Baby's Room

USCgerl · Jul 19th, 2008, 02:25 PM

I'm starting to stress out! I've been trying to plan and put together in my mind what I would like the baby room to look like and there's just so many choices! For those of you that have gone thru this, could you give this soon to be FTM some advice?

I would LOVE plain white furniture with a floral design like the Madeline crib in Pottery Barn, but it's discontinued and the other floral cribs are a little too much. So now we've decided on the Madison crib and furniture from Pottery Barn Kids, but is it really worth it? If we got the crib, changing table system (with the hutch), and glider it will be around $3k, so I'm guessing about $4k-$5k to furnish and decorate the baby's room.

Is that normal, or way too much? Is Pottery Barn furniture even worth the price? I plan on purchasing a crib that converts into a full size bed so that it will be in use for a long time. I've also been looking at Babies R Us and Target and found few that I like, but do not love.

Oh and lastly, I would like a co-sleeper or bassinet to put next to our bed, and a Pack n Play for the family room downstairs. Is that what others did as well? I would like another pack n play for our loft upstairs since we watch tv up there at night, but my DH would probably kill me for buying too much!

Thanks in advance!!!

Sternchen · Jul 19th, 2008, 03:31 PM

Unless you plan on using the bed later as a toddler bed and then later as a BIG bed, then I don't think it's really worth it to spend that much money on baby furniture. They will be out of it in a few years anyway. There are lots of great, inexpensive cribs that look just like the one that you posted (very popular now)...same goes for the changing table with hutch.

I kinda think that PBK has been overhyped

biggestbaglover · Jul 19th, 2008, 03:50 PM

Honestly, I would save that money and get something less expensive. They will use that furniture for such a short amount of time that it is really unnecessary. If I were you, I would save that money to put towards decorating their room when they get their first REAL bed (around 2 years) as they can be involved in the choosing of their theme and will get more use out of it.

As for the rest of your questions, I did buy a bassinet and used it with both of my kids beside my bed. They were each in it for around 2 months or so. I also have a pack and play but I didn't really use it as much as my babies slept in their crib in their room. I don't really think that you need 2 pack and plays though as they only take a minute to pack up and move to another part of the house. It would probably be excessive.

emmalawyer · Jul 19th, 2008, 05:02 PM

I have an arm's reach full size co-sleeper and mine are STILL in it... they aren't small babies either, by the way... (16 & 17 lbs. about 2 weeks ago and in the 90th percentile for height).

Otherwise, aside from the strollers which I still think were a good investment, I wish I had spent less money on their infant/baby stuff. I guess I was so happy they were here and healthy that I went a little crazy with nursery stuff which I now think it's mainly a way for mommy's ego to feel good when friends come over! The babies themselves don't give a sh!t (actually they do along with a spit-up here and a drool there) and pretty soon the $500 bassinet I just HAD to have or my life wasn't going to be complete looks stained and over-washed... The same goes for the little adorable outfits and the cute little soft toys to the point where now I just wish I could do the nursery all over again in camo!

I'll probably spend $$$ on kid furniture once they are old enough to appreciate and start being taught how to take care of their stuff.

Until then it's stuff from other moms in our twin club for me...

BagsAreMyBabies · Jul 19th, 2008, 07:29 PM

Let me just say that we spent $1200 on our furniture (crib and dresser) and looking back, he used it for a total of about 18 months. He slept in a co-sleeper in my room for the first 6 months and then was in a big boy bed at two. I would die if I had wasted $3K on that furniture. Honestly I LOVE PBK stuff, but I would say go with some in the Babies R Us price range and save the money for her "Big Girl" furniture in a couple years.

Oh, not to mention, no matter how hard you try, its likely the furniture is going to get knicked and scratched, which makes it even less worth it. It wasn't so much my son that made knicks, but the moving people (granted not everyone has to worry about that) and other peoples' brats who went in my son's room and climbed on the furniture.

