Essential Things to Know Before Designing a Nursery
One of the most exciting and rewarding parts of preparing for a baby is designing the nursery. The nursery is the place where your baby will spend most of their time, so it’s important to make it perfect.
But there’s a lot that goes into designing the perfect nursery, and at times, your to-do list can seem overwhelming. Here are some essential things to know before designing a nursery to help you create a safe and entertaining space for your little one.
The Must-Haves and Must-Not-Haves
A lot of new parents tend to go overboard when it comes to furniture and supplies. But there are a lot of “classic” baby items that aren’t as necessary as people think. Here are some items that you need and a few others you can skip.
The Must-Haves
A Crib
Whether it’s a bassinet, a crib, or a cradle, your baby needs somewhere to sleep. Look for sleeping solutions that have bars no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, along with solid headboards and an adjustable mattress.
A Dresser
Babies grow fast, and they need a lot of clothes. A big dresser gives you ample room to store your baby’s constantly growing collection of attire.
A Rocking Chair
The gentle rocking motion of rocking chairs soothes fussy babies and helps them sleep. And more sleep for baby means more sleep for you.
The Must-Not-Have
Mobiles
They’re adorable, but they’re also choking hazards. The strings and small pieces can suffocate your baby.
Changing Tables
Convenient, but not necessary. You can turn any dresser into a makeshift changing table by adding a table pad.
Bedding
Your baby needs a comfortable mattress and mattress cover, but they don’t need a ton of blankets. Blankets and other obstructions can be dangerous.
The Theme
The next essential thing to know before designing a nursery is the theme. Maybe you want a jungle-themed room full of greenery and animals or a beach-themed room decorated with mermaid and seashell motifs. Or maybe you want to keep things simple with a neutral color scheme.
To turn these themes into reality, you need matching furniture and décor. Some choose to go the extra mile and repaint the entire room. There are a few things to consider before purchasing paint for your nursery. Normal paints are full of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release harmful fumes you don’t want your baby breathing in. Nontoxic paints provide a healthier alternative.
Safety First
A baby’s room should be safe. Take the time to babyproof your nursery before your bundle of joy arrives. Here are a few commonly overlooked safety items to cross off your checklist:
- Anchor heavy furniture
- Avoid cordless blinds
- Cover electrical outlets
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- Keep furniture away from windows
- Keep the crib free of obstructions
- Store dangerous items up high
