by Debbie Robus

Created on: January 03, 2010   Last Updated: February 02, 2010

It's a nursery, not the Taj Mahal!  And as such, decorating said nursery should not break the bank!

When my great-nephew began spending a lot of time with us while his mother attended college, we realized that "We need stuff!"  I could have afforded to purchase the necessary "equipment" at our local retail outlet - and I did buy a new crib and child car safety seat - but the bargain hunter (or some would say "cheapskate") in me would not allow this.  So I set out to find bargains on everything from a high chair to baby clothing... and our baby was outfitted on a budget!

While we don't have a true "nursery" for my nephew, we have delegated a corner of our bedroom to his crib and supplies.  The old adage that "looks are deceiving" certainly applies to this area.  The look is expensive, but in reality, the cost was minimal.  We did buy a brand-new baby crib from Wal-Mart for $120 and a mattress for under $40.  Two crib sheets were another $10; however, I picked up an extra at the local thrift store for twenty-five cents!  I found a yard sale where "salesman's samples" were being offered, and I scored brand-new, never-used baby quilts for $3 each and a darling "Winnie-the-Pooh-style" lamp for $2.  I set up the lamp and baskets filled with diapers and supplies on top of a blanket chest next to the crib.  The baskets were garage sale finds for between a quarter and one dollar.

I found a cream-colored eyelet bumper pad at a local thrift store for $2.50.  I felt it was a little "girlie" for our boy, so I planned to cover it in some coordinating fabric that I had on hand that matched the colors of our bedroom.  Meanwhile, I found another bumper pad at another thrift store - a Waverly brand in colors and fabrics that matched our bedroom decor perfectly... for $2.50!  I stuck the eyelet pad aside for a backup, washed the Waverly pad and placed it in the crib.

I was also able to find other pieces at garage sales that are not at home in our bedroom "nursery," but still come in handy.  A practically new "Pack N Play" was obtained for $35, saving more than half price over retail.  I got a name brand high chair at another yard sale that had been used less than a half-dozen times - for $10.  My cousin, herself a new mother, extolled the virtues of her baby's "exersaucer."  I checked the retail prices - between $85 and $125.  I found one at a yard sale with a "Winnie the Pooh" theme for

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>