Nursery planning 101: Tips for shopping, timing, and financing baby furniture
Get the essentials you need to create a beautiful, functional nursery without the stress
Find out which baby furniture pieces and nursery items are truly must-haves for new parents.
Discover smart shopping and timing strategies to make furnishing easier and more manageable.
Learn how Snap Finance lets you furnish your nursery now and pay for it over time.
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it also comes with one of life’s biggest shopping lists. From cribs and dressers to strollers and rockers, furnishing a nursery can quickly add up. For many expectant parents, finding a way to manage these significant upfront costs can feel overwhelming – especially when budgets are tight, savings are limited, or credit isn’t perfect.
Fortunately, with a little planning, thoughtful shopping, and accessible financing options like Snap Finance, you can ease the stress of preparing for your newborn and bring home all the nursery essentials you need.
How financing baby essentials can help
Many families assume they need to pay upfront to furnish a nursery, but that’s not the case. Options like lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance make it possible to get what you need today and spread out the payments over time.
Here’s how Snap’s lease-to-own financing works.
Snap purchases the items upfront from the retailer on your behalf.
You take the merchandise home.
You make convenient payments over time.
Once you’ve fulfilled the terms of your lease agreement, the merchandise is yours for good.
Unlike traditional credit cards or loans, no credit is needed to apply.¹ It takes only minutes to apply and decisions are given in seconds, so you can shop with confidence and take your items home right away.
Plus, Snap partners with a wide network of furniture retailers nationwide. That means you can conveniently shop for baby furniture and essentials at stores online or near you that already offer Snap. Use the Snap Store Locator to quickly find participating retailers and start planning your shopping.
Focus on the essentials first
When planning your nursery – and your budget – it’s helpful to prioritize what your baby truly needs right away. There are countless adorable accessories and extras you can buy later, but focusing on the essentials ensures you’re prepared without overspending. You don’t have to buy everything at once. Instead, start with these important pieces and build from there as your needs and budget allow.
1. Crib
Your baby needs a safe, sturdy place to sleep. Look for a crib that meets all current safety standards. Convertible cribs that transition to toddler beds can give you more value long-term. If you’re working with limited space, consider a mini crib as an alternative. They’re smaller and many come with wheels so they can easily be moved around your home.
2. Dresser
You’ll need storage for baby clothes, blankets, diapers, and other essentials. A traditional dresser can double as a changing station if you place a secure, non-slip changing pad on top. Just be sure it’s the right height and depth to be comfortable and safe. This setup can save both space and money compared to buying a separate changing table. For added safety, be sure to anchor the dresser to the wall to prevent tipping.
3. Chair
Feeding, soothing, and spending time with your baby will take hours of your day (and night), so having a comfortable chair in the nursery is well worth the investment. While many parents opt for a rocking chair or glider for the gentle motion, a sturdy, cushioned armchair can work just as well. Look for good back support and soft, easy-to-clean fabric, since it’s likely to see its share of spills and messes.
4. Stroller and car seat
While these may not live in the nursery, they are essential for safely transporting your baby wherever you need to go. Many retailers offer bundles that include both a stroller and an infant car seat, often at a better price than buying them separately.
Shopping tips for nursery furniture on a budget
Even with financing options, it’s smart to make the most of your money. Here are some actionable tips to help you shop wisely and get the most value from your purchases.
Measure your space
Before you buy, measure the room to ensure the furniture you choose will fit comfortably without crowding. Don’t forget to account for doors, windows, and walking space. Also, check the dimensions of the furniture before purchasing to avoid surprises.
Focus on versatile pieces
Look for furniture that grows with your child, like convertible cribs or dressers that can double as changing stations. This gives you more value over time and reduces the need to buy replacements later.
Shop sales and compare prices
Timing your purchases around major sales events – such as holiday weekends or end-of-season clearances – can help you save significantly on big-ticket nursery items. Once you find a piece you like, take a few minutes to compare prices from different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Look for bundles or packages
Some retailers offer nursery furniture bundles that include a crib, dresser, and mattress at a discount. Be sure to compare these to individual pieces to see which offers the best value.
Evaluate materials and cleanability
Nursery furniture needs to stand up to spills, stains, and frequent cleaning. Look for materials and fabrics that are durable and easy to wipe down, like sealed wood finishes and removable, washable chair covers.
When to start shopping for baby furniture and essentials
One of the most common questions expectant parents ask is: When should I start buying baby furniture? The answer depends on your situation but starting early gives you more flexibility – especially if you’re budgeting carefully or using financing to spread out payments.
Many parents find that the second trimester is the best time to begin shopping for nursery furniture and baby essentials. By this point, the early uncertainty and fatigue of the first trimester have usually passed, and you still have plenty of time before the baby arrives. Shopping during the second trimester also allows you to take advantage of sales events, plan around furniture delivery times (which can sometimes take weeks), and avoid last-minute stress.
Here’s a simple timeline to guide you.
First trimester (weeks 1–12): Focus on research. Create a registry, plan your nursery layout, and decide on your budget.
Second trimester (weeks 13–27): Start purchasing the big-ticket items like a crib, dresser, and chair during the second trimester. Ordering early gives you time to assemble everything, make sure the pieces fit and work well in your space, and exchange or return anything if it doesn’t meet your expectations – all without feeling rushed.
Third trimester (weeks 28–40): Use this time to pick up smaller essentials and finish setting up your space. Things like bedding, décor, diapers, and baby clothes can often be purchased closer to your due date.
Making your nursery dreams a reality
Designing your baby’s nursery is an exciting part of preparing for parenthood. And with a little planning, smart shopping, and the right resources, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or out of reach. By prioritizing the essentials, budgeting thoughtfully, and giving yourself time to find pieces that fit your space and style, you can create a nursery that’s both beautiful and practical.
And if paying for everything upfront feels like a stretch, you can lease-to-own baby furniture and essentials with Snap. This lets you bring your nursery to life now and make payments over time, so you can focus on what really matters: welcoming your new arrival.
Looking for more ways to manage your finances and prepare for what’s next? Explore these additional resources from Snap to help you stay financially confident:
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
¹Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.