Nursery splurges vs. being thrifty

MrsH288

I'm in the process of picking out crib bedding and figured I'd get your opinions on some things! (I know there's a nursery board, but I like you guys better ) I can't find what I'm looking for so I custom designed one on a website that's perfect, BUT the price tag sounds crazy to me. $500 before coupon codes and almost $400 without!

Are there some things you're splurging on and others you're being more thrifty with when it comes to nursery and baby gear?

If you're a second time mom does that change your perspective on how much to spend on things?

(Being a STM I know how messy kids are and how little some baby things are used, which changes my perspective a ton!)

stine28

Dude, the sheets on MY bed didn't cost $400. And I'll be using them for the next 10 years.

The only baby thing I'm planning on picking out expensive versions of are safety related like a car seat, or furniture that will stay with us forever, like a recliner.

Nobody is going to be putting your nursery in a magazine. Just be practical unless you've got more money than you know what to do with. The kid's going to shit on it all regardless.

071115

$500 sounds insane to me. I would never spend that much on bedding.

Being a TTM. My perspective has really really changed, there was so many things that we never used so we won't buy that again. There was things that barely got used so won't spend a bunch on those. There are some keepsake items that I will spend alittle more on. There are things that I always thought we should have bought, that we might this time.

MrsH288

My husband would NEVER let me spend that much and I don't think I could bring myself to either so the $400/$500 bedding is definitely out (unless my mother-in-law can sew it for me!) I will barely spend more than $10 on an outfit since I now know how cheap you can get things at Marshall's or Ross.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who's perspective changed!

Thanks for the input ladies

stine28

I keep forgetting that you're talking about american prices too. @071115‌ and I are both canadian. So if the price looks bad to us then it must be REALLY over the top to you. Glad to hear you're not crazy!

beatlesgal4

This is a good idea for a thread! 

@stine28, or anyone else with experience, is a glider/recliner truly worth it? We have a pretty comfy love seat that we will keep in LO's room, and the glider prices just seem so high, that I keep going back and forth on whether we should get one or not. Is it worth the splurge for sure? I do know that there will be a lot of time spent in that glider/or our love seat, whichever way we decide to go with it!

MrsH288

@rquinlin For custom bedding do you go through a person locally or a custom website? I was looking at Carousel Designs. It would make me nervous not seeing real life color swatches and whatnot so I'm curious. Thanks for the reply!

stine28

beatlesgal4 said:

This is a good idea for a thread! 

@stine28, or anyone else with experience, is a glider/recliner truly worth it? We have a pretty comfy love seat that we will keep in LO's room, and the glider prices just seem so high, that I keep going back and forth on whether we should get one or not. Is it worth the splurge for sure? I do know that there will be a lot of time spent in that glider/or our love seat, whichever way we decide to go with it!

I wish I had some real advice for you, but I'm a lowly FTM. I'm buying a recliner because I want to be able to use it forever, and we still need furniture for our pretty big house, so it's a twofer for me.

Personally, I'd try it out with the loveseat. You can always buy one quick-like if you change you mind when baby comes.

lib1974

I am really looking forward to everyone's replies on this. I have been struggling with finding bedding that i like and have been considering biting the over-the-top bullet withe the expensive stuff just to satisfy my need to get the project complete. I struggle with knowing that it won't be used forever and being a waste of money.

MrsH288

lib1974 said:

I am really looking forward to everyone's replies on this. I have been struggling with finding bedding that i like and have been considering biting the over-the-top bullet withe the expensive stuff just to satisfy my need to get the project complete. I struggle with knowing that it won't be used forever and being a waste of money.

It's sad because the one I want isn't even that crazy! If a company just put it in a nice package with a MUCH smaller price tag than I found, I think it'd be really popular! Haha, too bad. It's tempting though. Especially when it's hard to match bedding to the rest of the room when you already have it all planned out in your head (and your pinterest board)

kmvisioli

I couldn't bring myself to spend that much on bedding. I'm planning on just fitted crib sheets and a crib skirt, and am looking at Amazon for decent prices - they have a lot of options. My splurge items will be the high chair (since I'll be looking at it in my dining room for years), and a glider.

