I think buying or "borrowing" items from family members or close friends is okay, but there is no way I would let my child share the same furniture as some complete stranger. Who knows what they could have done with it? At least with family members and close friends you know whether or not they value cleanliness.

Then again, I may just be overreacting. I am, after all, borderline obsessive compulsive lol.

It depends on if you are planning to buy everything new or used and whether or not you are expecting to receive any furniture as gifts (like at your baby shower).

If you are buying everything yourself and new, expect to spend AT LEAST a few hundred if you are wanting everything – crib, changing table, bassinet, rocking chair, etc. But to be honest, all you really need for a newborn is YOU. My brother built me a nice fancy crib for my daughter before she was born and she didnt even use it until she was 1! She slept in a little bouncer right beside my bed for the first 6 months so all I had to do was roll over and look at her to check on her – then she started sleeping with us. But, I can say from experience 2 things I wished I would have had from the beginning are a changing table and a rocking chair, both of which come in handy from day 1.

But really, there are a lot of products/furniture out there that you really dont NEED. Like those stupid diaper genie things – I bought one and it was the biggest waste of money ever. It still stunk and you have to buy these special liners – so I got rid of it and bought a cute little trash can with a lid that opens by pressing on the lever with your foot – much better investment!

Also, I didnt go out an buy everything I needed all at once because if you wait until AFTER your baby shower, then you will know what you really need.

Good luck!!