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Part 2: Finding bargains, doing it yourself

Decorate for the Future – Plan ahead. Baby years are short, and that darling bunny wallpaper you spent weeks choosing and days putting up will be history once your son hits two or three and starts playing with monster trucks.

Think about choosing wall color that will last 5-10 years. Then use a bunny border if you must, but make sure it is strippable to save yourself some aggravation when it comes off in favor of the ballerina or airplane version.

Remember that many children's toys are made in bright or primary colors, so select a color scheme using colors that will look fresh for a long time. For the most longevity you may want to steer clear of overly bright colors such as orange or overy muddy colors such as dusty avocado.

Our favorite wall colors? Butter yellow, warm pinks, pretty greens, and sky blues.

Do It Yourself
Doing it yourself means you can be creative. Doing it yourself will not only save money, it will give you great satisfaction as well.

Ask around for free things, and get advice from friends on their budget stretching tips. Paint, stencil, or put up wallpaper borders yourself. Sew your own window treatments, chair cushions, or baby quilts.

Put up shelves, frame prints, or make your own Growth Chart. Organize the nursery closet for toy and clothing storage. Find chests, bookshelves, chairs, and kids' tables at garage sales or flea markets, and repaint everything in the same color. Then paint or stencil each with a coordinated design. Browse these kids room theme ideas to help you get inspired.

Budget Wisely
Think about what you really need. Shopping for baby items is fun, yet to stick to a budget you'll want to avoid the temptation to buy every single baby item on the market. (Remember you'll have to clean and find room to store the items after baby outgrows them in a few short months.)

Babies are small, and for most of the first year they don't go very far on their own, so you may not need 2 playpens, a swing, a jumper, baby buggy, stroller, walker, backpack, jogger, basinette, travel bed, etc. That's a lot of stuff to buy, store, and maintain. Instead, choose a few versatile essential pieces that will be long lasting.

Then borrow, buy secondhand, ask for gifts, or live without the rest of it. Your life may just be simpler, with more time to enjoy the newest member of the family.