Preparing a nursery for your new baby can be one of the most fun aspects of your pregnancy. While there may be plenty to do to get ready for your newborn, planning a beautiful nursery can be achievable with a well-defined plan. The sooner you start, the better prepared you will be when the baby arrives. Here are the top things to take care of when getting nursery ready for baby.
Consider a Theme and Your Budget
When getting nursery ready for baby to arrive, you may want to consider a theme. Will you be finding out the sex of the baby before it’s born? If not, you may choose to keep your theme gender-neutral. Do you want the nursery to blend in with the rest of the home or stand out with its own design? The choices you will make will affect your budget and determine how much home remodeling you may need to do.
It’s important to keep in mind that the design theme is mainly for your benefit. Your baby is unlikely to remember what looks like. However, you may want to consider bright colors and stimulating designs to help stimulate the baby’s brain growth. You can keep it gender-neutral with a fun animal theme or other similar design. Determine ahead of time how much you can spend and figure out the absolute essentials to focus on first.
Paint Walls and Upgrade Floors
Part of getting nursery ready for baby includes decisions regarding affordable flooring and freshening the walls with paint. You’ll want to choose stain-resistant flooring that’s soft and durable. As the baby grows, there is bound to be food and drink spills and vomit stains. Hardwood flooring is an excellent option for reducing potential allergens. You may also want to consider soft rugs to keep your feet comfortable as you move throughout the room.
One decision to make is whether you will wallpaper or paint the nursery. If wallpapering, consider washable wallpaper to protect against potty accidents. If you decide to paint, consider neutral colors that you can accentuate with furniture and other nursery accessories. You can make getting nursery ready for baby fun by inviting a few friends over to help you apply non-toxic paint to the walls. Reward them for their efforts by celebrating with some delicious Margherita pizza and drinks.
Plan Where Everything Will Go
As you’re getting nursery ready for baby, begin thinking about where everything will go. The crib should be placed away from the window or outside walls in a spot where sunlight won’t directly shine on the baby while sleeping. The changing table is best suited next to the crib for easy convenience. You may want to place your rocking chair between the crib and the door to make an easy transfer when the baby is asleep and a quiet and quick getaway. Take room measurements so you can have an idea of how much space you have before you start buying furniture and accessories.
Install Safety Measures
Safety is crucial when getting nursery ready for baby to arrive. Electrical outlets should be covered and cords placed out of reach. Make sure furniture and rugs are securely anchored in place. You may want to consider a mold protection service to keep the nursery protected from mildew and mold growth. To keep mold away, consider having a dehumidifier in the room. It will also help your child sleep more comfortably throughout the night.
Another thing you may want to consider is a fire alarm inspection if applicable. Make sure to install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. Many parents also install a baby monitor in the nursery to give them peace of mind. It’s also a good idea to have a ceiling fan installed in the nursery to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Baby proof the rest of the home with safety locks on kitchen and bathroom cabinets and child proof guards on windows.
Perform Additional Home Remodeling
Getting nursery ready for baby may require you to perform additional home remodeling. Many people may decide to do home improvement projects themselves. Doing it yourself can make home improvement projects more cost-effective because it cuts the costs of labor. However, certain projects should be done by a licensed professional, especially if it involves electricity or plumbing. You may want to consider hiring a residential electrician to install dimmer switches to control the lighting in the nursery and to inspect the home’s wiring.
With a new baby, there will be plenty of water used for baths and laundry. You may want to consider an electric hot water heater installation to be fully prepared for the baby’s arrival. It can also be a good idea to research a licensed professional who can perform washer repair with all the laundry that’s going to be done over the next few years. Walk through your home and look for any safety hazards to repair before your newborn arrives.
Purchase Nursery Furniture
If you plan to purchase new baby bedroom furniture, you may want to order it early when getting nursery ready for baby. Some furniture can take about three months to arrive. Think about how much storage you will need for all the baby accessories. You’ll need plenty of space to store items such as diapers, clothes, and waterproof bedsheets for infants. Some essential baby furniture you’ll need include a crib, changing table, dresser, and a comfortable rocking chair for nursing and bonding.
One item that should be bought new is the crib. Used cribs may not meet current safety standards. When buying other used baby furniture, make sure there is no cracking or peeling paint or missing parts. Clean items thoroughly before use. You may want to consider researching model numbers before you make a purchase to ensure the item hasn’t been recalled.
