Nursery Budget Calculator
Select your budget tier, check off the items you plan to buy, and get a running total — plus guidance on what you actually need vs what you can skip.
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Selected nursery total
$1,195
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Sleep
Feeding
Changing
Storage & Organization
Décor & Lighting
Nursery Guide
What you need vs what you can skip
Must-haves (don't skip these)
- ✓Safe sleep space (crib/bassinet + firm mattress + fitted sheets)
- ✓Car seat — required before leaving the hospital
- ✓Baby monitor (video strongly recommended)
- ✓Changing pad and covers
- ✓Dimmable warm lighting for nighttime feeds
You can safely skip these
- ✕Wipe warmer — babies adjust, and the added laundry from unexpected wipe warmth-spills isn't worth it
- ✕Baby bathtub — a sink insert or a $15 foldable tub works equally well
- ✕Crib bumpers, pillows, or positioners — banned in many states and an active SIDS risk
- ✕Dedicated changing table — a dresser with a changing topper is cheaper and lasts longer
- ✕High-end nursery furniture 'sets' — individual pieces often outperform coordinated sets in quality per dollar
Nursery cost questions
How much does it cost to set up a nursery?
A functional nursery setup in 2026 ranges from about $500–$800 on a budget to $1,500–$2,500 at a mid-range, and $5,000+ for a luxury setup. The biggest line items are the crib ($120–$900), glider/nursing chair ($150–$1,200), and dresser ($120–$800). The good news: registry gifts typically cover 30–60% of nursery items for first babies.
What nursery items do you actually need?
The true essentials are: a safe sleep surface (crib or bassinet with a firm fitted mattress), a car seat (required for hospital discharge), a changing surface with covers, a baby monitor, and basic clothing storage. Almost everything else is a convenience or preference — not a necessity. Resist the pull of coordinated nursery 'sets' and focus budget on the items you'll use most at 3am.
Is it safe to use a second-hand crib?
Be cautious with used cribs. Cribs manufactured before June 2011 are illegal to resell — they may have drop-side hardware banned by the CPSC. Even newer used cribs should be checked for recalls at cpsc.gov. Never use a used crib mattress — bacterial growth and mattress compression from a previous child creates safety risks. Crib mattresses must always be purchased new.
What's the best nursery item nobody talks about?
A side table next to the glider. At 2am, with a baby in your arms, you will desperately want your water, your phone, a burp cloth, and maybe a snack — all within arm's reach. A $40 small table is more valuable in practice than a $200 crib mobile. A changing pad light and a dedicated hamper right next to the changing table are close runners-up.
Do I need both a crib and a bassinet?
Not necessarily. Bassinets are convenient for room-sharing in the early weeks (closer to your bed, no climbing over a crib rail in the dark). But many families skip the bassinet entirely and use a crib from day one — it's the longer-term item. If you do want a bassinet, look for one that converts to a play yard (like the HALO or Graco Pack n Play) to get more value out of the purchase.
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