Maybe you could check out fabric stores and look for someone locally who can make custom bedding for you more reasonably? Etsy may also be a good place to look for more unique styles.

FrecklesInside

What is worth splurging on is a PERSONAL decision. No one can tell you how to spend your money. Would I side-eye and judge someone who spends 500 bucks on bedding? Hell yes. Is it any of my business if that is a worthwhile splurge to you? No. 

Do whatever the fuck you want to do with your money.

For my personal opinion, I think it is absurd to spend a ton of money on something like bedding. Getting nice furniture is a better use of money, but I'm talking about spending 200 bucks instead of 500. To me, half a grand is huge, but it might not mean the same thing to you depending on what your household income is. When I splurge, it might look totally different than when you splurge. 

To each their own. 

beatlesgal4

@lib1974 I'm with you on that- part of me is overwhelmed and just wants to get more done at this point, but I have a really hard time justifying some of the prices I see. I think I personally just need to be a bit more patient, and like some are mentioning, it is great to realize that if something isn't working out that well when LO arrives, we can still buy things at that point. I need to keep remembering that!

StellaMakes3RQuinlinstine28 for the advice! I am going to stick with the love seat for now and see if it will work- that sounds like the best plan. And easy to change if it doesn't feel right to me or LO!

@stine28, good luck with finding a good recliner! They are so nice!

lib1974

MrsH288 said:

lib1974 said:

I am really looking forward to everyone's replies on this. I have been struggling with finding bedding that i like and have been considering biting the over-the-top bullet withe the expensive stuff just to satisfy my need to get the project complete. I struggle with knowing that it won't be used forever and being a waste of money.

It's sad because the one I want isn't even that crazy! If a company just put it in a nice package with a MUCH smaller price tag than I found, I think it'd be really popular! Haha, too bad. It's tempting though. Especially when it's hard to match bedding to the rest of the room when you already have it all planned out in your head (and your pinterest board)


Um yeah. I have everything in the room ready to go, even what is going on the walls. My only thing missing is bedding. Grrr

lib1974

kmvisioli said:

I couldn't bring myself to spend that much on bedding. I'm planning on just fitted crib sheets and a crib skirt, and am looking at Amazon for decent prices - they have a lot of options. My splurge items will be the high chair (since I'll be looking at it in my dining room for years), and a glider.

Maybe you could check out fabric stores and look for someone locally who can make custom bedding for you more reasonably? Etsy may also be a good place to look for more unique styles.

I have started the fabric store adventure. It's overwhelming. If i were to wave a magic wand I would have a seamstress come over, look at the room and say THIS is the quilt I will make for you. Ha. I am okay spending money on the quilt but I have decided not to go all out with bumpers and stuff. Simple sheets/skirt and a nice custom quilt. That is if I can figure out the fabrics. My colors are yellow and grey/white (with a touch of teal and red for accent) and all I find to purchase has that chevron fabric and it think it will be dated soon so I am not going for it (I like it tho) I want something more timeless that she can keep. To be continued.

FrecklesInside

As for what to splurge on? (now that I realize people are talking about other items) that is personal too and will vary based on what you like and what your kid likes. For example, some moms spend a lot of time in their glider and would want a comfy one, I hardly used mine! 

I splurged on the car seat. I splurge on nice toys and clothes that will last a long time. I guess I splurge on nice swaddles since they are so very  useful? I splurge on babywearing items because babywearing is important to my parenting. A crib is a crib is a crib, IMO. I wouldn't overspend on decorations and such, but that's just me. Some people think that is worthwhile.

