How much should I budget for a nursery?

A basic nursery setup costs $500-$1,500 for essentials (crib, mattress, dresser, rocker). A mid-range nursery runs $1,500-$3,000. High-end setups can exceed $5,000. The crib and mattress are the most important purchases — prioritize safety certifications over aesthetics.

What do I actually need in a nursery?

Must-haves: a safe crib with a firm mattress, fitted sheets, a dresser or changing area, a chair for feeding, blackout curtains, a sound machine, and a baby monitor. Skip the changing table (use a pad on the dresser), wipe warmer, and matching decor sets. Babies don't care about aesthetics.

When should I set up the nursery?

Most parents set up the nursery between 28-34 weeks. This gives time for furniture off-gassing (new furniture should air out for 2-4 weeks), ordering any backordered items, and washing all fabrics. Avoid doing heavy lifting or painting in the third trimester.

Planning Tools

Nursery Budget Planner

Figure out what your nursery will actually cost. Pick a budget tier, toggle items you need, and adjust prices to match your plans.

Budget Tier

$2,595Essentials

$330Nice to Have

$2,925Grand Total

29 of 29 items selected

Crib

$150

$350

$700

Crib Mattress

$50

$100

$250

Dresser/Changing Table

$150

$300

$600

Glider/Rocker

$150

$400

$1,000

Crib Sheets

2-3 pack

$20

$40

$80

Swaddles/Sleep Sacks

2-3 pack

$25

$50

$80

Waterproof Mattress Pad

$15

$25

$45

Baby Monitor

$30

$100

$300

Bottles

starter set

$20

$40

$70

Bottle Warmer

$25

$40

$80

Nursing Pillow

$25

$40

$70

Breast Pump

if not covered by insurance

$100

$400

High Chair

needed later

$30

$100

$300

Diaper Pail

$25

$50

$80

Changing Pad

$15

$30

$50

First Month Diapers & Wipes

$50

$75

$100

Onesies

5-7 pack

$15

$30

$60

Sleepers/Pajamas

3-5 pack

$15

$30

$60

Socks & Hats

$10

$20

$35

Going-Home Outfit

$10

$25

$50

Infant Car Seat

$80

$200

$500

Stroller

$100

$300

$1,000

Diaper Bag

$30

$70

$200

Baby Carrier/Wrap

$30

$80

$200

Sound Machine

$20

$40

$80

Night Light

$10

$20

$40

Bookshelf

$30

$80

$200

Decor

wall art, rug, etc.

$50

$150

$500

Humidifier

$20

$40

$80

Prices are based on average US retail prices for 2025–2026. Adjust any amount to match your local prices or preferences. Many items can be found secondhand or received as gifts!

Common Questions

How much should I budget for a nursery?: A basic nursery setup costs $500-$1,500 for essentials (crib, mattress, dresser, rocker). A mid-range nursery runs $1,500-$3,000. High-end setups can exceed $5,000. The crib and mattress are the most important purchases — prioritize safety certifications over aesthetics.
What do I actually need in a nursery?: Must-haves: a safe crib with a firm mattress, fitted sheets, a dresser or changing area, a chair for feeding, blackout curtains, a sound machine, and a baby monitor. Skip the changing table (use a pad on the dresser), wipe warmer, and matching decor sets. Babies don't care about aesthetics.
When should I set up the nursery?: Most parents set up the nursery between 28-34 weeks. This gives time for furniture off-gassing (new furniture should air out for 2-4 weeks), ordering any backordered items, and washing all fabrics. Avoid doing heavy lifting or painting in the third trimester.

For educational purposes only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with questions about your child's health.

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