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Last updated on August 10th, 2023 at 05:39 pm
Designing the nursery is an exciting step for expectant parents. It gives you the chance to visualize the tiny new person entering your world and imagining your life together.
As you stare at the empty room, you may picture yourself rocking your baby to sleep in the corner or laying out adorable outfits across the changing table.
The possibilities are endless, and that knowledge is both thrilling and perhaps a bit daunting. There’s no reason to get overwhelmed by the blank walls and unfilled space though. You’re already on your way to designing the perfect, cozy bedroom for your little one.
Today, we’re sharing some tips for how to set up a nursery. With the ideas below, you can take the first (or final) steps to creating your perfect baby space.
How to Set up a Nursery: What to Keep in Mind
Choose a Bed That Grows
Having a baby means you’ll be making several major purchases, and the crib certainly qualifies. There are hundreds of options out there, but the choice is simpler when focusing on certain priorities.
Babies grow quickly. One day, they’re sleeping soundly in their newborn-size pajamas, and before you know it, they’re pulling themselves up to stand in their crib.
You need a bed that matches your baby’s ever-changing needs. By choosing a crib with adjustable railing heights, you’ll keep your child safe and sound for years instead of months.
Many cribs even convert into toddler beds and may last until your little one is off to school. This kind of crib/bed will save money, time, and the trouble of rearranging the room every year or two.
Mind the Windows
Furniture placement can make or break any room. That’s true of the nursery, too. It’s about more than simply aesthetics, though. Nursery furniture should be safe, and that often means keeping certain pieces away from windows.
If there’s any chance of your baby grabbing window dressings, strings from blinds, or breaking glass, consider repositioning the furniture.
Keep the crib a safe distance from windows. You’ll also need to take extra care to secure anything on the windows that might be grabbed or pulled to make sure it’s out of reach of curious hands.
Look for Versatile Lighting
Babies and sleep often don’t go together–at least babies don’t tend to keep to our schedules. Whether it’s for late-night feedings or a newborn clinging to a backward night-and-day cycle, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in the nursery during the wee hours of the morning. The last thing you or your baby want is a glaring, overhead light to remind both of you that you’re not asleep.
Instead, consider keeping at least a couple of different light sources in the room. Dimmable lights are fantastic if they’re an option. However, a floor lamp or even a small bedside lamp goes a long way. The soft glow is soothing, and you can keep them within arm’s reach for those blessed moments when your baby drifts back off to dreamland.
Keep the Floors Soft
Hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl are trending in a big way, but neither is particularly comfortable for tummy time, learning to crawl, or those early falls when your baby learns to walk.
There’s no need to install carpeting in the nursery (unless you want to). Look for soft, durable rugs instead. They’ll see a lot of action over time, so you’ll want something that is both appealing to play on and easy to clean.
Rugs are a great way to add pops of color or add a fun twist, too. If you’ve stuck with neutrals in the nursery, grab a fun rug to liven it up. On the other hand, if things start to seem busy, a simple rug may tone it down and pull it all together. They’re functional and enjoyable–two qualities a nursery needs.
Kick the Clutter
For such little humans, babies need a lot of “stuff.” There’s a constant influx of diapers, wipes, clothing, and a dozen other things. It’s easy for clutter to pile up, but too much of it makes the nursery space feel stressful and busy.
It’s difficult to sit and relax with your baby when you look around and see unfinished tasks or a mess that needs to be picked up.
Make things easy on yourself. Create a simple storage system when you design your nursery. It helps maximize the space and keeps things accessible.
Floating shelves keep things within mom’s reach, yet off the floor and away from the baby. Matching bins help maintain a cohesive look while still giving you somewhere to toss a package of wipes and the diaper rash cream so they’re not constantly in sight. You can even find storage benches that double as seating if you’re short on space.
So, when we talk about how to set up a nursery (just like any other room of the house) efficient storage makes clean-up easier and lets you enjoy the space you so painstakingly created.
Leave Room for Yourself
The nursery is your baby’s space, and it may be the room they have for years to come. For at least the first couple of years, however, it must function mostly for the parents.
Someone has to change diapers, read books, put new outfits on baby, and do all the other things little ones need. It’s difficult if you’ve filled the room with nothing but tiny chairs and miniature everything.
That’s why it’s important to carve out a corner for yourself. Think of it as the mom-and-baby space.
Get a comfortable chair, whether it’s a rocking chair, a glider, or whatever works best for you. Pick out a warm blanket and a pillow to lean against. It’s easier to soothe your baby when you feel better, and sometimes small comforts go a long way. After all, being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been struggling with how to set up a nursery, remember, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Dream up your ideal space and use the tips we’ve just discussed to make sure you’ve got the basics covered.
Whether it’s picking out the cutest decor or finding the perfect “theme,” remember to have fun with the process, and make it a reflection of your family’s style. And, yes, this can be done on a budget!
If you’ve got your heart set on the perfect crib or a changing table you can’t live without, comparison shop for the best kids furniture deals.
And, remember that, in the end, all that really matters is that your baby’s nursery is comfortable, functional, and works for your family. Happy nesting, and enjoy every precious moment with your new addition!
Sources:
https://www.nookandfind.co.uk/journal/designing-a-cosy-nursery/
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/8-tips-for-creating-a-safe-and-cozy-nursery-stsetivw-vs~30613389
Also read:
Create Your Baby Registry at Target & Get a Free Gift (a $100+ value)
Managing Stress as a Busy Mom: 5 Tips to Try Now
10 Fun Activities & Ideas for Your One-Year Old’s Party
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