I would never splurge on a highchair. They all are the same. Seriously. I wouldn't buy the cheapest one, but same as with the glider, I'd get one that is a mid-range price, it isn't a splurge item. I also don't think a swing is worth splurging on. I think a child is just as happy in a Fisher Price swing as the Mamaroo or whatever. 

I would however, splurge on getting multiple items, not knowing exactly what will work for your kid. For example, I couldn't live without the rock and play but E also went through a period of time when she napped really well using her swing. We didn't use the swing for the first two months though. But we did use it a lot in month three and four. We got a pack and play and used it like three times, for serious, but some people say they can't live without it. IMO you can sell what doesn't work for baby, or, if you're smart, wait until you're done having children because just because one kid doesn't like or use something doesn't mean the next won't (unless it is something totally useless that you realize as a parent will never be necessary). 

Sorry for the TLDR, in the end, I'm just saying that what is worth splurging on varies from person to person. 

ETA: It is worth spending the money to get a Snuza alarm IMO. It gave me the peace of mind to get better sleep at night and I'm SO glad I bought one and will use it on this LO too. 

ngolimento

We're getting the expensive stuff, but doing it the sane way: used. So far I'll be getting a nice crib, a really nice changing table with drawers, and a rocking chair for under 100, all combined. The most expensive item is probably going to be a brand new comforter. The sheets I will buy used and bleach the crap out of them.

You can have everything you want and stay in budget, you just have to brush off the impulse to have everything shiny and new, and maybe put some elbow grease into refinishing something.

lib1974

FrecklesInside said:

As for what to splurge on? (now that I realize people are talking about other items) that is personal too and will vary based on what you like and what your kid likes. For example, some moms spend a lot of time in their glider and would want a comfy one, I hardly used mine! 

I splurged on the car seat. I splurge on nice toys and clothes that will last a long time. I guess I splurge on nice swaddles since they are so very  useful? I splurge on babywearing items because babywearing is important to my parenting. A crib is a crib is a crib, IMO. I wouldn't overspend on decorations and such, but that's just me. Some people think that is worthwhile.

I would never splurge on a highchair. They all are the same. Seriously. I wouldn't buy the cheapest one, but same as with the glider, I'd get one that is a mid-range price, it isn't a splurge item. I also don't think a swing is worth splurging on. I think a child is just as happy in a Fisher Price swing as the Mamaroo or whatever. 

I would however, splurge on getting multiple items, not knowing exactly what will work for your kid. For example, I couldn't live without the rock and play but E also went through a period of time when she napped really well using her swing. We didn't use the swing for the first two months though. But we did use it a lot in month three and four. We got a pack and play and used it like three times, for serious, but some people say they can't live without it. IMO you can sell what doesn't work for baby, or, if you're smart, wait until you're done having children because just because one kid doesn't like or use something doesn't mean the next won't (unless it is something totally useless that you realize as a parent will never be necessary). 

Sorry for the TLDR, in the end, I'm just saying that what is worth splurging on varies from person to person. 

ETA: It is worth spending the money to get a Snuza alarm IMO. It gave me the peace of mind to get better sleep at night and I'm SO glad I bought one and will use it on this LO too. 

Thank you! This is really helpful. Every time I go to buy something with a high ticket on it I say to myself "what if she doesn't like it, then I have to take it back or sell it". All the decisions are really overwhelming being a first timer. I know I shouldn't get all worked up about it but I want to get as much done before she gets here as possible. I won't have the luxury of a SO to go out and get us stuff. It will just be me. Granted I will have family/friend support help but I hate asking people to do things for me so my struggle continues...single independent girl problems

Bostonchelle

Agree with previous posters that you need to pick and choose what to splurge on. For us a stroller was really important so we splurged on that- we walk everywhere as we live in the city so that was a big priority. We also splurged on a car seat. If you have friends near by that can be a great source of baby stuff. My best friends and I have been rotating baby stuff (and maternity clothes) around for a few years and it saves everyone a ton of money.

