Planning for the birth of a child is one of the most exciting – and costly – stages in a parent’s life. From nappies to child seats, there’s a whole range of items that need to be purchased before bringing a newborn home for the first time.
One part that many parents look forward to more than most, is decorating their child’s bedroom. Whether it’s painting the walls or installing a lavish cot, the ultimate aim is to create the most welcoming environment possible.
This doesn’t always come cheaply. So to help parents keep the cost of decorating their newborn’s bedroom down, we’ve come up with a list of some of the best money-saving ideas.
1. Hand-Me-Downs
One of the simplest ways of keeping the cost of decorating a child’s bedroom down, is by using hand-me-downs from friends and family.
Many will be willing to pass on must-have items for free or a small fee.
2. Online Auctions and Garage Sales
Image: Pixabay
One of the best ways to find a specific item for a newborn’s bedroom at a low cost, is by browsing any number of online classifieds websites.
There’s a whole variety of items from cots to paint, which can be bought at a fraction of the cost of the retail price.
Garage sales are also a fantastic place to find unwanted toys. While it’s natural to worry about cleanliness, a quick wipe or wash should make them safe for any child to pay with.
3. Choose Items Wisely
Image: Pixabay
Every parent wants the best for their child, but that desire can sometimes spill over into unnecessary expenditure.
In reality, there are only two absolute essentials for a newborn’s nursery: a cot and a wardrobe with draws. The latter can be used to store clothes, nappies, and a changing mat.
Other possible expenses, such as a rocking horse or framed pictures on the wall, may make the room look more homely. Ultimately, these will make little difference to a newborn’s quality of life during their first few months in their new home.
4. Choose Long-Term Pieces
Image: Flickr
It’s easy to fall into the trap of choosing cutesy furniture and wallpaper for a newborn. While the latest cartoon or animal print plastered onto the walls may be great initially, there’s a high chance your child will grow out of it, once they reach a certain age.
To avoid having to pay for the same things twice, parents on a budget should look to choose timeless items that are painted in gender-neutral colors.
5. Try Wall Vinyls
Image: Miserv
One way to add a touch of personality to a newborn’s room without breaking the bank, is by using wall vinyls. Starting at just $10 a piece, they’re easily available to purchase online and in certain stores.
A parent can apply wall vinyls or stickers to any flat surface without hassle, thanks to their handy peel and stick setup.
If the child outgrows the vinyl at any point, they can be peeled away without damaging the paintwork.
