Furnishing a nursery is an expensive endeavor. New parents can easily expect to spend at least $1,000 on baby nursery furniture, although many parents spend much more than that on baby furniture sets.

It can seem like a lot of money, especially when you consider that children outgrow their baby nursery furniture after only a couple of years. Some parents deal with this by selling their used nursery furniture. Others give their baby furniture sets to family members who are expecting babies, or store the nursery furniture in the attic until the next infant comes along.

But none of this is necessary if you purchase multi-use nursery furniture. Modern baby furniture is often designed in combination sets to maximize space. Baby furniture sets that serve more than one function may be useful long after a child has started to use kids’ furniture.

Nursery Furniture: Changing Tables

A changing table takes up a lot of floor space in a nursery and outlives its usefulness as soon as the baby stops wearing diapers. However, many changing tables are available as combo units. If you browse a nursery furniture store, you’ll find many crib/changing table and playpen/changing table combos. But the most practical option is a changing table/dresser combo.

This modern baby furniture combo looks like a regular nursery dresser, with drawers for storing the baby’s clothing. It may have several smaller drawers at the top for diaper changing supplies such as baby powder, ointments and creams. The top of the dresser is a changing area, with a changing pad, and ideally straps and a guard rail for safe diaper changing. This combo serves double duty in the nursery — when the baby is too old for diapers, this piece can be used as kids’ furniture to store clothing.

If you choose a changing table combination unit, ensure it is sturdy and has the same safety features as a regular changing table. Also make sure that this baby nursery furniture has a place to store diaper changing supplies within easy reach.

Modern Baby Furniture: Convertible Cribs

A convertible crib changes from a baby crib to a toddler bed as the baby grows. This modern baby furniture is one of the most expensive pieces of baby nursery furniture available. However, when the child needs kids’ furniture, parents will save money by not having to buy a new bed. Plus, a convertible crib makes the transition from nursery furniture to kid’s furniture less traumatic because the child is already familiar with the bed.