Invest in Blackout Curtains
One item that can often be overlooked as you’re getting nursery ready for baby is the curtains on the windows. Babies spend much of their time sleeping, and sunlight coming in can disturb their rest. Consider investing in blackout curtains to create a nighttime atmosphere in the middle of the day. It can also help keep the room more comfortable by keeping the room warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Avoid buying curtains that the child can easily reach and either pull down or climb up.
Consider Nursery Lighting
Lighting is an important factor when it comes to getting nursery ready for baby. Dimmer switches and small lamps can create a soft glow in the room. This can help you see as you move around without waking up your baby with bright lights. You may also want to consider a nightlight near the door so you can check on the baby throughout the night without disturbance. If you use lamps, make sure the cords are secured and out of reach.
Stay Organized with Storage Solutions
When getting nursery ready for baby, it’s a good idea to utilize the space to stay organized with all the supplies you’ll need. Bins and baskets can be used to store toys and baby clothes. Installing shelving above the changing table can help provide easy access to essential items like powder and diaper cream while keeping them safely out of baby’s reach. Put containers in your baby’s closet to store clothing you want to save and donate as they outgrow them. Use drawer dividers to keep things separate and tidy.
Maximize Space
You may not have a large area to work with when getting nursery ready for baby. There are things you can do to help maximize the space and still have everything you need. Purchase a crib that can convert to a toddler bed and has storage space available. Instead of buying a changing table, purchase a changing pad kit that will take up far less space. Remove closet doors to open up the space.
Use the walls to your advantage by storing as many things as you can on shelving or with pegboards. You can store smaller items in baskets that can easily hang on the wall as well. Items can also be stored in a shoe organizer and hung over the back of the nursery room door. Use a rolling cart to store diapers and other groom essentials for easy and convenient access.
Create a Sanitation Station
After getting nursery ready for baby to arrive, you may want to create a sanitation station to help keep it germ-free. Have an area near the changing table where you can store supplies such as antibacterial gel and paper towels. This will help you keep frequently touched surfaces free of contaminants that can make you or your baby sick. There are plenty of eco-friendly options available if you are worried about exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider a diaper disposal system and a hamper to store heavily soiled clothing.
Improve the Air Quality
With all the renovation work involved with getting nursery ready for baby, the air quality can suffer from stirred up contaminants. It’s important to ensure the air quality in the nursery is at healthy levels before the baby arrives. One of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home and nursery is to invest in an air filter. You may want to look for one that can filter formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds that can be found in paint and furniture.
Another way to help improve overall air quality is to purchase environmentally friendly products. Conventional crib mattresses can contain fire retardants made from harmful chemicals. Organic mattresses do not contain these fire retardants and may be able to help your baby breathe easier while its system is still developing.
Include Comfort Items and Essentials for You
Many parents overlook their needs when getting nursery ready for baby. You will be spending plenty of time in the nursery as well during the first few months. Make sure to include room for essentials and comfort items specifically for you, like warm blankets and soft pillows. You may want to have a side table next to the rocking chair with an outlet where you can charge your phone. Ensure it has a drawer where you can store headphones and healthy snacks to use while you are breastfeeding.
Personalize the Space
One of the most enjoyable things to do concerning getting nursery ready for baby is to personalize the space. You can decorate the nursery with family photos and other sentimental items. Hang wall art with the baby’s name if you have decided on it already. These additional touches can make the space feel more like home. If there are older children in the home, have them create their own artwork to add to the nursery. This can be a great way to welcome your new little one into the rest of your family.
Optional Baby Nursery Accessories
There are a few optional accessories you may want to consider when getting nursery ready for baby that can make your life much easier. A white noise machine or radio playing soothing music can help lull your baby to sleep. You may also want to consider a home automation device like Alexa that has a number of beneficial features. You can track your baby’s stats, keep up to date with the rest of the world, and stay organized with shopping lists and reminder alarms. During the first few months you may not get much sleep, and having these items can help you focus on all the rest of your responsibilities.
Getting nursery ready for baby can take time and effort, but it’s definitely worth the investment. You’ll be spending quite some time for the first few months, so make it as cozy and inviting as possible. By starting early, you’ll be fully prepared for the baby’s arrival. Use these tips to create the dream nursery you’ve always wanted. Enjoy every moment with your precious newborn in your new space and create beautiful memories to cherish for years to come!
