Its such a fun adventure to your babies room together in anticipation of their arrival...sometimes you can go a little overboard!!
There are many options out there of baby furniture that you can purchase, but a very short list of what you really NEED!
*Crib
*Changetable
*Rocking Chair or Glider (not a NEED, but I highly recommend it for those late LATE nights!)
Below you'll find some tips on what to look for to help minimize your our of pocket...
CRIB--
Of course your best route to take if you want to save the most is to hunt down hand me downs from family and friends. But, if this is not an option for you, here's a few tips to minimize your costs:
1)Shop Kijiji--Kijiji is a great place to find items people are no longer using, alot fo the time for FREE! Especially with baby items though, be sure to inspect the crib thoroughly in person before committing to accepting it!!
2)Go with neutral colors-Woods/dark solid colors are always best for both girls and boys. This is an especially important point if you are planning on having more children down the road!
3)Look for convertible cribs--there are a wide variety of cribs that are convertible available, so do your research! Most conversion kits will cost about $100, and allow you to change your child's crib into a day bed, and later a "grown up" bed, without having to spring for a new one! Anything you can find that will grow WITH your child is GOLD!!
If you are purchasing a crib, keep your eyes peeled for promotions (there are usually tons around Christmas, and in the Spring!), and plan to spend around $500 for your crib and mattress. To ease the strain on your wallet, disperse your savings over about 6 months. $500/20 months=$25/week:)
CHANGETABLE
This is something you will need, not only to store all the diaper changing items, but to be able to change your child's diaper with ease while standing. I have known some that have decided to go without at first and simply got change pads, but speaking from experience, if you end up having to have a cesarian section, you wont be getting down on the floor very easily!
The key to saving on a change table is a very simple one, you dont need to have something specifically designed to be a change table! Get a dresser with a flat top. This will not only allow you to change your child's diaper at a comfortable level, but gives you lots of storage, and will grow with your child when they are out of diapers!
I highly reccommend Kijiji and other marketplaces for this item, and again, be sure to check out that it is in good condition in person before purchasing! All you will need in addition to this will be a Change pad to place on top of the dresser, and this with a good sale will cost you about $10-$15. As for change pad covers, they really arent necessary. If you find the surface of your change pad is cool on your baby's skin, simply use a pillow case (preferably one you dont plan to use again!!).
ROCKING CHAIR/GLIDER--
Ok, so this may be up for debate with alot of you as to whether or not it is something you NEED, but personally I dont know what I wouldve done without mine! At 3 in the morning, a week after having surgery (emergency C-Section), I was not about to be pacing with our daughter to get her to sleep! This chair saved my sanity, and allowed me to heal:)
A simple rocking chair will do the trick to help you get your little one to sleep without having to keep you on your very tired feet! Check Kijiji and local flea markets for these, and make sure you sit in it to know it will be comfortable and sturdy.
Gilder chairs are obviously much more comfortable, but come with a price. If you cant find this second hand, hold out for a good sale and you can get one for around $100-$120. Remember to keep the coloring neutral to be able to use it down the road:)
I hope you found this helpful and that it has assisted you in your planning! If you have any questions or suggestions, please click the CONTACT button and let me know:)
Stay tuned for PART FOUR--Clothing-COMING SOON!
HAPPY SAVING:)
PART THREE--Baby Furniture
PART FOUR--Clothing-COMING SOON!
PART FIVE--Toys-COMING SOON!
PART SIX--Travel Items-COMING SOON!
PART SEVEN--The Baby Shower-COMING SOON!
PART EIGHT--The Big Day!-COMING SOON!