How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Baby Nursery in Australia?
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Setting up a baby nursery is exciting, but one of the biggest questions for expecting parents is simple: how much is it actually going to cost?
There isn't one fixed nursery budget. The total depends on the furniture you choose, how much storage you need, whether you want a bassinet as well as a cot, and whether you buy each item separately or choose a complete nursery bundle.
Here's a practical breakdown of the main furniture costs to think about when planning a nursery in Australia.
What Furniture Do You Actually Need?
Before setting a budget, start with the main pieces you'll need. A typical nursery furniture setup may include:
- A cot
- A compatible cot mattress
- A changing area
- Drawer or tallboy storage
- An optional bedside bassinet
- Additional storage depending on the size of the room
You don't necessarily need every piece immediately. Your budget should reflect your available space and how you plan to use the nursery.
1. Cot
The cot is usually one of the main furniture purchases for a nursery.
Prices can vary considerably depending on the materials, design and features. When comparing prices, also look at what's actually included.
Features that can affect the overall value include:
- Adjustable mattress positions
- Toddler conversion components
- Under-cot storage
- Included mattress
- Construction and finish
A lower initial price doesn't necessarily mean a lower total cost if the mattress or conversion components need to be purchased separately.
2. Cot Mattress
Remember to include the mattress when budgeting for your cot.
The mattress should be the correct size specified for the particular cot. If a cot doesn't include a mattress, factor the additional mattress purchase into your overall nursery budget.
Some Little Haven cot and nursery packages include a compatible mattress, making it easier to calculate the complete setup cost.
3. Change Table or Changing Setup
A changing area is another common nursery expense.
You might choose a dedicated change table or a compatible changing setup that works with nursery storage furniture.
When comparing options, think about whether the furniture will remain useful once you no longer need a changing station.
4. Drawer Storage
Storage requirements can have a surprisingly large impact on the total cost of a nursery.
A smaller drawer unit may be enough for a compact nursery, while families wanting additional storage may prefer a larger chest or tallboy.
You'll likely need somewhere for:
- Baby clothes
- Nappies
- Blankets and wraps
- Sheets and mattress protectors
- Towels
- Everyday nursery essentials
Buying enough storage from the beginning can help prevent needing another furniture purchase shortly afterwards.
5. Bassinet
A bassinet is optional, but some families choose one for the early newborn stage before transitioning to their main cot setup.
If you're considering both, include the bassinet in your nursery budget rather than treating it as an unexpected purchase later.
View the Little Haven Bedside Bassinet with Mattress →
So, How Much Should You Budget?
Instead of focusing on one universal figure, it can be more useful to think about your nursery in three levels.
Simple Nursery Setup
A simple setup focuses on the essentials:
- Cot
- Compatible mattress
- Basic storage
This approach can suit families who already own suitable furniture or are working with a smaller room.
Complete Nursery Setup
A more complete setup might include:
- Cot
- Cot mattress
- Change table
- Change mattress
- Drawer or tallboy storage
- Conversion components where applicable
This gives you most of the major nursery furniture in one room from the beginning.
Nursery Setup With Additional Storage or Bassinet
If you want more storage or a separate newborn sleep option, your setup could also include a larger drawer chest or bedside bassinet.
The important thing is to compare the total package rather than only comparing the headline price of the cot.
Is It Cheaper to Buy Nursery Furniture as a Bundle?
It can be.
If you're already planning to buy a cot, mattress, changing furniture and drawer storage, purchasing coordinated pieces together can provide better overall value than building the same setup through several separate purchases.
Bundles can also make planning easier because the furniture is already coordinated and the compatible mattress and selected accessories may be included.
However, a bundle only makes sense if you actually need the pieces it contains. Always compare what's included with the furniture you were already planning to buy.
Little Haven 5-in-1 Complete Nursery Setup
For families furnishing the whole nursery, the Cloud 9 5-in-1 Sleigh Cot Complete Nursery Bundle combines the main furniture pieces in one coordinated package.
The complete setup includes:
- Cloud 9 5-in-1 Sleigh Cot
- Premium innerspring cot mattress
- 3 Drawer Change Table
- Change mattress
- 4 Drawer Nursery Chest
- Toddler conversion kit
Current bundle price: $1,099.99.
That means families can see the cost of the main nursery setup upfront rather than calculating several separate furniture purchases.
View the 5-in-1 Sleigh Cot Complete Nursery Bundle →
What About Larger Storage Bundles?
If storage is a priority, Little Haven also offers nursery combinations with larger drawer units.
The Two Tone nursery range is worth comparing if you want a white and natural timber finish with different storage configurations.
Explore Two Tone Nursery Bundles →
Don't Forget Delivery
Delivery is another cost to consider when comparing nursery furniture.
Large furniture can ship in multiple cartons, so delivery costs can vary depending on the products ordered and the delivery location.
When comparing different stores or packages, look at the total checkout price rather than only the advertised furniture price.
How to Keep Your Nursery Budget Under Control
- Decide what furniture you actually need before shopping
- Measure the nursery before choosing large storage pieces
- Compare what's included with each cot or bundle
- Include the mattress in your calculations
- Consider furniture that can remain useful as your child grows
- Compare bundle pricing with purchasing the same pieces separately
- Remember to account for delivery
Build a Nursery Around Your Budget
A nursery doesn't need to contain every possible piece of baby furniture. Focus first on the furniture you'll use regularly and choose a setup that fits your room and budget.
If you're starting with an empty nursery and need several matching pieces, a complete nursery package can simplify both the planning and the cost.
Shop Little Haven Complete Nursery Bundles →
Prices and product availability can change. Check the relevant Little Haven product page for current pricing, availability, inclusions and delivery options before purchasing.