Gender Neutral Nursery Favorites: Splurge vs. Save

Last Updated on January 27, 2026 by Jordyn Koveleski Gorman

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There’s nothing like being surprised with the gender of your baby in the delivery room. However, creating a gender neutral nursery can feel a bit daunting.

A lot of baby nursery decor and inspiration leans heavily toward one gender or another. Creating a gender neutral nursery is all about choosing timeless, versatile pieces (and colors) that feel warm and inviting. But they still need to be functional, too!

When designing your own gender neutral nursery, these favorites blend style and function to create a space that grows with your baby.

Splurge vs. Save: Baby Nursery Furniture Ideas

The furniture in a baby nursery should be comfortable, functional, and safe. When I was thinking through baby nursery ideas the second time around, I focused more on my baby’s safety. I researched and learned more about the chemicals used in nursery furniture.

Through that research, I found the Babyletto brand and fell in love. I got most of my baby nursery furniture from the company, and we continue to love it.

That being said, Babyletto items do run on the more expensive side. But, I also found a comparable, budget-friendly option for each of the furniture pieces I got for our baby nursery.

Baby Crib

SPLURGE: Babyletto Hudson Crib

Price: $499

Safety matters when it comes to baby cribs. You better believe a teething baby will gnaw on the crib. I have the bite marks on this exact crib to prove it!

We chose the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 crib for the baby nursery due to its versatility. It can transition to a toddler bed and a daybed. Functionally, you can use this crib and mattress for many years!

It’s beautiful, comes in lots of gender neutral finishes, and is Greenguard Gold Certified.

SAVE: IKEA Sniglar Crib

Price: $130

IKEA makes a great non-toxic baby crib that’s made with solid, unfinished beech wood. Because the wood is unfinished, there are no VOCs or added chemicals.

It has a simple, classic design that can blend well with any baby nursery decor. The price point is very budget-friendly at just under $130.

Another nice feature is that one side of the crib can be taken off and it converts to a toddler bed. The conversion kit is included in the affordable price!

Dresser with Changing Table

SPLURGE: Babyletto Hudson Dresser with Changing Table

Price: $429

I love this changing dresser for a baby nursery because it’s classic yet modern. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified which means it was rigorously tested for chemicals and hazardous materials.

It’s also a versatile piece of furniture. Once you’re done with the changing table feature, you can continue to use this piece as a dresser. We still use it today in the kids’ room!

Store newborn staples like burp cloths, pacifiers, and teethers in the top drawer. The other drawers can house extra diapers, wipes, blankets, and outfits.

SAVE: Storkcraft Nursery Changing Table Dresser Combo

Price: $194

This changing table and dresser combination is another solid option for a gender neutral nursery. I love the two-tone combo with white and natural wood.

While it’s a more affordable option, you’re not sacrificing safety. Storkcraft dressers are Greenguard Gold Certified so they’re healthier for your air. An interlocking drawer system only allows one drawer to open at a time to prevent tip-over risk.

I love that this piece has a removable changing table feature. Once your little one is done with diaper changes, this can just be a dresser!

The mixture of drawers, enclosed shelves, and open shelves allows ample space for all your nursery essentials. Yet, it also allows for customization. Purchase fabric bins to use for storage on the open shelves in colors you prefer.

Baby Glider

SPLURGE: Babyletto Nami Baby Glider

Price: $999

Picking a comfy and quiet baby glider is important. You and your baby will spend a lot of time in your glider feeding, rocking, reading, and playing. So, it should be a safe space for both of you!

This Nami Electronic Glider from Babyletto is Greenguard Gold Certified and tested for over 10,000 toxins. It’s extra supportive on the seat and the back, and it quietly reclines to your comfort with the push of a button. It also swivels and has a USB port to charge your phone.

While it’s more of an investment, this baby glider can be used long after the baby days. We are still using ours three years after purchasing, and I can’t wait to rock another newborn in it!

SAVE: The Manual Glider from Nuture&

Price: $699

You can have the cutest baby nursery theme in the world, but you’re missing out if you don’t have a comfortable rocking glider. It doesn’t matter what your nursery looks like, there’s nothing like rocking your sweet baby in your arms. 

This baby glider from Nurture& rocks and reclines. I love the wide seat and spill-proof fabric. Best of all, the glider is Prop 65 compliant, made with non-toxic materials, and does not contain fire retardant chemicals.  

Best Crib Mattress

When looking for the best crib mattress for baby, I always prioritize safety, then comfort. Look for a mattress that’s Greenguard Gold Certified, or MadeSafe.

I like a crib mattress with two different sides – one that’s firm for infants, and one that’s softer for toddlers. Remember, your little one could be using this mattress for up to 4 years if you convert to a toddler bed!

SPLURGE: Newton Crib Mattress

Price: $299

Parents love the Newton crib mattress, and for good reason. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified, breathable, and washable. You heard that right, the entire crib mattress can be washed!

It has an infant and toddler side so you can flip it when you’re ready to transition.

SAVE: Babyletto Crib Mattress

Price: $249

We chose the Pure Core crib mattress from Babyletto. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified and two-sided. One side is firmer for infants, the other side is slightly softer for toddlers.

The quilted waterproof cover has definitely come in handy over the years!

Baby Crib Sheets

Crib sheets can also add some “decor” and style to the nursery! When looking for baby crib sheets, I always prioritize cotton. If it’s organic cotton, even better.

Cotton is soft and gentle on your baby’s skin. It’s breathable, durable, and washes well. I’ve used the Burt’s Bees Baby organic cotton crib sheets and Babyletto brand, but there are so many great options out there.

Here are some crib sheets for a gender neutral nursery that I absolutely love.

KeaBabies 2-Pack Crib Sheets

Price: $22 for 2
Material: 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified
Favorite prints: Bunnies (pictured), Bumble Bear

Burt’s Bees Baby Crib Sheets

Price: $21.95
Material: 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified
Favorite prints: Hello Moon (pictured), Golden Bee

Babyletto Crib Sheets

Price: $48
Material: 100% organic muslin cotton, GOTS certified
Favorite prints: Olive Branches, Oat Stripe (both pictured)

Other Baby Nursery Essentials

Keekaroo Peanut Changer

You’re going to be doing a lot of diaper changes, especially in the newborn days! I recommend splurging on a good changing pad because you’ll use it A LOT.

While the Keekaroo Peanut Changer price is higher than most changing pads, it’s worth it. The peanut shape and soft foam makes it comfortable for your baby to lay on during changes.

It’s the only foam changing pad that’s completely waterproof. This is also what makes it so easy to clean! Just spray and wipe to clean messes off!

Floating Bookshelves

I love adding floating bookshelves in kids’ spaces for multiple reasons. First, it adds a nice pop of color and provides functional storage. But more importantly, it emphasizes reading!

Reading to your baby is one of the most important things you can do. It supports early literacy and connection with your child. Rotate different books for your baby on these shelves so you always have something to read together.

Ruggable Area Rug: Squirrel & Hedgehog Fawn Rug

Area rugs make a statement and add such a cozy feel to any space. But, finding the perfect baby nursery rug can be difficult, especially when you want it to be gender-neutral.

I love Ruggable rugs because they’re machine washable and come in different shapes and sizes. Ruggable has so many designs to choose from – we have three in our home! They’re such great quality and easy to clean. 

This specific area rug is such a cute option for a gender neutral nursery! I love the woodland animals in neutral tones. It’s classic and can definitely grow with your child. 

Looking for more?

We rounded up the best baby cribs for every space and budget. Find one that’s right for your baby’s nursery.

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