Hi,
I am pregnant for the first time and am trying to set up/ decorate our baby room on a budget, while still having some nice things. Also, I could use some advice on what is and is not needed for a baby registry. Registering is an overwhelming task and I want to get it right and not fall victim to buying unneeded baby crap. We rather own less and send our baby to a nice day care/ school.
So far, I have kindly required my husband to sand and paint an old book shelf that I got at Goodwill, an old dresser my husband bought from Target 10 years ago in college, a free TV cabinet (turning it into a closet), and 2 floating wall shelves from Goodwill. Everything will match and look new. I feel like I have a serious mustache from this decision, baby furniture is very expensive.
Our climate is cold and we need a good sized carpet for the room. Can't find anything on Craigslist. Overstock.com seems to be the next best option. Other thoughts? I think I will ask for this for Christmas from my family.
My splurge item was an upholstered gliding chair and ottoman. This is my one item I have always wanted for a baby room. These chairs can go anywhere from $400 to over $1,000. I found a lightly used, extremely high end one on Craigslist for $325 and my mom split it with me for my birthday. They were asking $500, so they probably paid a lot more for it. It is the type of furniture construction that will last another 20 years. Also, it is a neutral color, and can be moved to any other part of our home after the baby stage is complete. This was a want, not a need, but I don't regret it. What do you think?
I really wanted to get a big wall sticker (tree with flowers), but this is now off this list, as the ones I like go from $50-$150. It is a sticker for peat sake!
We are going to paint the room, and frame some home made art with old frames. My husband wants some cute Star Wars cartoon art from Esty, so he will get those for Christmas ($40 for 4 pictures). My mom will help me make the curtains. We will register for an inexpensive crib and 2 small lamps from ikea.
Am I missing anything? Other ways to save? Feedback?
As far as the registry, here are some things I currently plan on getting and not getting:
*reusable diapers. Will still need to buy disposable diapers for the day care hours.
*high end breast pump (I work so I need to be efficient)
*Very expensive wood high chair that grows with age to adulthood. Thoughts? I rather get something that will serve a purpose for decades and can be used by adults. I generally believe in buying quality, not quantity.
http://www.stokke.com/en-us/highchair/tripp-trapp-product-concept.aspx *Average stroller, baby carrier, car seat, feeding pillow, blankets, burp towels, baby proof plugs, bottles and basic stuff like that
*Don't need a swing or other baby holding device.
*We will make some of our own baby food, but I can use current items in my kitchen. Don't need a $100 baby steamer and blender.
*Don't need a diaper genie or wipe warmer. Will use a medium sized tuperware container.
*Don't need a lot of clothes, I will buy used on craigslist.
*I won't register for toys, but over the coming years, I will either make my own Montessori based toys or buy used. Our city has an amazing Craigslist market.
This is not a complete list, but just some of the items that I have been thinking about. What items did you register for or buy? Which ones were a good idea or bad idea?
Slowly, I have come to see that a larger car is not needed or important, until we have more kids. We will be buying a second car (a need unfortunately), but it will be small and efficient and used.
Day care...this is expensive, but our highest priority. I make way too much to stay at home. We will be paying $9,500 for 5 house of care, 5 days a week. This does not include the summer, which is extra. Very expensive, but worth every penny to us. Education is a top priority. We both have flexible jobs, so I can handle the pick up and drop off. My husband will go in early and come home early, so I can finish my work in the later afternoon and evening. We have seriously cut back on eating out and buying crap, so we can pay for this and save at the same rate.
Any advice for new parents is appreciated. Thanks.