I was a budget-conscious parent-to-be. Here’s how I got my house ‘baby ready’
By: Samantha Hale
Tags: Parenting, Newborn, Nursery, Baby, Parents

Creating a nursery like this doesn’t have to cost the world.

The months leading up to the arrival of our first baby were…

…well, let’s just call them a whirlwind.

With both of us between jobs, the prospect of getting our house ‘baby ready’ was weighing on our shoulders. Needless to say, forking out on expensive baby items was out of the question (and outside our budget!).

Our budget was tight… and I mean tight. I had to get creative and prepare within our means. You don’t need a ton of money to get your house ‘baby ready’. It just takes a little thinking-outside-the-box (or should that be cot?).

We’re in a better spot now, but that period of my life taught me some valuable budgeting lessons that will stay with me forever. Four happy, healthy kids later, and I’m still as budget-conscious as I was with my first.

Here’s how I got my house ‘baby ready’ on a budget.

If I can do it, anyone can.

Starting early

Setting up for the arrival of our new baby began as I passed the 12-week mark. With six months up my sleeve, I had time to spread out the costs.

I’ve always been one to leave things to the last minute, but I knew that wouldn’t serve me well in this case. After researching the average cost of each necessity, I planned for what to get and when to get it. This meant I could space out my purchases and financially prepare for each item.

Being organized meant we were ready by the time our baby arrived, but it also meant I hadn’t wasted money on ‘panic purchases’ close to my due date.

Getting the larger items first

It’s easy to blow the budget on baby items.

We all want the best for our baby; everything is so adorable! There was no getting around the expensive items, so purchasing these first meant I had a clear idea of what was left in my budget.

It also meant I didn’t blow the budget on non-essentials to find I had nothing left for the things my baby needed. Here’s how I managed it:

Bassinet

A baby only needs their bassinet for the first three to six months. As it’s so short-lived, I didn’t see the point in purchasing one. Instead, I borrowed one from a friend and returned it when my baby moved into their cot.

Cot

The cot phase lasts for two to three years, so I needed something more permanent. But a brand new cot was way out of my budget! I found a second-hand cot that lasted until they moved into their bed.

Bedding

I wasn’t prepared to skimp when it came to my baby’s bedtime comfort. The wrong bedding could seriously hinder their sleep, and who wants to be up all night for that reason?

Online specials are your friend here! I grabbed some gorgeous blankets from Ecosprout while they were on sale, and thanks to their quality, they’re still going strong today.

Stroller

While the prices are up there, strollers have a seriously low cost-per-use. I was looking for something I could use from newborn to toddler and beyond (I wanted my money’s worth!).

While my used Mountain Buggy stroller didn’t have all the bells and whistles, it ticked the right boxes; light, easy to fold and long-lasting.

Car seat

Like bassinets, baby capsules only last a few months. Knowing I wouldn’t need it for long, I hired my baby capsule from a local business, which gave me time to save for a larger car seat.

When it was time to return my baby capsule, I had saved the funds to purchase a safe car seat that would last as long as my child needed it.

Preparing the nursery

Preparing the nursery is exciting, but the expenses tick up fast. We lived in a two-bedroom apartment, which made it easy to choose the baby’s nursery!

I cleared everything out so I had a blank canvas to work with. I sold any items that we no longer used to make a little extra money for upcoming expenses. It wasn’t much, but it made a small dent in the overall bill.

Sticking to my budget, here’s how I prepared my nursery:

Practising minimalism: Simplicity is the key to creating a safe, clutter-free space for your baby. It’s also great for the wallet.

Shopping second-hand: One mother’s junk is another’s treasure. I scouted my local second-hand stores and found a dresser and change table. With a lick of paint, they looked like they’d come straight from the shop floor.

Skipping the non-essentials: You can get by without diaper caddies or wipe warmers. The latest gizmos and gadgets might promise the world, but they will not make a difference to life with a new baby.

Saying yes to hand-me-downs: If I was offered second-hand clothes and toys, I jumped at the opportunity. This was a great money-saver, and most of the time, they’d barely been used.

Creating DIY décor: I had plenty of time to get creative. I found handy online tutorials and made my own baby mobile, cushions and wall décor. This was great for the budget and also fulfilled my nesting urge!

If you’re preparing for a baby on a budget, it’s important to be practical about what you and your baby will need. Planning well and giving yourself plenty of time will minimize financial stress and ensure your house is ‘baby ready’ well before your little one arrives.