Best Affordable Nursery Furniture on a Budget (Complete Sets Under $600)
Furnishing a nursery does not have to cost thousands of dollars. After setting up four nurseries for our kiddos, I can tell you that a safe, beautiful baby room is absolutely possible without spending a fortune. But here’s the thing: a lot of the “budget nursery” advice floating around online is based on outdated prices or deep sale pricing that is not always available. I want to give you real numbers you can actually plan around.
This guide breaks down the best budget-friendly cribs, dressers, and gliders by brand and price point, with sample budgets and safety information to help you make the best choice for your family. With strategic shopping, you can build a complete nursery for around $500-$600.
The 3 Nursery Furniture Essentials (and What to Skip)
You only need three main pieces of furniture to have a fully functional nursery:
- A convertible crib ($140-$200 for budget picks)
- A dresser with a changing pad on top ($199-$283)
- A glider or rocking chair ($140-$180)
Skip these to stay on budget:
- Standalone changing tables (a dresser with a changing pad does the same job and lasts years longer)
- Full matching nursery sets from premium brands (mixing affordable brands looks just as cohesive)
- A separate bookshelf (add one later as your child grows)
7 Best Budget Nursery Cribs Under $300
1. IKEA GULLIVER Crib — ~$139
Best Ultra-Budget Pick
Price: ~$139 (IKEA)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid beech wood |
| Conversions | Crib to toddler bed |
| Certification | Meets CPSC standards |
| Size | Compact profile |
Pros:
- Lowest price on this list
- Surprisingly sturdy solid beech wood construction
- Compact enough for small nurseries
- Toddler bed conversion pieces included
Cons:
- Very simple styling
- Only converts to toddler bed (not full-size)
- Limited color options (white only in most stores)
- Price can vary up to ~$199 depending on location and stock
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2. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib — ~$199
Best Overall Budget Crib
Price: ~$199 (Walmart) — frequently goes on sale for ~$150-$170
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid New Zealand pinewood |
| Conversions | Crib to toddler bed to daybed to full-size bed |
| Certification | GREENGUARD Gold |
| Assembly time | ~30 min with 2 adults |
| Weight | 35 lbs |
| Colors | 8+ options |
Pros:
- Impressive build quality for the price
- Award-winning design with thousands of 5-star reviews
- Wide color selection including honey oak and warm white finishes
- Converts all the way to a full-size bed
- Goes on sale regularly, so watch for deals
Cons:
- Toddler rail no longer included (sold separately, ~$20-$40)
- Thin finish can scratch during assembly
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3. Carter’s by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Convertible Crib — ~$160-$200
Best for Multi-Baby Families
Price: ~$160-$200 (Walmart)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid wood |
| Conversions | Crib to toddler bed to daybed to full-size bed |
| Certification | GREENGUARD Gold |
| Assembly | Easy, well-labeled parts |
Pros:
- BabyGearLab’s top budget pick
- Quality built to last through multiple babies
- Clean, minimal design fits any nursery style
Cons:
- Toddler rail sold separately
- Price varies by color option
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4. Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib — ~$170
Best for Collection Matching
Price: ~$170 (Walmart)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Pine wood and composites |
| Conversions | Crib to toddler bed to daybed to full-size bed |
| Certification | JPMA Certified |
| Mattress positions | 3-position adjustable |
Pros:
- Matching dresser and changing table available in the Benton collection
- Available everywhere (Walmart, Target, Amazon)
- Classic design, multiple finishes
- Parents report using the converted bed for 6+ years
Cons:
- Conversion kits sold separately
- Some visible screw heads (no covers included)
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5. Storkcraft Beckett 3-in-1 Convertible Crib — ~$255-$300
Best Modern Design (Mid-Range)
Price: ~$255-$300 (Walmart)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Pine wood and composites |
| Conversions | Crib to toddler bed to daybed |
| Certification | GREENGUARD Gold options |
| Assembly | ~30 minutes |
Pros:
- Sleek, modern, clean-line design
- GREENGUARD Gold certification available
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Higher price point for a 3-in-1 (no full-size bed conversion)
- MDF mattress support (not as durable as spring or solid wood)
- Some reports of paint yellowing on white models
Note: You may see this crib listed at lower prices on some sites, but the current retail price from most major retailers is in the $255-$300 range. If you find it closer to $200, that is a solid deal.