Sorry, shouldn't say brats, but still a little bitter about my friend who can't control her kids:)

ive_flipped · Jul 19th, 2008, 09:39 PM

WOW that seems like way way way too much for a babies room. There are some very nice solid wood convertible cribs on the market for much less and the other furniture for the room. I think you could do the babies room for $1200 with all of the items from other places.

Good Luck

ChristyR143 · Jul 19th, 2008, 09:51 PM

Personally, I never put too much stock into what my sons' rooms looked like when they were babies. I mean, they for sure don't care, so it's really only for the adults. I refused to spend a lot of money on a crib. I actually used a Jenny Lind crib and changing table (one of the cheapest out there, yet perfectly functional). Once they got old enough to communicate with me, I allowed them to choose what 'theme' they wanted their room to be.

Honestly, as pretty as the 'fancy' baby furniture looks, mostly it's just a huge waste of money, and like I said...the baby couldn't care less what his/her room looks like. That's all just for the adults.

scarlett_2005 · Jul 19th, 2008, 11:29 PM

We got DD's crib at babies r us. We only spent a little over $400 for her crib. I picked the one we did because it was well constructed and it changes into a toddler bed and an adult bed.

HauteMama · Jul 20th, 2008, 12:21 AM

I've never felt that cribs that "converted" were worth it, either. A person is still left with purchasing the mattress and box spring, and many people want to change the theme of the room when they redecorate for a toddler or older child, so the same color headboard wouldn't fit as well as it did in the nursery.

I would not spend that much on a nursery. In the big scheme of things, so much of that furniture is used for such a short time that it just wasn't worth it to me. I'm glad I never purchased a changing table, for example, since I rarely changed the babies upstairs. I only changed them there as infants at night, and that was just as easy to do in the crib.

USCgerl · Jul 20th, 2008, 02:09 AM

Well, we spent the day going store to store researching what we really need as opposed to what we assumed or was told. We found a beautiful crib by Munire that's half the price and still converts into full size bed in the future, if we chose too. Thanks for all your advice, it helped us immensely since we don't have many to ask.

Now on to strollers...my husband wants to get the Orbit!

BTW, I strongly suggest Southern Californians to go to Bergstroms in Irvine, they have such a huge selection that's very affordable!

addicted2chanel · Jul 20th, 2008, 08:27 AM

Yeah, I have to agree, I would never spend 5k on a nursery. Even 3k is too much. I mean. I just got the essentials. A crib, changing table, dresser. Plus all the junk that you put in the room (diapers, clothes, toys, ect.) I like the changing table because I can store diapers, wipes, and all the bath products and lotion in there. It's very handy!!

LV Luvr · Jul 20th, 2008, 02:20 PM

Well we are planning on spending a bit too. We are actually getting it from North Carolina and will save a little. We are getting a full bedroom set...convertible crib, armoire and dresser that has a removeable changing station. Then once he/she is out of toddler age we may have to get a larger bed and then 2 nightstands. Either way we will spend some money just getting the basic furnishings, we just plan to do it now while we can.

Calya · Jul 20th, 2008, 04:22 PM

I didn't worry too much about the nursery and bought things I liked that were reasonably priced. I wanted buy more expensive items since I loved them, but ended up buying less expensive items in order to save for when my baby is older and wants certain things. In order to do this, I didn't look at PBK and the pricier stores. (I usually give in if I go to these stores)

artjen · Jul 21st, 2008, 03:16 PM

I didn't spend much for baby's room either. I actually bought the crib for $50 in beautiful condition from another mother. You can use the crib mattress when you get a toddler bed. The best piece of furniture that I did splurge on was the glider rocker with glider ottoman. I used it constantly while nursing. It really came in handy in the middle of the night when I was half awake. The one I got was pricey but lasted for years in perfect condition.

KC1984 · Jul 21st, 2008, 05:56 PM

Pics look really good. My only advise when starting a room from scratch is to make a collage to gage how all the items will look together.

