Do you have the book Baby Bargains? It goes over brands and value vs quality and what not. It is a great place to start...each person's definition of reasonable and long lasting are going to be different here.
Food Allergies to Eggs, Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts & Beef
Challenged Soy and tolerated it.
DH and I had this problem when I was pregnant with DS. All the nursery furniture out there was expensive and not even real wood. We went on craigslist, bought a beautiful dresser for $90. Solid wood and very sturdy. DH sanded and re-stained it. We put on new knobs. If you're not handy, maybe you have a family member who could help.
We bought furniture from JC Penney's it was Bedford Baby by Westwood which got an A rating in Baby Bargains. It is real wood and feel that it will last quite a long time! Good Luck
Re: Reasonable, Long Lasting Furniture
Food Allergies to Eggs, Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts & Beef
Challenged Soy and tolerated it.