How to Save Money on Nursery Furniture Without Sacrificing Safety or Style

Setting up a nursery doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Many new parents think they need to buy every piece of furniture brand new, from a premium brand, with matching decor. But the truth? You can create a safe, cozy, and stylish nursery for way less-without cutting corners on quality or safety. In Melbourne, where space is tight and costs are high, smart parents are skipping the overpriced showrooms and finding smarter ways to furnish their baby’s room. Here’s how.

Start with the essentials-skip the extras

You don’t need a full set of matching furniture. Focus on three core items: a crib, a changing table (or changing pad on a dresser), and a rocking chair or glider. Everything else? Optional. A dresser with a removable changing tray works just as well as a dedicated changing table. A sturdy bookshelf can replace a fancy toy storage unit. And guess what? You can use a regular armchair with a nursing pillow instead of spending $500 on a glider.

Many brands push bundle deals-crib + dresser + changer + shelf-for $2,000+. But buying these pieces separately, even secondhand, often cuts the cost in half. Stick to what you actually use. Your baby won’t care if the crib matches the dresser. They’ll care if they sleep soundly and you can change diapers without straining your back.

Buy secondhand-safely

Used nursery furniture is one of the biggest money-savers out there. Crib mattresses, changing pads, and dressers don’t wear out quickly. In fact, most cribs last through multiple kids. The key? Know what to look for and what to avoid.

For cribs: Make sure it meets current Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 2172). Check for recalls on the Product Safety Australia website. Avoid cribs with drop-side rails-they were banned in 2011 and are still common on secondhand markets. Look for solid wood, no visible cracks, and tight slats (no more than 6 cm apart). A crib from 2015 or later is likely safe.

Changing tables? Check for stability. No wobbly legs. Make sure the safety strap still works. Dressers? Look for anti-tip brackets. Even if they’re not attached, you can buy and install them for under $15.

Where to find good secondhand pieces? Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and local Buy Nothing groups are goldmines. Many parents sell gently used items after 6-12 months when their baby outgrows the crib. You’ll often find high-end brands like Stokke, Babyletto, or IKEA PAX systems for 30-60% off. Don’t be shy about asking sellers about the item’s history. If they say, “It was used for six months and never slept in,” that’s a red flag.

Repurpose what you already own

Before you buy anything new, look around your house. That old wooden dresser in the hallway? Sand it down, paint it with non-toxic, low-VOC paint, and add a changing pad on top. Done. A sturdy bookshelf can become a toy storage unit. A ladder shelf? Perfect for diapers and wipes.

One parent I know in Brunswick turned a vintage side table into a changing station. She added a foam pad, a waterproof cover, and a hanging basket for wipes. Cost? $20. Time? Two hours. It’s been in use for three years.

Even lighting can be repurposed. Swap out a harsh overhead bulb for a warm LED nightlight. You don’t need a fancy moon-shaped lamp. A simple plug-in lamp with a dimmer switch works just as well.

Choose multi-functional furniture

Space is tight in most Melbourne homes. Furniture that grows with your child saves money long-term. Look for cribs that convert into toddler beds or daybeds. Many brands offer conversion kits for under $80. A crib that becomes a full-size bed by age 5? That’s one piece of furniture doing three jobs.

Storage ottomans with hidden compartments? Perfect for storing blankets, clothes, or toys. A glider that doubles as a reading chair? You’ll still use it after the baby phase. Even a simple bench with storage underneath can hold diapers, wipes, and extra clothes.

When you buy something that lasts beyond infancy, you’re not just saving money-you’re reducing waste. And that’s worth something.

Wait for sales-but know the cycle

If you’re planning to buy new, timing matters. Nursery furniture sales follow a pattern. In Australia, the best deals come in January (post-Christmas clearance), late July (end of winter), and around Mother’s Day (early May). Major retailers like IKEA, Kogan, and Baby Bunting run promotions during these windows.

Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores. Some offer 10-15% off for first-time subscribers. Use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon AU) or PriceBlink. You’d be surprised how often a crib drops from $899 to $599 for just a week.

But don’t fall for the “limited-time offer” trap. If you’re not ready to buy, wait. A good piece will still be there in three months. Don’t rush just because it feels like a deal.

DIY where you can

Painting furniture? Easy. Sanding? Just a little elbow grease. Assembling a crib? Most come with clear instructions and tools. You don’t need to be a carpenter to make these things work.

One mum in Fitzroy painted her secondhand crib with non-toxic chalk paint and added hand-stenciled clouds. It cost $40 in paint and took two weekends. Now it’s the centerpiece of her nursery-and it’s unique.

Make your own mobile from old fabric scraps, wooden beads, and a wire hanger. Sew a blanket roll for the crib side. These small touches add personality without the price tag.

Trade or borrow

Parenting communities are full of people willing to swap. Join local Facebook groups like “Melbourne Baby Swap” or “Nursery Furniture Exchange Victoria.” Someone might trade a barely-used rocking chair for a changing pad. Or borrow a crib for the first six months while you decide what you really need.

Many hospitals and community centres run baby equipment lending libraries. You can borrow a crib, high chair, or even a baby monitor for free. It’s perfect if you’re unsure what you’ll need long-term.

Final tip: Avoid impulse buys

It’s easy to get swept up in the cuteness of a pastel nursery set. But those matching wall decals, themed curtains, and decorative shelves? They’re not necessary. Focus on function first. A safe, calm, clutter-free space helps your baby-and you-sleep better.

Ask yourself: Will I still use this in six months? If the answer’s no, skip it. The most beautiful nursery isn’t the one with the most stuff. It’s the one that works for your family.