When should you start setting up a nursery for your baby?
It’s widely recommended that you start setting up your baby's nursery during the second trimester of pregnancy. This allows you ample time to plan and execute the design, ensuring everything is ready before your due date. Starting early also helps in managing any unforeseen delays or complications.
Begin by choosing a room for the nursery and brainstorming the overall theme you'd like to implement. It’s also helpful to start collating a list of essentials for the nursery setup to make sure you’ve covered all bases.
What should be included in a nursery room?
A well-equipped nursery requires careful planning to ensure you have all the essentials ready to go when the baby arrives. From sleep and feeding to changing and storage, there are a range of factors to consider when setting up a nursery.
- Cot: Choose a safe and comfortable cot with an adjustable mattress height.
- Changing table: Opt for a sturdy changing table with ample storage for nappies, wipes, and other essentials.
- Cot bedding: Invest in high-quality, breathable sheets and a firm mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Extra sleepwear: With all the constant changes and spills, always keep spare sleepwear and clothing in the nursery. Depending on your baby’s age, you may want to consider sleep bags or suits.
- Nursery chair: Select a comfortable chair for feeding and bonding with your baby.
- Storage solutions: Use shelves, baskets, and drawers for organised storage of clothes, toys, and other items.
- Blackout curtains: Ensure a peaceful sleep environment with blackout curtains to control light exposure.
- Decorative elements: If you like, decorate the nursery with items such as wall art, rugs, and soft furnishings. Always make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines when doing so.
Considerations to keep in mind when setting up a nursery room
There are a range of important considerations when designing a nursery room. Whether it’s safety measures, lighting, functionality, space saving options or noise considerations, setting up a nursery room that will be comfortable and easily accessible requires careful planning.
Safety
Safety is paramount when setting up a nursery. To ensure the room is a safe and comfortable space for both, follow the below safety guidelines:
- Anchor furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.
- Choose non-toxic paint and finishes.
- Keep cords and wires out of reach.
- Install baby-proof latches on drawers and cabinets.
Lighting
With late-night feedings and changes, appropriate lighting is crucial for setting up a nursery, as there’s nothing worse than disrupting your little one’s sleep routine with lights that are too bright.
When designing the baby’s nursery, consider the following:
- Natural light: Position the crib safely near a window for natural sunlight.
- Dimmable lights: Use adjustable lights for bedtime routines.
- Nightlight: Install a soft night light for nighttime nappy changes.
Functionality
While we are constantly thinking of nursery ideas to make our little ones more comfortable, it is equally essential for parents and carers to feel at home in the nursery. Enhancing the space for feeding, sleeping, and changing will make the nursery somewhere you want to spend time too.
Follow the below steps to create a functional space for the whole family:
- Create a dedicated feeding station with a comfortable chair and side table.
- Organise changing supplies within arm's reach of the changing table.
- Invest in a quality rocking chair for soothing your baby to sleep.
Space
Accessibility is key when it comes to setting up a nursery. Being able to store and grab the necessities easily during a night feeding session can be a life-changer. Make the most of limited space with creative storage solutions such as the below:
- Use wall-mounted shelves to save floor space.
- Opt for multi-functional furniture like a cot with built-in storage.
- Utilise the space beneath the cot for extra storage.
Noise
Noise management is a must. The last thing you want as a new parent is external noises disturbing your baby’s sleep schedule.
Outside of your baby’s routine, create a peaceful sleep environment by managing noise using the below methods:
- Use white noise machines to drown out household sounds.
- Keep the nursery door closed during naps and bedtime.
- Place rugs or carpets to absorb sound in the room.
Baby nursery design ideas
Since you, will be spending so much time in the nursery, make it a space that you love! Your personal touch will transform the nursery into a haven for your little one.
Create a soothing and visually appealing nursery with the below design ideas:
- Neutrals: Choose a calming colour palette with soft neutrals such as beige, grey, or pastel hues.
- Jungle/Animal themed: Bring the wild indoors with cute animal-themed decor and artwork.
- Celestial: Create a dreamy atmosphere with celestial-inspired decorations like stars and moons.
- Nature/Forest: Embrace nature with a forest-themed nursery featuring tree murals and woodland creatures.
- Clouds/rainbows: Bring a whimsical feel into the room with cloud and rainbow motifs for a calming ambiance.
Setting up the nursery is an exciting journey that involves careful planning and consideration. By starting early, focusing on safety, optimising functionality, and incorporating creative design ideas, you'll create a nurturing space for your baby to thrive.
While there is a lot you can take the lead on when setting up a nursery, be sure to follow important safety guidelines.