Crib and Dresser Cost: What You Really Need to Spend in the UK

When you’re setting up a nursery, the crib and dresser, essential nursery furniture pieces that store clothes and provide safe sleep for babies. Also known as baby crib and changers dresser, these aren’t just furniture—they’re the backbone of your child’s first bedroom. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to spend £800 on a crib just because it looks pretty in a magazine. And you definitely don’t need a matching dresser that costs more than your microwave. Most UK parents find a solid, safe crib for £150–£300 and a simple, sturdy dresser for £100–£250. That’s it. No fancy finishes, no branded logos, no assembly required in three days.

What actually matters? Safety standards. Look for cribs that follow UK crib safety regulations, strict guidelines for slat spacing, mattress fit, and drop-side bans. If the crib wobbles when you shake it, or the mattress doesn’t fit snugly, walk away. Same with dressers—make sure it’s anchored to the wall. A top-heavy dresser falling on a toddler is one of the top causes of nursery injuries. You can buy a plain wooden dresser from a local carpenter for less than £150 and still have something that lasts through two kids. Skip the ones with glass knobs, sharp corners, or too many drawers. You won’t need them before your child turns three.

And here’s what no one tells you: you don’t need to buy both at the same time. Many parents start with just a crib and a few drawers from a second-hand wardrobe. Then, when your baby turns one and you’re tired of crawling on the floor to find socks, you add a dresser. That’s how smart budgets work. You’re not buying for a showroom—you’re buying for real life. Diapers, bottles, clothes, toys—they all pile up fast. A dresser with three deep drawers does more than a five-drawer monster with a mirror that shatters if you sneeze near it.

Some parents get sucked into the idea that everything has to match. White crib. White dresser. White mobile. White everything. But here’s the secret: your child won’t care. They’ll sleep just as well in a crib painted grey with a dark oak dresser beside it. In fact, they’ll probably nap better because the room feels calm, not like a toy store exploded. Focus on function over fashion. Look for furniture with rounded edges, non-toxic finishes, and easy-to-clean surfaces. If you’re buying second-hand, check for recalls. The UK’s Trading Standards site lists unsafe products—don’t skip this step.

And if you’re wondering whether a crib with a changing table on top is worth it? Skip it. Those combo units are unstable, hard to clean, and outgrow your baby by six months. Buy a separate changing mat and a basic dresser. You’ll save space, money, and stress. Plus, when your baby starts rolling, you won’t be tempted to leave them unattended on a wobbly changing table while you grab a diaper.

What you’ll find below are real stories from UK parents who got their nursery right without breaking the bank. We’ve pulled together guides on when to upgrade from a crib to a toddler bed, how to pick a dresser that won’t tip over, and what features you can safely ignore. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.