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BEFORE & AFTER: Used Baby Furniture

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CNN Money reported that it will cost just under $227,000 to raise a child from birth to 18 years old. 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

How to Make Over Used Baby Furniture

STEP 1 – Wash the cushions on HOT.

STEP 2 – Lay the pillows on the RIGHT side of the fabric and pinned the fabric tightly all around the cushion. If you don’t have a sewing machine, that’s okay. Use this tutorial on how to make no-sew pillows and modify it to make no-sew glider chair cushion covers! You can use Heat ‘n Bond to iron fabric together. No sewing machine required! šŸ™‚

Heat n Bond

STEP 3 – Leave a 1″ seam allowance around the pins and snip away the extra fabric.

STEP 4 – Sew around on the line where the pins are attached, leaving the 1″ seam allowance.

STEP 5 – Leave one side open so that you can turn the slipcover right-side out. Insert the cushion, and then hand-stitched (or use the Heat ‘n Bond) to iron close the remaining seam.

STEP 6 – Replace the cushions.

STEP 7 – Unscrew the bottom of the stool, wrap the fabric over the cushion, and use a staple gun to tack the fabric. Screw the cushion back into place.

Sorry, I didn’t get tutorial pics!

I started this project months before I began featuring projects on this blog!

Turning a Changing Table Into a Desk

Here’s another great idea for you. Do you have an old changing table? Are you looking for ways to DIY your old changing table?

Turn it into a desk!

BEFORE

DIY changing table upcycle and ideas - Thrift Diving

 

AFTER!

Turn-a-changing-table-into-a-desk-2-682x1024

 

 

Do you like buying used baby furniture, too?

 

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11 Comments

  1. I do agree with all the ideas you’ve offered in your post. They are very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are very brief for newbies. Could you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

  2. Thanks Serena – I will let you know how I go with the project!

  3. 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!!

    1. You’re definitely a pro! I’ve always HATED spray painting!! I usually have my husband spray paint the products that I want sprayed because I’m so terrible at it. We are expecting our first child in December and he is currently deployed. That being said, I inherited my first glider/ottoman combo yesterday from my grandmother and then looked up ideas for it.

      As soon as I read your blog, I headed to Wal-Mart and picked up spray primer and paint because we’re wanting to go with white furniture (and of course the freebie is never the perfect color). But I DEFINITELY applaud you on your painted chair. With all the nooks and crannies (and the gliding motion), I’m doing a terrible job at getting all of the underside poles. Did you flip yours upside down when you painted that part? I’m wondering if I should. Every time I try to get too close I nik what I’ve already painted (what a pain).

      I enjoy looking at the bright side: the priming coat is done! Ha! Once I get everything completed I’m sure I’ll be satisfied (but mainly because I get to start on the slipcovers!)

      šŸ™‚ Thank you so much for posting this tutorial though, it inspired me to start a project! Now I just need to stop giving the hubby my spray painting jobs so that I can actually get good at it!

  4. 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?

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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!

  8. Love the post! You made a few good points there

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