Posted by
Elana Safronsky, Managing Editor
Monday, August 15, 2011 4:32 PM EDT
Following my Splurge vs Steal post last week, I realized we need to face a certain fact: we are WAY overspending on baby and kids rooms. Myself included.
As mentioned, I spent in upwards of $1600 on my little girl's convertible crib and change pad attachment. Did I love it? It made me happy. Did it make for a happier baby? I doubt it. But I was powerless against 'first child' syndrome -- you know how some (most) parents go crazy and fuss and frill out their first child's room and then the second child is basically left to languish in a broom closet? (Not literally, but you know what I mean.)
Well, usually this is because the second time around parents are over the sacred, fantastical sanctuary known as the nursery. Though decorating is an enjoyable and some might argue integral part of immersing one's self into the role of parent, by the second child, parents know that in the end, it's all just stuff.
And yet, a crib is the sofa of your child's room. It's the style-setter, the investment piece, the repository of the most precious part of your existence. Maybe you can't put a price on that?
What do you think is reasonable? What did you spend, and do you judge people like me who spent $1600 when they could have spend $300?
