BEFORE & AFTER: Used Baby Furniture
 |
CNN Money reported that it will cost just under $227,000 to raise a child from birth to 18 years old. ($226,920 precisely stated). And, apparently, that’s just for the BASICS (of course, each subsequent child won’t cost nearly as much if the siblings are rockin’ the hand-me-downs.) But, I believe their figures–if you’re a parent that thinks they must buy everything new! And you know that’s not me (nor you, my fellow Thrift Divers!)
A friend told me today that he just set up his baby registry this weekend for $4,000 worth of stuff. Really, dude?? Ditch the wipes warmer–they don’t work. And babies don’t need special laundry detergents that cost twice as much as regular detergent. Much of that stuff isn’t needed. And there are additional ways to cut costs for children.
Like buying used baby furniture.
Take this baby glider rocker chair that I bought 6 years ago when I was pregnant with my oldest son. I found it at a thrift store for $20. The price was right up my alley….
 |
| BEFORE AFTER |
A little bit of white spray paint, and a sewn slipcover in the softest baby fabric from JoAnn’s Fabrics, and I had a gorgeous, affordable glider rocker! I have so many fond memories of this special chair where I nursed and sang to my son while he fell asleep in my arms (as well as my 2nd son!).
Sadly, my husband threw this chair away (!!!) without my knowledge because it wouldn’t fit in the moving crate when we moved into our new house. WTH!! So out I went, scouring for a new one at the thrift store. My sights fell on this Shermag, for a mere $20! I knew immediately I had to have it.
Shermags are not cheap! They average around $200. This one was in good condition, but the cushions were a bit nasty and stained. And, besides, who decorates with that “blech” tan color anyways??
I wanted another soft and beautiful (and affordable!) glider rocker, so I picked up some of the same JoAnn’s soft baby fabric, and my 4 month old and I have a place to spend some quality time together:
 |
| BEFORE AFTER |
Here’s what I did:
- Wash the cushions on HOT.
- Laid the pillows on the RIGHT side of the fabric and pinned the fabric tightly all around the cushion.
- Left a 1″ seam allowance around the pins, and snipped the extra fabric away.
- Removed the pins so that I pull the cushion out from between the fabric, and then repinned with my 1″ seam allowance.
- Pulled out my sewing machine and sewed around on the line where the pins were attached, leaving the 1″ seam allowance.
- I left one side open so that I could turn the slipcover right-side out. I inserted the cushion, and then hand-stitched the remaining seam closed. Because it’s fluffy fabric, I didn’t have to be perfect with my stitching–just as long as it stayed sewn shut.
- Replace the cushions.
- For the stool, I simply unscrewed the bottom, wrapped the fabric over the cushion, and used a staple gun to tack the fabric, and then re-screwed the cushion back in place.
- Done! (Well, almost…there is still one side cushion I have yet to sew!)
*Sorry, no tutorial pics! I started this project months before I began featuring projects on this blog!
So, you see…..Yes, children are expensive. But baby furniture doesn’t have to be.
Have you guys bought used baby furniture? If so, what did you buy? What would you buy used, and what would you refuse to buy used for your baby? Leave a comment, and let’s get this discussion going!
Happy Thrift Diving!
|
Tags: BEFORE and AFTER, glider
Love the post! You made a few good points there
Thanks, Deny! Seriously, some things you just shouldn’t buy new. LOL. I have bought changing tables from the thrift store, as well….along with exersaucers, a hiking backpack carrier for the baby, toys, baby baths–you name it. I wouldn’t buy, however, car seats or cribs. But him….I did buy a portable crib from a yard sale. Does that count? LOL
How are your projects coming? I’m swamped over here! LOL. I’m about to start working on my “reading room” which I’m super excited about!
thanks for suggesting these baby furniture but in my opinion baby crib is best and essential requirement for babies,parents should buy comfortable and secure baby cribs.
Stop spamming my blog, dude.
Remarkable post about choosing baby stuffs. When it comes to baby stuffs it is always practical to see to it safety of babies. This is to avoid unexpected incident among the litle folks.
I love gliders for nurseries and you’ve done a great job on both of yours! I’m looking at purchasing one. Do you have any suggestions on painting it white? Did you pull it apart or just spray paint it “whole”. Was there any problems with the gliding movement still working after spray painting?
Hi, Jenna! Thanks for your comment! I spray painted it “whole” and had no problem whatsoever with the gliding motion. You might want to use a spray poly on it to protect the paint after youve painted it, so it stays nice and white. Good luck!!
Thanks Serena – I will let you know how I go with the project!