Also agree with @FrecklesInside‌ that a good monitor is an essential splurge. We used the Angelcare and it gave me a lot of peace of mind.

peeppeeppeep

I think the main thing is to keep reminding ourselves that the splurges are not for baby, they are for us (unless you are talking about safety, and even then you don't have to splurge to keep baby safe).  It was a long journey for us to become pregnant, and so I am excited to make some splurges, within our budget.  DH is very frugal but we're both really excited and are enjoying picking out a few things we really like.

Saves:  inexpensive crib from IKEA and dresser.  I'm getting a rock n play bassinet for free.  Not buying much in the way of gear, and buying or receiving used when we can.  Only buying one stroller.  Still on the fence about a glider/recliner.  We don't have much space and I hate clutter and feeling crowded, so we will try to get by with less whenever we can.

Splurges:  crib sheets - baby doesn't need expensive bedding, but I found some patterns I adore at 35-40 a pop.  Those should last through the toddler years.  Not buying any of the other stuff, though - bumpers, decorative quilts, skirts, etc.  I do laundry constantly so will probably buy no more than three.  

I'm getting a really nice car seat from a friend, but would have splurged on one that was easy to install/use, if necessary.

Crib mattress - buying new, not top of the line, but lightweight and good quality/waterproof.

Diaper bags - we're each getting one and I am picky about style and quality, so will splurge there - it will be my new oversized purse.

Stroller - we take lots of long walks almost everyday - we want a good stroller with great push - we'll look at used as well, but if we can't find what we want used we'll buy new.  

Whitfry

I agree that splurging is pretty personal. My splurges are:

Crib/dresser set - there's a beautiful set at Sears that I want badly. Both pieces together will be around $600ish. The crib is convertible, so I don't plan on buying more furniture for baby J until maybe college.

Art - I've been buying nursery art for the last four years.

Books - silly geek books that he won't be old enough to understand for years. These are really for DH and myself so we can feel like cool parents-to-be.

Babywearing - I'm a big advocate for babywearing and plan to invest in a few really good carriers. I've got a friend giving me a brand new little frog ring sling as a gift, but I plan on purchasing a customized Mei tai and an ergo.

Here are the areas I'm saving in:

Car seat - BFF is giving me her daughters outgrown infant car seat. Her daughter is six months old, so the car seat will still be safe and in warranty (I checked). It's a very nice and pricey one, so I'm over the moon at her offer to gift it to me.

Bedding - there's a set I like at babies r us that I'll register for. If we don't get it, I will buy inexpensive crib sheets and make a little quilt with my mom. Either way, I'll be happy. One way is less work, the other way is more personal.

Rocker - MIL is gifting me an antique rocker.

Clothes - I'm getting most of baby J's clothes hand-me-down from good friends. I know people love to buy cute outfits for baby shower gifts, so if he gets anything fancy and brand new that's probably where it will come from.

Stroller - since I plan to wear him more than use a stroller, I don't need anything incredibly fancy or expensive. Though DH wants one with cup holders for some reason. Once I give him his daddy ergo, I'm sure he'll get over it.

janda426

We splurged on an uppababy vista stroller and if you consider it a splurge we are getting a glider/ottoman combo for about $600 from BBB. The crib from PBK was gifted to us. Our dresser is from ikea but we didn't try to save money there, it just happened to be the only one that caught my eye and it was cheap. Win win. We're also splurging on either a Canon Sl1 or canon t3i camera (can't decide they're pretty similar) because I want good photos of him growing up.

I've been splurging on clothes. I know he'll outgrow them but I want him to wear things I think are cute. I only have a little baby to "play dress up with" for so long so whatever, I love buying baby clothes.

I'll probably also splurge on some monogrammed PBK stuff- blankets and toys and whatever. I love seeing his name written on stuff.

