1) BUY USED & REDO!
Buying something used and redoing it is a great way to have the perfect color/pattern/size for your baby's nursery but it also saves you a lot of money! I had a white dresser pictured in my mind for the nursery but didn't have the money. I couldn't find a dresser for less than $200 or $300 (and that's on the cheap end) on the internet or in stores. After buying it used and redoing it, I had the perfect dresser for less than half the price. (Click the link for my Buy Used & Redo post to see the dresser that my husband and I redid and to get tips on redoing your own dresser) Another easy but cute thing to redo is an old lamp. I bought an old lamp from my local thrift store (DI) and just added cute fabric and trim to the shade. You can also spray paint the actual lamp to match your nursery. Quick and easy but it adds a lot to a nursery!
2) DIY PROJECTS
Nursery decorations are really expensive and I had a hard time finding exactly what I pictured/what I wanted. The great thing about DIY (do it yourself) projects is that you can customize the color/pattern/size of your decoration and it is WAY cheaper. Here is a little project I did that I found on Pinterest. It was really easy to do but added a cute little decoration. (If anyone would like the tutorial then send me a message and I will send you the link)
If you haven't been on the famous Pinterest then allow me to introduce you to this amazing tool! It has hundreds of DIY projects just waiting to be created. You can just type "DIY nursery" in the search bar and it will come up with hundreds of ideas. Have fun and be creative!
3) BUY USED/GENTLY USED
You can buy most things used for the nursery. Dressers, lamps, bedding (wash really good), and even car seats and cribs. The thing about car seats and cribs is that you need to be careful in buying used.
- Car seats have an expiration date (usually 5 to 10 years after the manufacture date) so if you buy used, make sure that it isn't expired or that it hasn't been in any accidents. It is your child's safety on the line so be picky with the safety!
- Cribs. Buying a used crib from a thrift store, yard sale, or neighbor can save you a lot a money. Just make sure that the crib doesn't have any paint chips and doesn't have a drop down side. There is a lot of controversy with this but from the research I did suggests that drop down side cribs are dangerous. You can read more about it here: http://babyproducts.about.com/od/sleepbedding/a/drop_side_cribs_safety.htm
- Baby Clothes/Shoes. Definitely ok to buy these used! Babies go through clothes so fast so it's likely that the clothes you buy have only been used a couple times. Just make sure you wash them really good. It also helps to buy them from someone you know, if possible.
4) LOOK FOR DEALS/PROMOTIONS/COUPONS
I tried to find any possible way to save more money when I had to buy something for the nursery. Most websites have promotion codes for 10% or 20% off or free shipping. This can save you a lot of money! I saved 20% on my diaper bag through a promo code. I also signed up for a Target credit card to get 15% off my crib AND got free shipping. Take the time to look for promo codes online because they could really help you save. Another tip: always buy with a coupon! Stores ALWAYS have coupons out and when you are making a big purchase, 10% or 20% off can make a big difference.
Click here to check out my post on FREE nursing covers, car seat covers, diaper bags, etc. for mothers.
5) STICK TO THE BASICS
Let's be honest, your baby won't remember the brand of clothes it is wearing or that you didn't buy the expensive furniture set for the nursery. If you are struggling to buy all the things you want, stick to the basics and add more little things as you can. Click here for a list of basic items for the baby.
Don't become overwhelmed, everything will work out. Remember that the most important thing you can give your baby is your attention and love.
