, yes, you want the best for baby, that doesn’t mean you have to spend $600. A car seat at about $200-$300 is just as safe for your baby and won’t break the bank.

So where do you splurge on a carseat? If you’re a mama and dad who plan on going on walks and taking baby different places, make sure you get a carseat/stroller combo. They are bit pricier but definitely worth the investment. AND, don’t be afraid to purchase multiple bases for the carseat (one for mom’s car, one for dad’s, one for grandparents). You’ll thank me later.

Save: Swing and Jumper

A baby swing and jumper, just like a carseat, have plenty of options to choose from. You definitely want a swing that can rock itself, but don’t feel like you have to get one with all the bells and whistles. Baby’s don’t need the bells and whistles.

Same for baby’s jumper. You’ll want to invest in one that has some toys attached to it to entertain baby, but don’t feel pressured to buy the top dollar jumper. Your little one will grow out of their baby swing and jumper within a blink of an eye.

Just make sure that both items are easy to clean!

Save: Shop Consignment

There is nothing wrong with shopping consignment for our little one, especially in the clothes department! Consider shopping at Rhea Lana’s or your other pop-up consignment events as you may be able to find some of your most-wanted splurge items and actually be able to save on them!

Final Words of Advice

The last piece of advice I have for you is to save by being careful and not purchasing too much. It’s tempting to buy one of everything to make sure your precious bundle of joy has the best of the best. We all want that for our little ones, but, don’t overbuy. If this is your first baby you are most likely to think you need ALL THE THINGS. I promise you don’t. If you feel like you may need something, but aren’t 100% sure wait until baby gets here to decide if that must-have item is truly must-need.

Tell me in the comments below what you decided to splurge or save on when designing your baby’s nursery!