Jul 19th, 2008, 03:31 PM	#2
Sternchen Member Joined: May 2006 Location: Beauty RAOK Posts: 10,378	Unless you plan on using the bed later as a toddler bed and then later as a BIG bed, then I don't think it's really worth it to spend that much money on baby furniture. They will be out of it in a few years anyway. There are lots of great, inexpensive cribs that look just like the one that you posted (very popular now)...same goes for the changing table with hutch. I kinda think that PBK has been overhyped __________________

Jul 19th, 2008, 05:02 PM	#4
emmalawyer BLITHERING FOOL Joined: Oct 2006 Location: with the teething twins! Posts: 788	I have an arm's reach full size co-sleeper and mine are STILL in it... they aren't small babies either, by the way... (16 & 17 lbs. about 2 weeks ago and in the 90th percentile for height). Otherwise, aside from the strollers which I still think were a good investment, I wish I had spent less money on their infant/baby stuff. I guess I was so happy they were here and healthy that I went a little crazy with nursery stuff which I now think it's mainly a way for mommy's ego to feel good when friends come over! The babies themselves don't give a sh!t (actually they do along with a spit-up here and a drool there) and pretty soon the $500 bassinet I just HAD to have or my life wasn't going to be complete looks stained and over-washed... The same goes for the little adorable outfits and the cute little soft toys to the point where now I just wish I could do the nursery all over again in camo! I'll probably spend $$$ on kid furniture once they are old enough to appreciate and start being taught how to take care of their stuff. Until then it's stuff from other moms in our twin club for me... __________________ signature too large “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” --Dr. Seuss ( lil Bitsy's favorite bedtime reading)

Jul 19th, 2008, 09:39 PM	#6
ive_flipped In LVoe Joined: Jun 2007 Location: eh!! lol Posts: 1,155	WOW that seems like way way way too much for a babies room. There are some very nice solid wood convertible cribs on the market for much less and the other furniture for the room. I think you could do the babies room for $1200 with all of the items from other places. Good Luck __________________

Jul 19th, 2008, 09:51 PM	#7
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,533	Personally, I never put too much stock into what my sons' rooms looked like when they were babies. I mean, they for sure don't care, so it's really only for the adults. I refused to spend a lot of money on a crib. I actually used a Jenny Lind crib and changing table (one of the cheapest out there, yet perfectly functional). Once they got old enough to communicate with me, I allowed them to choose what 'theme' they wanted their room to be. Honestly, as pretty as the 'fancy' baby furniture looks, mostly it's just a huge waste of money, and like I said...the baby couldn't care less what his/her room looks like. That's all just for the adults. __________________

Jul 19th, 2008, 11:29 PM	#8
scarlett_2005 Crazy 4 LV Joined: Dec 2005 Location: USA Posts: 6,326	We got DD's crib at babies r us. We only spent a little over $400 for her crib. I picked the one we did because it was well constructed and it changes into a toddler bed and an adult bed. __________________

Jul 19th, 2008, 03:50 PM	#3
biggestbaglover Member Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,416	Honestly, I would save that money and get something less expensive. They will use that furniture for such a short amount of time that it is really unnecessary. If I were you, I would save that money to put towards decorating their room when they get their first REAL bed (around 2 years) as they can be involved in the choosing of their theme and will get more use out of it. As for the rest of your questions, I did buy a bassinet and used it with both of my kids beside my bed. They were each in it for around 2 months or so. I also have a pack and play but I didn't really use it as much as my babies slept in their crib in their room. I don't really think that you need 2 pack and plays though as they only take a minute to pack up and move to another part of the house. It would probably be excessive.

Jul 19th, 2008, 07:29 PM	#5
BagsAreMyBabies Member Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 941	Let me just say that we spent $1200 on our furniture (crib and dresser) and looking back, he used it for a total of about 18 months. He slept in a co-sleeper in my room for the first 6 months and then was in a big boy bed at two. I would die if I had wasted $3K on that furniture. Honestly I LOVE PBK stuff, but I would say go with some in the Babies R Us price range and save the money for her "Big Girl" furniture in a couple years. Oh, not to mention, no matter how hard you try, its likely the furniture is going to get knicked and scratched, which makes it even less worth it. It wasn't so much my son that made knicks, but the moving people (granted not everyone has to worry about that) and other peoples' brats who went in my son's room and climbed on the furniture. Sorry, shouldn't say brats, but still a little bitter about my friend who can't control her kids:)