Most of my reasoning for wanting "only the best" is because I grew up without a lot. Everything I owned was second hand, and I was the oldest kid. Maybe it's superficial but it makes me feel good that my son will have everything he needs and more, and I'm excited to be able to provide it all for him. I know he doesn't care when he's little but it's more for me.

Clobert

Of course the definition of splurge is different for everyone, but you probably wouldn't be asking if that wasn't a lot of money to you. I'm a ftm, but my criteria for splurge worthy items (I'm not splurging on all of these but would consider it) are:
-Safety items - car seats, etc.
-Durable gear that has a long lifespan and can be used for future children. I think these items should definately be gender neutral and good quality. These would include a stroller or carrier. I don't think plastic things like bouncers and swings, etc are worth going over the basic price.
-Furniture that has a long lifespan, e.g. a glider and a crib- either for multiple children or convertible.
-Keepsake items- I think this would include a custom quilt, but sheets are not going to be keepsakes and no matter the quality probably won't last that long. My wedding registry sheets were super fancy and they aren't holding up better than other sheets at all.
My recommendation would be to get a beautiful custom quilt that they will cherish and then pick out off the rack fitted sheets that coordinate, like a solid color. That way you can have a bunch for the wash and not stress abut them.

ciaobellat

Our big splurge was the crib but my parents surprised us and are gifting that to us. The only other splurge will be the car seat and stroller, looking for a combo. I would not spend 500 on sheets! Sorry.

nomnommama

@FrecklesInside‌ you are one of the first people I've known to like the snuza. Maybe they improved the technology, but on my old
BMB everyone got false alarms with theirs and they were FAR from reassuring. I'll have to google to see if they made updates.

alyssar9

It's true. Our two splurges will be the uppababy vista stroller and a PBK glider (which we actually only bought cause we found one new at an overstock store and couldn't pass it up) but it's true. How much you are willing to spend is dependent on how much you value an item. We bought a crib and mattress from ikea in the as-is section for only 49$ so we saved in some places to splurge in others

JenLa21

H told me we could splurge on $60 on adorable crib sheets, but I just couldn't do it. We didn't really do a nursery theme. I don't like being stuck with one design. Plus we were team green last time too, and wanted flexibility when the baby came.

I just got all different kinds of sheets (since you change them constantly due to diaper leaks and spit up etc) so it was nice to change the style of the room all the time. We switched between The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the Lion King, and Skip hop Alphabet Zoo. I doubt all 3 sets together cost $500.

CJSternweis

Ok, I am pregnant with our third baby. I have a 4 year old girl and 10 month old Boy.  I have sheets for the crib that are boys and girls.  I don't have a crib Set, I bought a mesh bumper. It's white and they can't suffocate.  At 3:00am, when baby boy spit up or threw up, I didn't care if I pulled out girl sheets or boy sheets. I only bought sheets because they can't use the thick blanket it comes with or the bumper. You can order a crib skirt extra if you wanted.  I figure it looks nice to other people to have a nice crib set, but why should I care. Don't get me wrong, we could afford it and more but why.....to make other people say, that's cute.  I am more practical.  This next baby that's due is a boy too, he will probably sleep on cars, trucks, and ladybugs.

FrecklesInside

nomnommama said:

@FrecklesInside‌ you are one of the first people I've known to like the snuza. Maybe they improved the technology, but on my old
BMB everyone got false alarms with theirs and they were FAR from reassuring. I'll have to google to see if they made updates.

Maybe it was the cloth diapers that are a bit thicker than disposables or that E didn't care to roll in her sleep until we were out of the swaddle, but the snuza stayed in place really well. I only got a false alarm twice and read about them happening much more frequently with the pads like the angel care because baby could move off the pad.

Eh, to each their own, but for me, the Snuza was a game changer and I'm so so so glad we had it. I didn't have it for the first two weeks of her life and there were multiple times I shook her awake. I know breathing patterns in infants are strange and can become very slowed, but I freaked out three times before deciding to expedited ship a Snuza alarm to our house. I'm so glad I did.

