Decorating a nursery on a budget is a tricky endeavor. However, it is possible to outfit an entire nursery without dropping a bundle of cash. Learn some budget nursery ideas that you may put to use while decorating a nursery, including tips on how to get cheap nursery bedding and cheap nursery furniture.

Cheap Nursery Bedding

A complete nursery bedding set can easily cost $100 or more, and typically includes:

• Comforter
• Crib bumpers
• Crib sheet
• Dust ruffle
• Pillows.

However, with some creative thinking, a frugal parent can easily find quality, cheap nursery bedding.

First of all, don’t worry so much about having a complete bedding set. Your baby won’t be able to use all of the items, anyway–the comforter, pillows and crib bumpers can actually be suffocation hazards. You can easily make do with just a mattress cover, blanket and a fitted sheet, and these cheap nursery bedding items are available separately for much less than a complete set would cost.

Next, consider going with used bedding. Ask other parents you know if they have any crib bedding that they’re not using anymore. Check out thrift stores, garage sales and Craigslist for unwanted, cheap nursery bedding. Many good-quality, gently used items are available from these sources for a fraction of what you’d pay for them new. Be sure to wash all bedding in hot water with a gentle baby detergent before putting it in the crib.

Cheap Nursery Furniture

If you’re looking for cheap nursery furniture, consider buying the following items used:

• Armoire
• Bookcase
• Changing table
• Dresser
• Glider.

Most parents only use these items for a year or two, so it should be relatively simple to find these cheap nursery furniture pieces with plenty of wear left in them.

If you decide to buy new furniture while decorating a nursery, look for items that serve double duty. For example, many baby stores sell changing table/dresser combinations. Although these cost more than a basic changing table, you’ll end up spending less than you would buying a separate changing table and dresser.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may not even need a changing table at all. Some parents get by with just an inexpensive changing pad that they use on the floor, on the bed or wherever they need to change diapers.

Cheap Baby Cribs

The crib is the one area where you should not skimp. If you decide to consider cheap baby cribs, only buy one that was made in the last few years–older cribs may have lead-based paint or other dangerous components. Before you buy it, check online to see if the crib model has been recalled, and thoroughly examine the crib.

Retail stores often have basic cribs that conform to modern safety standards for less than $200. If you can buy a new crib, you should. Send in the product registration card right away in order to be notified in the case of a recall. If you have a little extra money to spend, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs change into a daybed or a toddler bed once your baby outgrows the crib, saving you the cost of buying a new bed.