Design Your Baby's Nursery on a Budget

Designing a nursery for your new baby, especially if it's your first child, can feel overwhelming, not to mention expensive. But don't worry--you can create a safe and attractive room for the little one even on a budget. With a crib, a little elbow grease and some creative thinking, you can create a safe and loving room for your baby without blowing the budget.

What You Absolutely Need

At the outset, you will need a crib, mattress and bedding, a changing table or dresser, and a diaper pail. A lamp or nightlight as well as a comfortable chair for for feedings are important, too.

Cribs range widely in price, but with a bit of research you can find a safe, solid crib that won't be too costly. After researching the crib you want, keep your eyes open for sales and closeouts. You may be able to shave off a few more dollars from the original price.

If you have a dresser already, consider putting short sides around it to keep the baby from falling when you're changing his diaper. You can paint the furniture a pretty color and use baby-proofed drawers to hold junior's diaper necessities, clothes and bedding.

Creative Decorating

Yard sales can be a good place to search for something that can substitute as a diaper pail. You may even find an attractive lamp or other nursery accessories, too. Some minor cleaning and paint can also give these items a fresh, new look.

It isn't necessary to spend a lot on new items to decorate the room. Repainting the nursery will give it a brand-new feel. You should also be able to find new blinds for nap time that fit nicely in your budget (remember that you don't want cords near the baby). For extra zing, go through old magazines and find frameable pictures of flowers, kittens, puppies or peaceful landscapes--these will add interest to the walls and give your baby something stimulating to look at.

Shelving is relatively inexpensive and can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Consider installing a few to hold baby's books and stuffed animals and add a bit of coziness to the nursery.

Don't Sweat the Bells and Whistles

There are many baby products out there that are not absolutely necessary to your baby's health and well-being--although the marketing of some of these products can make you feel otherwise. The most important necessity of all is love, and paired with a sensible approach to baby products, you can have a fine nursery on your hands.