Here’s How Much You Should Spend on Your Nursery, According to Financial Experts

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Spending wisely on a nursery is one of the most important considerations you can make when you’re expecting. But it can be tricky knowing how much is prudent and what is going “overboard.” Everyone knows babies are expensive — but according to experts, there is a recommended price point you should consider when budgeting.

“Based on my analysis of hundreds of client budgets, I recommend allocating between $2,000 to $3,500 for a complete nursery set up,” said Abid Salahi, finance expert and cofounder of FinlyWealth.

“My wife and I spent $2,800 on our first nursery,” he said, “but I’ve helped clients create beautiful spaces for as little as $1,500 by focusing on essential items.”

Below, financial experts break down the right amount to spend on your nursery, so you can prepare to save up now.

Essential Investment Breakdown

“Through my experience helping new parents, I’ve identified the core items worth investing in,” Salahi explained. 

He recommended allocating $400 to 600 for a quality crib that converts to a toddler bed, $200 to 300 for a firm mattress and $300 to 400 for a comfortable glider or rocking chair. “These three items form the foundation of a functional nursery,” he said.

Smart Savings Strategies 

Salahi said he’s discovered significant savings opportunities through timing purchases strategically. 

“When furnishing my daughter’s nursery, I saved 40% by shopping end-of-season sales. I purchased her crib during January clearance for $350, marked down from $600.”

Items To Potentially Skip

“My financial analysis shows that new parents often waste money on unnecessary items,” Salahi explained. “I advise clients to skip the changing table — a changing pad on a dresser works perfectly.” 

He said this saved his family $200, which they invested in a better quality dresser that will last through the teenage years.

Storage Solutions

“From helping clients plan nurseries, I’ve learned that smart storage is crucial,” Salahi said. “I recommend spending $300 to 400 on a sturdy dresser and $100 to 150 on closet organizers.”

He said his clients who invest in proper storage typically save money long-term by preventing duplicate purchases and maintaining organization.

Second-Hand Savings

Through his financial planning work, Salahi has identified safe items to buy and use. 

“I saved $800 on my son’s nursery by purchasing gently used furniture through local parent groups,” he said. “However, I always advise buying new mattresses and car seats for safety reasons.”

Long-Term Value

“My experience shows that gender-neutral furniture offers the best return on investment,” Salahi added. “When my wife and I planned our nursery, we chose neutral colors and convertible furniture.”

He said this decision saved them $1,500 when their second child arrived, as they only needed to update accessories.

Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work

“Here’s the thing, you don’t need to break the bank to create a cozy nursery,” said Andrew Lokenauth, money expert and owner of BeFluentInFinance.

He recommended accepting hand-me-downs from family and friends (but to always check safety standards).

Additionally, he suggested browsing Facebook Marketplace and local consignment shops. “Join local parenting groups where folks often give away or sell gently used items,” he explained.

Also, he said to skip the fancy decor (your baby won’t care about that $200 wall art). “Wait for major holiday sales — Black Friday, Memorial Day — for big purchases,” he added.

Optional Items To Consider

While these things are nice to have, Lokenauth said they aren’t essential for a newborn.

• Diaper pail ($70 to $200): a regular trash can works fine.
• Fancy mobile ($30 to $100): babies often prefer simple ones.
• Humidifier ($30 to $80): only necessary if your climate needs it.
• Night light ($15 to $40): a regular lamp also works.
• Sound machine ($25 to $50): you can use your phone instead.

Things To Skip Entirely

“I’m gonna be straight with you — some nursery items are just marketing fluff,” Lokenauth said.

Here’s the stuff he advised to skip entirely:

• Changing table: use a dresser with a changing pad instead.
• Crib bedding sets: you only need fitted sheets.
• Fancy decor items: babies don’t care about aesthetics.
• Nursery-specific storage solutions: regular storage works fine.
• Wipes warmer: room temperature wipes are totally fine.

Where To Find the Best Deals

“Trust me on this — timing and location are everything when hunting for nursery deals,” Lokenauth said.

Here’s where to find the best deals for your nursery.

• Amazon Warehouse: for open-box and returned items.
• Buy Buy Baby: use their 20% off coupons (they never expire!).
• Consignment events: especially seasonal ones.
• Ikea: they are known for their affordable basics that look nice.
• Target: for seasonal baby sales (usually quarterly).
• Wayfair: browse their flash deals section.

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