Prepping the nursery for baby means shopping for practical items like changing tables and cribs as well as the playful and sweet decor that melt a new mom’s heart. Then there’s smart tech that helps make the whole parenting thing a little easier, plus gear and toys that will grow with your little one over the years. The wide selection and great prices on Walmart mean that it’s easier than ever to outfit a stylish nursery on a budget.
Don’t forget: The nursery is a space you’ll spend a lot of time in during those first few months. Invest in things that will make it an oasis for everyone caring for the precious bundle of joy.
Why shop on Walmart for affordable nursery furniture and decor?
The wide selection of brands, options, and different price points for everything on your shopping list is what makes Walmart the ideal one-stop shopping destination. Prepping for a new baby is a whirlwind in every way, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to buy.
There’s no reason to visit multiple retailers and stores to find everything you need. A scattered shopping list will add to your stress level and make it easier to forget something. Find everything, from best-in-class toy brands to strollers from premium brands like Baby Jogger, on Walmart.
Don’t forget that some of the most useful pieces for the baby’s room might not technically be billed as children’s. That’s another reason to handle all your shopping at Walmart—basics for storage and decoration are always just a few aisles (or clicks) over.
What essentials do you need in a nursery?
"It's key to find the right balance between style and function. Once you have the essential pieces in place to care for the baby—think the crib and changing table—go ahead and have fun with toys and decorative accents. Don't overlook storage solutions, like lidded bins, too," says Monique Valeris, Home Design Director at Good Housekeeping.
Beyond a crib and changing table, the best nursery should also have plenty of spaces for the baby to play. A brightly colored playmat gives little eyes something to look at and is perfect for tummy time during their first few months. Another option is a style with arched bars and hanging plush toys.
Popular baby toys include durable finds that make noise, since little ones love the surprise of hearing sounds when they move their chubby arms and legs one way or another. This rattle is easy for small hands to hold, while this triangular toy was designed with infant development milestones in mind.
Once the specifics for the baby are covered, you’ll want to look for practical items and storage. Woven baskets will always come in handy and for a sentimental touch.
What smart tech is worth buying for a nursery?
The best tech worth buying for a baby’s room are things that will make life easier for parents and toys that support the developmental stages of early childhood. Many of the newest gear has features designed to help soothe a fussy infant, like this smart swing that detects motion and starts swinging to help calm your little one.
Toys that light up and make sounds aren’t about distraction. Instead, smart designs are meant to help with developing skills like hand-eye coordination. This music toy has 10 different melodies for little ears to choose from, delighting them while also letting them practice using their hands skillfully.
Experienced moms have also learned to swap out traditional baby monitors with a small digital camera that sends a live stream to any paired phone. It’s an affordable alternative that lets Mom, Dad, and the entire extended caretaking crew keep an eye on baby, any time of day (built-in night vision means it works during the midnight hours, too).
How can you create a stylish nursery on a budget?
Staying on budget when decorating and filling a nursery is all about smart shopping and finding the best prices on essentials, something that’s easy to do on Walmart. It’s stocked with versions of today’s most popular nursery trends, like richly colored swaddle blankets.
Look for toys that can double as sweet decor when positioned on a shelf as another way to make your dollars work harder when shopping. This classic wooden bunny has a heritage look that would be chic left out, while these smiling mushroom rattles convey fairy-tale vibes.
Consider price-per-use when shopping, too. "One of the best ways to stretch your dollar is to keep an eye out for pieces that can grow with your baby over time," says Valeris. This play set provides sensory moments for your baby to explore throughout their first year and beyond. It’s pricier than other options, but the versatility means you can actually buy less.
What baby gear grows with your child?
Look for gear that’s designed to be used in different ways or has multiple settings allowing it to grow with a child as their height and weight changes. This farm-themed mat, for example, is designed for newborn days through age four.
A stroller-and-car seat combination is a pricier investment, but it’s something your child will use for years. This set from premium brand Baby Jogger can be configured 24 ways, including converting from a single stroller to a triple with an infant car seat. If you only need a car seat, consider one with multiple settings like this versatile pick. It works for kids from five pounds to a hundred.
When it comes to toys, look for options e that can be used for manipulative play now and imaginative play later. This DJ set is great for developing fine-motor skills in the first year of life, while older toddlers can pretend they’re really spinning tunes. The best value for toys and any nursery items comes from choosing pieces that stand the test of time.
