Nursery Essentials Price: What You Really Need and How Much It Costs

When you’re setting up a nursery essentials, the core items needed to safely and comfortably care for a newborn in their first months. Also known as baby room setup, it includes everything from a crib to changing supplies, the first question isn’t ‘what do I need?’ — it’s ‘how much will this cost?’ The truth? You don’t need to spend thousands. Many parents think they must buy every trendy item on Amazon, but the reality is simpler: a few solid pieces, used wisely, do the job just fine.

Let’s break it down. The biggest expense is usually the cot, a safe, sturdy bed designed for infants, often with adjustable mattress heights. A good one costs between £80 and £200 — not £500. You don’t need a fancy convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed unless you plan to use it for years. Most UK families switch to a toddler bed by age two or three, so a basic, sturdy cot is enough. Then there’s the changing table, a raised surface with storage for diapers and wipes, designed for safe, easy diaper changes. Do you really need a dedicated unit? Not if you have a sturdy dresser with a padded top and a safety strap. Many parents save £100+ by repurposing furniture they already own.

What about the little stuff? baby bedding, including fitted sheets, sleep sacks, and safe alternatives to loose blankets — you need about three fitted sheets and two sleep sacks. That’s £30-£50 total. Forget the £150 ‘nursery decor sets’ with matching curtains, rugs, and wall art. Your baby won’t care if the walls are pink or blue. What they need is a dark, quiet, clutter-free space. A white noise machine? Helpful, but not essential. A nightlight? Sure, if it helps you get through midnight feeds — but a phone flashlight works too.

And here’s the thing most guides won’t tell you: hospitals often give you free stuff. Blankets, onesies, even diapers. You’ll get more than you think. Don’t buy a full layette before your baby arrives. Wait until after the birth — you’ll know exactly what fits, what works, and what you already have. One mum we spoke to saved £400 by waiting and using hand-me-downs from her sister. That’s a full cot paid for.

So what’s the real nursery essentials price? If you’re smart, you can set up a safe, functional nursery for under £300. That includes a cot, mattress, changing pad, a few clothes, and basic hygiene items. Spend more only if you want luxury — not because you think you have to. The goal isn’t a Pinterest-perfect room. It’s a space where your baby sleeps safely, you can change diapers without hurting your back, and you can breathe without feeling broke.

Below, you’ll find real advice from UK parents on what they actually bought, what they regretted, and what they wish they’d known before spending their first pound. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works.