Putting together your child's nursery is an exciting experience, but one that could potentially become overwhelming. Afterall, who doesn't want to create an environment that's not only comforting and safe, but stimulating for their imagination and that looks absolutely adorable?
With that, we have curated a list of simple tips that will help you create the nursery of your dreams without giving you sleepless nights. Here’s how:
1. Do-It-Yourself
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Making something specially for your child can be a major cost-saver. At the same time, you can proudly show them off to friends and family! Think sticker decals or painting your own mural!
2. Upcycle
Upcycling is simply the act of reusing something to create something else that is even better than what you had before! For example, convert an old cabinet into a storage unit for the baby’s clothes and diapers (think re-painting and decorating with lovable stickers) or turn a bunch of wood pallets into wall décor or even a cradle – you have many options to explore.
3. Buy second-hand
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Second-hand items or ‘pre-loved’ goods are your best bets to outfox your ever-growing baby. Check out Facebook pages such as Preloved Baby Goods SG and SG Preloved Baby Goods that offer everything from baby socks to cots and prams on sale.
Don’t forget to check out more second-hand baby items on Gumtree and mobile apps such as Bakipa and Carousell on the go! Keep an eye out for some real good bargains.
4. Buy gender neutral items
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While you may already know the gender of your baby by the time you start designing the nursery, designing a gender neutral room is a smart way to save money. If it’s your first baby, and if you plan to have more in the future, it is better you colour the room in pale yellow or purple instead of going for the typical blue and pink. The same logic goes for décor, furniture and curtains.
5. Set up a baby registry
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Setting up a registry is the best way to let your family and friends know exactly what you need for your baby. Baby registries are easy to create, quick to share, have a beautiful selection of items and offer discounts too! Websites on which you can create your very own baby registry include Mothercare, Bebe Avenue and The Bump.
6. Buy long-term furniture
Baby furniture is definitely not cheap. To maximise the most of your budget, be careful with your furniture selections. For example, a simple cradle can cost you just S$648, but will be something that your baby will outgrow it in no time. You would rather invest S$1,300 into a 6 in 1 cot that grows with your baby – from bassinet to cot to toddler bed to daybed to double bed.
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7. Don’t go overboard with décor
Similarly, try to go easy on the baby decor. Your baby’s growing up years will go by in a flash and before you know it, half the things in the room will not make as much sense as they did a few years ago. Stick to something long lasting and you won’t regret it.
8. Skip unnecessary things
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Diaper changing tables, diaper disposals and wipes warmer (yes, that thing does exist!) do sound fancy but are not necessary for your tiny tot to have a comfortable existence. On top of it, these things occupy a lot of space which you’d rather use for something a lot more practical.
This article was contributed by BankBazaar.