| First time parents are often excited about the | | | | you want one that is attached to baby's crib? Is there |
| prospect of decorating and fixing up that special | | | | room for one? Do you want one with a lot of |
| nursery. Then they go to buy those wonderful pieces | | | | drawers? These will come in handy, especially if you |
| of baby furniture they have been dreaming about and | | | | are lacking drawer space. |
| realize that they are more expensive than they first | | | | * Bassinets. These are cute. But realistically, they are |
| thought. Yes, baby furniture can be expensive that is | | | | usually only used for a few months. If you really find a |
| why the frugal first time parent will not only put a little | | | | great deal on one and have the money to spare, then |
| thought behind what he/she buys, but also will use | | | | you might want to splurge. If not, you and baby will |
| some common sense. | | | | survive. They are really nice because they are |
| Common sense plays an important role because it is | | | | movable and you can take them right into your own |
| easy to become swept into the trap of first time | | | | bedroom. But again, they are not a must have. |
| parenthood. They want the best for their future baby | | | | * Cribs are a must have. When buying these your first |
| and they think (as the salespeople, advertisements, etc | | | | concern is safety. Look at all the recall lists before |
| also strays them into thinking) that the only way to | | | | purchasing. Also look for safety features yourself. It is |
| give their baby the best is by buying the best baby | | | | okay to spend more on this item. It is worth the extra |
| furniture and by buying every perceivable piece they | | | | money to keep baby safe and secure. |
| can find. For example, there are strollers that sell for | | | | * Dressers. Again, these will depend on your space |
| $500. What do these strollers have that the $100 | | | | and budget. Yes, cute little dressers do make baby's |
| variety doesn't have? They have a few extra | | | | room look more complete. But if your money is tight, |
| compartments, maybe an extra place to store baby's | | | | you can make do for now. |
| bottle. They also are made from more expensive | | | | * A rocking chair. These are always nice, especially for |
| materials, not better materials, just more expensive | | | | those nights when baby has trouble sleeping. They |
| materials. Are the $500 strollers safer than the $100 | | | | don't necessarily have to be in baby's room. If you |
| ones, no? The same story applies to cribs, changing | | | | don't have the space to spare, set one up in your living |
| tables, etc. | | | | room. |
| What else should a soon to be parent think about | | | | One great way to save money on baby's furniture is |
| when it is time to start buying baby furniture? Here are | | | | to shop at discount stores, resell shops or even buy |
| a few suggestions, to help you save money and to | | | | used from friends and acquaintances. Just remember |
| help you make some better decisions. | | | | to watch for dents, sharp edges, peeling paint and |
| * Think about the furniture you really need. Changing | | | | things like that when buying used and still check all |
| tables are a must in most homes. But not all parents | | | | recall lists. |
| will actually use them. Do you have a bad back? Will it | | | | Buying baby furniture is an important job and it is one |
| be hard to change baby on the bed? Have you | | | | that requires you to use some common sense. |
| changed any diapers on a changing table in the past? | | | | Remember once baby is born you will have many |
| Do you think you will actually use it? If you think you | | | | other ways in which you will need to spend your |
| will, then the table is a must buy. Now when looking at | | | | money. |
| these tables think about the kind that you want? Do | | | | |