Before Baby Set Up Costs

The following has the costs of individual items required before bringing a baby home. The ranges are varied for simple reasons. You can go all out on every little thing or can get reasonable pieces that work.

Nursery Setup: $2,000

Crib with a mattress ($160 and $750)
Bedding set ($35-$270)
Crib blankets and sheets ($8-$20 each)
Mattress cover ($10-$20).
Changing table ($70 and $600) then add $40 for a changing pad and cover.
Dresser ($90 and $650)
Rocking chair ($90-$500).

Ways to save: Do your nursery furniture research and prioritize. You may want to spend more on the rocking chair to use for future generations, and less on the crib and dresser.


Items for outside the nursery: $1,500

Stroller ($30-$300)
Car seat ($35-$280)
Playpen or portable crib ($60-$180)
Baby carrier or sling ($20- $140)

For at home:
Swing ($45-$130)
Play center ($50-$125)
Bouncer seat ($30-$90).
Monitor (about $80)
High chair ($45-$240)
Diaper bag (about $35)
Baby gate ($35-$250).

Ways to save: Buy double-duty gear. Some strollers convert to high chairs for an easy switch at the restaurant; and many diaper bags can take you from newborn to toddler in function and style.