Jul 20th, 2008, 12:21 AM	#9
HauteMama Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,903	I've never felt that cribs that "converted" were worth it, either. A person is still left with purchasing the mattress and box spring, and many people want to change the theme of the room when they redecorate for a toddler or older child, so the same color headboard wouldn't fit as well as it did in the nursery. I would not spend that much on a nursery. In the big scheme of things, so much of that furniture is used for such a short time that it just wasn't worth it to me. I'm glad I never purchased a changing table, for example, since I rarely changed the babies upstairs. I only changed them there as infants at night, and that was just as easy to do in the crib.

Jul 20th, 2008, 02:09 AM	#10
USCgerl Member Joined: Nov 2005 Location: Southern Cali Posts: 865	Well, we spent the day going store to store researching what we really need as opposed to what we assumed or was told. We found a beautiful crib by Munire that's half the price and still converts into full size bed in the future, if we chose too. Thanks for all your advice, it helped us immensely since we don't have many to ask. Now on to strollers...my husband wants to get the Orbit! BTW, I strongly suggest Southern Californians to go to Bergstroms in Irvine, they have such a huge selection that's very affordable! __________________

Jul 20th, 2008, 08:27 AM	#11
addicted2chanel Chanel not war Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,339	Yeah, I have to agree, I would never spend 5k on a nursery. Even 3k is too much. I mean. I just got the essentials. A crib, changing table, dresser. Plus all the junk that you put in the room (diapers, clothes, toys, ect.) I like the changing table because I can store diapers, wipes, and all the bath products and lotion in there. It's very handy!! __________________ I want a rainbow of Jumbos Wishlist: Chanel royal patchwork Chanel python soft and chain (I can only hope) Chanel black soft and chain flap Chanel purple Lambskin Jumbo Chanel white Caviar Jumbo Chanel pink Lambskin Jumbo Chanel beige PST

Jul 20th, 2008, 02:20 PM	#12
LV Luvr Member Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,390	Well we are planning on spending a bit too. We are actually getting it from North Carolina and will save a little. We are getting a full bedroom set...convertible crib, armoire and dresser that has a removeable changing station. Then once he/she is out of toddler age we may have to get a larger bed and then 2 nightstands. Either way we will spend some money just getting the basic furnishings, we just plan to do it now while we can. __________________ WISH LIST!!!! Azur Speedy 30 - Got it! LV Black Lurex Scarf - Got it! Vernis Sunset Boulevarde in Pomme - Got it! Chanel Lambskin Flap w/sh Monogram Pink Denim Shawl Monogram Eva Something Red Epi! Gucci Black Tote Keepall 55 Monogram Toilette Juicy Earrings - Got it! Manhattan GM Diamond Accent Ring Dior Hoop Earrings Chanel Sunnies Dream Bag(s): Chanel Jumbo White Flap w/GH or Black GST w/GH!

Jul 20th, 2008, 04:22 PM	#13
Calya Member Joined: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 437	I didn't worry too much about the nursery and bought things I liked that were reasonably priced. I wanted buy more expensive items since I loved them, but ended up buying less expensive items in order to save for when my baby is older and wants certain things. In order to do this, I didn't look at PBK and the pricier stores. (I usually give in if I go to these stores)

Jul 21st, 2008, 03:16 PM	#14
artjen Young @ Art Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 663	I didn't spend much for baby's room either. I actually bought the crib for $50 in beautiful condition from another mother. You can use the crib mattress when you get a toddler bed. The best piece of furniture that I did splurge on was the glider rocker with glider ottoman. I used it constantly while nursing. It really came in handy in the middle of the night when I was half awake. The one I got was pricey but lasted for years in perfect condition.

Jul 21st, 2008, 05:56 PM	#15
KC1984 Member Joined: Mar 2008 Location: In my own little World Posts: 325	Pics look really good. My only advise when starting a room from scratch is to make a collage to gage how all the items will look together.