You probably knew before you had children that babies require a lot of stuff. And a lot is a complete understatement! 

While not all of it is expensive, it does add up very quickly. Besides all the diapers and wipes, clothes and feeding necessities, there are the bigger items to buy to get your baby’s nursery ready for their arrival.

Estimates for outfitting a baby’s nursery range from $2,000 on the low end to $5,000 or more on the high end. One way to save money in the long run is to invest in quality products. 

If you spend a little more on items the front end, you may be able to keep them to use for baby number two or purchase products that can grow with your child. An investment in quality products can pay for themselves over time and multiple children. 

In a report from Grandview research, the global baby products market size was valued at over $214 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow 5.7% between now and 2030.

There are so many newer and better products hitting the market each year, that it’s almost impossible to keep up with the ever changing trends. Many first-time parents want to have the best of the best.

So, what are some items in your baby’s nursery that are worth the higher price tag so they can grow with your child, or can be used for the next one. 

CRIB/BEDDING
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery. It’s where your baby will get their many hours of sleep, so it should be as comfortable as possible. If babies aren’t comfortable, it can disrupt their sleep.  

If you’ve prepping for baby number two, you can reuse the crib. Or, if you get a convertible crib, it can grow with your child to a toddler big then a big kid bed. 

While it's the crib that draws the attention of the room, the bedding inside it is just as important. Everyone coming into the nursery of your baby but it is actually the bedding used inside the crib that is more important for your baby’s comfort and peaceful sleep. 

The colors, prints, and the quality of bedding that you use inside the crib is also important. Baby bedding is not just to wrap the mattress for comfort– it plays an important role in the nursery environment. 

There are so many options for baby bedding sets out there, but no matter what fabric you select, it should be easily washable and made out of material that is soft for your baby’s delicate skin. It should also be made from a fabric that is natural and does not cause any allergies or skin rashes.

At Olli+Lime, we only use the highest quality and environmentally safest fabrics. Not only do we offer modern crib and bedding décor, all of our products are proudly designed, ethically sourced and manufactured in the USA. 

Our crib sheets are made of 100% premium cotton and are OEKO-TEX Certified, meaning they have been tested and are free from harmful substances and harmless to human health.

BASSINET
A bassinet is a sleeping space that is smaller than a crib and designed for newborns and younger babies. Many parents opt for these to keep in the room with them until they transition their baby into a crib. 

Most bassinets are positioned at the same height as your bed, making it easy to get a glimpse of your newborn to reassure you (and them) that everything is fine. 

Bassinets can cost anywhere from $100 on the low end, to over $1,700 on the high end. Despite the cost, the most important thing is that your baby is safe and comfortable.

CHANGING TABLE

Diaper changing happens a lot with a baby. While there are lots of options on the market, one idea is to use a dresser that can also be used as a changing table. The baby will only need the changing table until around 18 months. If you have a changing table only, that may be the only use you get out of it. However, a dresser can be used for clothes storage and last your child for years to come. 

NURSERY CHAIR
A comfortable chair is a must for a nursery. You’ll spend many hours rocking, reading and cuddling with your baby, so it’s worth the investment to get something you’ll both enjoy that is both stylish and comfortable. Options include rockers, gliders and recliners. To get the most use of it, choose something that can be used over the years for multiple children or something that can transition to another space in your home. Chairs can range in price from under $200 to over $1,000.

BABY MONITOR 

The old fashioned sound only monitors have given way to video monitors that connect to a smartphone app. There are even monitors that keep up with the babies’ heart rates and oxygen levels while they sleep through a wearable sock.

If you want to see your baby without going into their room, a video monitor is a good option for your peace of mind. 

Non-video options can cost around $50 and up and the video monitors range from $100 to over $500. Once again, if you get a quality product to begin with, you can use it for multiple children and not have to repurchase. 

SOUND MACHINE

Many of you may have grown up like I did sleeping with a box fan on high. Now, there are hundreds of options of sound machines available. Besides providing some background noise, they create a comfortable, womb-like environment that calms infants and helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. They are also affordable, ranging from around $20-$50. 

So when buying products for your baby’s nursery, think about quality and how they will last over time. Spending a little more may save you more in the long run.