Finding out you are about to become a parent is incredibly exciting. Most new parents, however, don’t realize just how expensive the experience can be. With 40% of women being worried about affording their baby’s first year, it helps to save money where possible.

How to Save Money When Decorating Your Nursery

Saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on quality. Creating the nursery you have always dreamed of is possible, even if you are faced with tight financial constraints. This infographic provides ten easy tips for creating a Pinterest-worthy nursery on a budget. Saving money on your baby room is all about knowing what to buy, what to avoid and getting a little creative.

Plan ahead

The first step is to choose a color scheme or theme for your nursery. Once you know what kind of look you want to create, you can start shopping around for good deals. This will help you to create a cohesive look, so you end up with a well-designed nursery. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family, so that if you do receive presents, they are more likely to match the décor.

Buy used items and upcycle

The easiest way to save money on your nursery is to shop for second-hand goods. Certain items should be bought new (such as the crib and mattress), but many items can safely be bought used. It’s all about knowing the do’s and don’ts to keep your baby safe. Second-hand dressers and bookcases can easily be upcycled to match your chosen theme, without having to worry as much about safety issues.

Go convertible

Invest in a convertible crib that can easily be transformed into a toddler-friendly bed once your baby is big enough. By going for a convertible option you don’t have to worry about buying another bed for a good few years, saving you money in the long term.

Go for a dresser/changing table combo

Many new parents say that one of the least used items in their nursery is the changing table. They quickly become redundant and are often overpriced. A great alternative is to buy a padded changing mat that can be secured on top of your dresser. It’s a much cheaper alternative and won’t cost you valuable floor space.

Decorate your walls

Giving your walls a cheap makeover is a great way to make your nursery stand out. Use inexpensive wall stickers to quickly transform the room for maximum effect. There are plenty of options to choose from and it’s a cheap way to really bring your theme alive. You can easily remove them when it’s time to redecorate, so you don’t have to worry about causing damage to the walls.

Avoid expensive bedding sets

When it comes to the crib, the CPSC advises that bare is best. Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress, but keep quilts, pillows, cushions, and comforters out of the crib. Not only will this save you money, but it will also avoid overcrowding your baby’s sleep environment and help reduce the risk of suffocation.

Get creative with storage

Babies need a lot of things to keep them happy and healthy, which means that storage space is an absolute must in your nursery. Save yourself some money by getting a little creative with your storage solutions, such as buying a storage ottoman that also offers you an extra seating space.

Save money with DIY

Doing it yourself is the easiest way to save money when it comes to decorating your home, and the same is true for your nursery. It’s also a great way to add a nice personal touch to the nursery décor and can easily be made to fit around your theme.

Get an eye-catching rug

Rugs are a cheap and easy way to add a colorful touch to the nursery while giving your baby a warm and comfortable space to play around. The good thing is that they are much easier to clean than a carpet, so you don’t have to worry about your floor getting a little dirty.

Install inexpensive shelves

Shelving is a great way to add more storage space to your nursery while keeping costs low. Use it to store items you want to keep out of reach of your baby and get a little creative with your décor. Use your shelves to display family portraits, toys, and even your DIY projects.

Having a baby means having to buy a lot of new items to help care for them, but it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. By being smart about your purchases, getting crafty with DIY and buying second-hand goods, you can save yourself money while still getting the nursery of your dreams.

Bio:

Saskia is a freelance writer and creator of My Kind of Monday, a lifestyle blog about work, life, and how to make the best of both worlds. She hopes to help people find happiness in every aspect of life. Follow her on Twitter and check out her website for more.