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6. Delta Children Serena 4-in-1 Convertible Crib — ~$270
Best Traditional Style
Price: ~$270 (Target)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid pine |
| Conversions | Crib to toddler bed to daybed to full-size bed |
| Certification | GREENGUARD Gold, JPMA |
Pros:
- Beautiful wood turnings and spindle details
- Dual certifications (GREENGUARD Gold + JPMA)
- Solid pine construction
- 4-in-1 conversion for long-term value
Cons:
- Conversion kits sold separately
- Higher price point puts it in the mid-range category
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7. Graco Hadley 5-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer — ~$273-$300
Best Crib with Built-In Storage
Price: ~$273-$300 (Walmart)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Pine wood and composites |
| Conversions | Crib to toddler bed to daybed to full-size bed + storage drawer |
| Certification | JPMA Certified |
| Reviews | 249+ reviews |
Pros:
- Built-in storage drawer underneath saves space
- 5-in-1 conversion offers the most versatility
- Great for small nurseries
Cons:
- Premium price for a budget list
- Limits room in the budget for other pieces
Crib Comparison at a Glance
| Crib | Price | Conversions | Certification | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA GULLIVER | ~$139 | 2-in-1 | CPSC | Ultra-budget | IKEA |
| DaVinci Kalani | ~$199 | 4-in-1 | GREENGUARD Gold | Overall value | Walmart |
| Carter’s Colby | ~$160-$200 | 4-in-1 | GREENGUARD Gold | Multiple babies | Walmart |
| Graco Benton | ~$170 | 4-in-1 | JPMA | Matching sets | Walmart |
| Storkcraft Beckett | ~$255-$300 | 3-in-1 | GREENGUARD Gold | Modern design | Walmart |
| Delta Serena | ~$270 | 4-in-1 | GREENGUARD Gold + JPMA | Traditional style | Target |
| Graco Hadley | ~$273-$300 | 5-in-1 | JPMA | Small rooms | Walmart |
4 Best Budget Nursery Dressers
1. Storkcraft Brookside 6-Drawer Double Dresser — ~$199
Best Affordable Dresser Overall
Price: ~$199 (Walmart)
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Interlocking safety drawers (only one opens at a time)
- Pre-installed tracks for easier assembly
- Slender metal handles, modern bracket feet
2. Storkcraft Crescent 6-Drawer Double Dresser — ~$220
Best Mid-Range Storage
Price: ~$220 (Walmart)
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Euro-glide drawers with safety stops
- German cam locks for sturdy assembly
- Meets federal anti-tipping standards
3. DaVinci Kalani 6-Drawer Double Dresser — ~$283
Best for DaVinci Crib Matching
Price: ~$283 (Walmart) — goes on sale during major events, sometimes dropping to ~$150-$200
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Metal drawer glides with safety stops
- Anti-tip kit included
- Matches the Kalani crib perfectly
- Worth watching for sales if you want the matching set
Sale tip: The Kalani dresser has a regular price around $283, but DaVinci runs deep sales during events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Walmart Baby Days where it can drop to the $150-$200 range. If you are not in a rush, set a price alert and wait for a deal.
4. Graco Benton 6-Drawer Double Dresser — ~$349
Best for Graco Crib Matching (Splurge)
Price: ~$349 (Target)
- Matches the Benton crib collection
- Anti-tip restraint kit included
- Non-toxic, baby-safe finish
- Interlocking drawer system
Honest note: At ~$349, this dresser is a stretch for a budget nursery. If you love the Graco Benton crib and want a matching set, this is a nice dresser, but the Storkcraft Brookside or Crescent will serve you just as well at a significantly lower price.
Pro tip: Add a contoured changing pad ($20-$30) to the top of any of these dressers and skip the standalone changing table. The ideal dresser height for diaper changes is 32-42 inches.
3 Best Budget Gliders and Rockers
1. IKEA POANG Chair — ~$135-$149
Best Ultra-Budget Seating
Price: ~$135-$149 for chair alone (IKEA)
- Gentle flex of the frame mimics rocking
- Very affordable and lightweight
- Multiple cover options to match your nursery
- Not a traditional glider but surprisingly functional for late-night feeds
Note on pricing: The POANG chair alone runs ~$135-$149. Adding the matching ottoman brings the set to about $289. For a budget nursery, the chair alone works great and you can always add the ottoman later.
2. Storkcraft Hoop Glider and Ottoman — ~$170-$180
Best Budget Glider Overall
Price: ~$170 (Walmart)
- Solid wood frame, GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Padded arms with storage pockets
- Matching ottoman included
- Smooth, quiet gliding motion
3. Budget Amazon Nursery Rockers — ~$170+
Best for Style Options
Price: ~$170+ (Amazon)
- Available in 15-20+ fabric and wood finish options
- Smooth, quiet rocking motion
- Padded armrests and high back support
- Check seat height (important for C-section recovery)
Safety Certifications: What They Mean
| Certification | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| CPSC | Basic safety standards | Required by law for all new cribs in the US |
| JPMA | Structural safety, functionality | Independent testing beyond minimum requirements |
| GREENGUARD Gold | Chemical emissions, 10,000+ VOCs | Ensures cleaner air in your baby’s room |
| ASTM | Materials and construction standards | Industry-standard safety testing |
My priority order: GREENGUARD Gold for the crib and dresser (closest to baby for the longest time), then JPMA for extra structural assurance.