ETA other people might not have the same issues or concerns, and as I've said twice already in this thread, what you spend money on will vary person to person. For example, the only reason we have a stroller is because someone gifted it to us. We babywear and have used the stroller maybe twice? I find a stroller to be a completely unnecessary purchase, especially a pricey one, but you've seen multiple people in this thread already say that is worth a splurge. I'm just saying what was worth the splurge to me. Strollers and pack and plays that others can't live without? I don't even need them. But I did splurge on a Snuza alarm, on really nice car seats and good carriers. Different strokes.

KT416

I agree that splurges and different for everyone. I'm a FTM and I'm really looking forward to decorating the nursery. However, I thought the only bedding we could really use was the crib sheet for safety purposes so bedding was really on my list for a big expense.

My splurge items are the car seat and stroller, and organic/chemical-free items. I'd much rather now my baby isn't sleeping, chewing, wearing, etc. chemicals than saving a few extra bucks so that will probably be my splurge items.  I'm hoping that a set of parents will help us out with our nicer purchases like the car seat, but we'll see.

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Aeml1985

This thread came at the perfect time for me, I'm planning on buying this bedding https://cadenlane.com/lilac-and-gold-sparkle-baby-bedding/ and once we exchange USD add customs and shipping it will be close to $400 and IDGAF. We can afford it, it's less than the custom carousel designs one and DH and I both love it. I also DGAF that people around us think that spending $500on a crib and $1200 on a glider and $1000 on a stroller is nuts. I can afford it, and I have most of my wage for my year of mat leave saved so if I want to spend on what might end up being our only child then they should all just go fly a kite.

sweetmama17

Love this. I try to pair splurges with thrift items.

For DS1 we bought a decent crib (spent 350ish from BRU) that will now last through at least 2 kids. I craigs listed the dresser and glider which the dresser DH refinished and painted to match. I really wanted an upholstered glider. So I spent $150 for one on craigs list vrs the $400-500 it would have been new. Now while its probably the same one I would have picked new he first time, after using it I really want a recliner glider. Its comfy for a quick nursing session or story time but  I really wished it reclined...so I am kinda looking for one this time but it's last on the list since we are now buying furniture for DS1s big boy room.

My splurge was the crib bedding. But it's the madras from PBK. So well under $200 for the set (I got the blackout curtains as well). An this will be used for DS2 as well. If this baby had been a girl PBK has high resale value so I prob could have gotten a lot of the money back.

For the big boy room we are trying to furnish right now....So far I have a PBK logan sleigh bed that I bought off of craigs list for $75. Only a few little scratches but I'm sure my 2 year old will add more anyway. I plan on doing shelves and dresser from Ikea, The cheapest new mattress I could find from Amaazon and the splurge is a duvet cover from Land of Nod ($80). I'm trying to stay around 500-600 total for the room.

I'm big on buying used wood furniture (I might have for the crib but they had just changed the law with the dropsides for DS1 so I went ahead with new). And buying new anything like bedding.

FrecklesInside

ToasterCat said:

FrecklesInside said:

nomnommama said:

@FrecklesInside‌ you are one of the first people I've known to like the snuza. Maybe they improved the technology, but on my old
BMB everyone got false alarms with theirs and they were FAR from reassuring. I'll have to google to see if they made updates.

Maybe it was the cloth diapers that are a bit thicker than disposables or that E didn't care to roll in her sleep until we were out of the swaddle, but the snuza stayed in place really well. I only got a false alarm twice and read about them happening much more frequently with the pads like the angel care because baby could move off the pad.

Eh, to each their own, but for me, the Snuza was a game changer and I'm so so so glad we had it. I didn't have it for the first two weeks of her life and there were multiple times I shook her awake. I know breathing patterns in infants are strange and can become very slowed, but I freaked out three times before deciding to expedited ship a Snuza alarm to our house. I'm so glad I did.