3 Complete Nursery Budget Breakdowns
Here is the truth about building a nursery on a budget: with current retail prices, getting a complete setup for under $500 takes some strategic shopping. A realistic budget for three quality pieces plus a changing pad is around $500-$600. Here are three ways to put it together.
Budget A: The ~$500 Nursery (Best Budget)
| Item | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | IKEA GULLIVER | $139 |
| Dresser | Storkcraft Brookside 6-Drawer | $199 |
| Chair | IKEA POANG (chair only) | $139 |
| Changing pad | Summer Infant Contoured | $25 |
| Total | ~$502 |
This is the most budget-friendly combination using current retail prices. Every piece is well-reviewed and safe. The POANG is not a traditional glider, but many parents love its gentle flex for nursing and rocking.
Budget B: The ~$560 Nursery (Best Value)
| Item | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 | $199 |
| Dresser | Storkcraft Crescent 6-Drawer | $220 |
| Glider | IKEA POANG (chair only) | $139 |
| Changing pad | Summer Infant Contoured | $25 |
| Total | ~$583 |
This is my personal favorite combo. The Kalani crib is the best value on this list because it converts all the way to a full-size bed and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. If you catch the Kalani on sale (~$150-$170), this budget drops closer to $530.
Budget C: The ~$590 Nursery (Glider Included)
| Item | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | Graco Benton 4-in-1 | $170 |
| Dresser | Storkcraft Brookside 6-Drawer | $199 |
| Glider | Storkcraft Hoop + Ottoman | $170 |
| Changing pad | Munchkin Contoured | $25 |
| Total | ~$564 |
If you want a true glider with ottoman (and that smooth gliding motion is worth it for those middle-of-the-night feeds), this is the way to go. All three major pieces are well-reviewed, and the Storkcraft Hoop is GREENGUARD Gold certified.
How to get closer to $500: Watch for sales on Walmart Baby Days (February and September), Amazon Prime Day, and Black Friday. The DaVinci Kalani crib and dresser both go on deep discount during these events, and buying during a sale can easily save $50-$100 on your total.
Price-check tip: Always compare across Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Wayfair. The same product can vary by $20-$50 between retailers.
Convertible Cribs: The Long-Term Math
Here is the thing about convertible cribs. They cost more upfront but save money over years.
Cost of buying separate beds:
- Standard crib: $140-$200
- Toddler bed: $80-$150
- Twin/full bed frame: $100-$200
- Total: $320-$550
Cost of a convertible crib (all stages):
- 4-in-1 convertible crib: $160-$200
- Toddler rail: $20-$50
- Full-size conversion kit: $59-$175
- Total: $239-$425
The savings add up, especially if you use all the conversion stages. Just keep in mind that kiddos spaced less than 2-3 years apart may need two cribs at the same time, which limits the convertible advantage.
5 Money-Saving Tips
- Shop Walmart Baby Days (February and September) for 40%+ off nursery furniture, with new deals dropping weekly.
- Use your baby registry completion discount. Amazon, Target, and Walmart all offer 10-20% off remaining registry items. This can save $50-$100 on furniture purchases.
- Mix brands confidently. A DaVinci crib, Storkcraft dresser, and IKEA chair can look beautiful together. Tie the room together with matching bedding and decor instead of matching furniture brands.
- Buy over time. You do not need everything at once. Start with the crib and mattress, especially if your baby will sleep in a bassinet in your room for the first few months.
- Buy cribs new, but consider secondhand for dressers and gliders. Safety standards for cribs are updated regularly, so always buy those new. But a quality used dresser from Facebook Marketplace can save you $100 or more.
Space-Saving Picks for Small Nurseries
If you are working with a smaller room:
- IKEA GULLIVER has the most compact crib profile
- Graco Hadley 5-in-1 has built-in drawer storage beneath the crib
- A 4-drawer dresser (instead of 6-drawer double) takes up less floor space while still functioning as a changing station
- Rolling utility cart ($25-$40) can serve as a mobile diaper station and tuck away when not in use
- Floating shelves provide storage without taking up floor space
My Final Recommendation
After four nurseries, my best advice is this: put the biggest portion of your budget toward the crib and choose one with GREENGUARD Gold certification. Use a dresser as your changing table to get two functions from one piece of furniture. And do not underestimate how many hours you will spend in that glider, so sit in it before you buy if you can.
The DaVinci Kalani crib at ~$199 (or ~$150-$170 on sale) is my top crib recommendation. Pair it with a Storkcraft Brookside dresser at ~$199 and a Storkcraft Hoop Glider for ~$170, and you have a complete, safe, certified nursery for around $570. Catch the crib on sale and you are closer to $520.
Your little one does not need the most expensive furniture in the store. They need a safe place to sleep, a functional space for diaper changes, and a cozy spot where you can rock them in the middle of the night. All of that is very much within reach on a budget.