ETA other people might not have the same issues or concerns, and as I've said twice already in this thread, what you spend money on will vary person to person. For example, the only reason we have a stroller is because someone gifted it to us. We babywear and have used the stroller maybe twice? I find a stroller to be a completely unnecessary purchase, especially a pricey one, but you've seen multiple people in this thread already say that is worth a splurge. I'm just saying what was worth the splurge to me. Strollers and pack and plays that others can't live without? I don't even need them. But I did splurge on a Snuza alarm, on really nice car seats and good carriers. Different strokes.

I would be down for those kinds of monitors if they didn't have such big margins of error. On my last BMB there was lots of talk about how much more stressful it was to have an alarm like that. It goes off: OMG my kid is dead. I never found it that hard to make sure Leo was still breathing and alive but be slept right next to my bed. But yeah, to each their own.

E slept right next to my bed too, in fact...she still does... But after a few times of waking up feeling something was off and not seeing her breathing, and having to pick her up and lightly shake her for her to wake, I stopped sleeping well. It was peace of mind for me, and was needed even though we co-slept and still do. We stopped using it when she started rolling a lot in her sleep. Like I said, I only ever had two false alarms. So I wouldn't assume that co-sleeping makes such a thing unnecessary, not for everyone.

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jpavenski

We have pretty much everything from our son but I did pick up a new stroller & I think that the furniture & car seat are worth splurging especially if you plan on using them for multiple children. I have been going back & forth on new bedding though, since we were team green last time our nursery is baby animals & I found a more boyish set I like this time. The set is prob a little over $200 but I think that includes valence, lamp & other accessories. I'm having a hard time justifying buying it even if I can sell my old set. My son did use his blanket from the set since he was in his crib till almost 3.5 & we used the glider to read books & sing before bed until then also.

Ladylec

The only bedding I bought for my son's nursery was 3 different fitted sheets, a matching blanket, and some mattress covers. I don't think we spent $500 on the entire nursery including the crib, dresser, and bedding/decor.

janda426

Yeah as far as bedding goes I'm just gonna buy some plain sheets, a blue crib skirt, a mesh bumper and the most expensive item will be a PBK blanket to hang over the side since he won't even be able to sleep with a blanket for a while. I freaking hate bed in a bag sets, they're way too matchy matchy to me. Ironically, I don't like stuf that screams "baby"

salmphil

My friend just showed me how to make crib sheets - it was stupid easy and there's so much cute fabric out there! I cut 9-inch squares in the corners of 2yds of fabric and sewed hems, elastic if needed (I didn't need any.) I know I'll get quilts from some family members who want to make them.

The only thing I'm dreading purchasing is a wingback glider. Never see used ones for sale and new ones are insanely expensive!

CoozieInMyPurse

Bedding is definitely a place where I'm feeling thrifty. I'm planning to buy about four crib sheets and a mesh bumper for when he starts to stick his limbs through the crib. My mom made a quilt and MIL is making an afghan, so we are covered on the cute stuff. In fact, most of the nursery is thrifty. We are buying a crib, of course, (FTM here), but the dresser, rug, chair and bookcases are all either owned by us or are coming from my parents. They are downsizing, so we are taking advantage.

We will probably splurge on a car seat. Not sure on a stroller yet. I'd like to baby wear and would prefer a lighter stroller when kiddo is a bit older. I dislike how bulky the snap and gos are.

lewispm

Bedding is definitely NOT one of the things I would splurge on. You probably wont ever even use the bumpers and the sheets will just get peed/pooped/spit up/vomited on every night or so and you will constantly be changing them out.

I'm big on decorating and love planning the nursery. I splurge on things that will be reused for a second baby. Crib, furniture, etc. Bedding is just one of those things that usually gets pretty ruined pretty fast and eventually (like after 12 months), the crib will be full of mismatched blankets, pacis, and worn out stuffed animals and you will no longer even care if anything matches because nothing is ever clean.