Ideas On How To Set Up Your Baby’s Nursery

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Setting up the nursery is one of those pinch-me moments. You're choosing cot sheets, debating wall colours, and suddenly it all starts to feel very real. But here's something that catches a lot of parents off guard: your baby's sleep space doesn't always start in the nursery. It starts wherever you are.
Love To Dream
5 min read |
04 February, 2024

Room sharing: why your baby sleeps with you first


Red Nose recommend that babies sleep in the same room as a parent or caregiver for at least the first 6 months. Not in the same bed, but on their own separate sleep surface (a crib, bassinet or side sleeper crib) placed close to where you sleep.

Room sharing has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS, can make nighttime feeds easier and helps you keep an eye (and ear) on your little one without having to get up and walk down the hall at 2am.

Setting up your baby's sleep space is one of those moments where things start to feel very real. It's not just about the stuff. It's about creating a small corner of calm in your home where you and your baby will share some of the most intimate moments of those early weeks.

So before you go too far into nursery mood boards (don't worry, we will absolutely go there!), it's worth thinking about how to create a safe, calm sleep setup in your bedroom first, or including a separate sleep space for you in the nursery.

Setting up a shared sleep space

You don't need a lot to make this work. Here are the essentials to consider when setting up a space for your baby to sleep when they first arrive:

1. Separate sleep space
Whether it's a cot, bassinet or bedside crib, the recommendation is to not co-sleep with your baby for safety. Their sleep space should be separate and there should be nothing else in it including blankets, pillows, bumpers, toys, or loose bedding.
2. Firm flat mattress
A firm, flat mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. Whether it's a cot or bassinet, the mattress should be firm and completely flat. No inclines, no extra padding, no gaps between the mattress and the sides.
3. Temperature controlled
The Red Nose Australia recommends keeping the room between 20 and 22°C for a comfortable and safe room temperature. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, so aim for a temperature that feels comfortable for a lightly dressed adult. A room thermometer can be helpful here and using TOG-rated swaddles takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.
4. White noise
A white noise machine can help babies feel settled as it emulates the sounds of the womb and feels familiar. It can also mask their grunts and sleep noises which can be very cute, but also distracting when every minute of sleep matters. Keep the volume under 50dB and place it at least 2 metres from the cot.
5. Feeding & Changing supplies
If you aren't planning to move to the nursery for feeding and changing during the night, set up a small station within reach of your bed. Include nappies, wipes, a spare change of clothes, and anything you need like a water bottle and some easy stimuli to help keep you awake and comfortable during feeds. Also a nightlight will be very helpful for seeing what needs doing, without anyone being shocked awake by bright lights.

When to start setting up the nursery


Most parents find that the second trimester is a good time to start planning the nursery. You've usually got a bit more energy than the third trimester, and there's plenty of time to spread the work out.

But remember: the nursery is a longer-term space. For those first months, your baby will be sleeping in your room. The Red Nose Australia recommends room-sharing for at least the first six to twelve months. So there's no pressure to have everything perfect before baby arrives. Focus on getting your shared sleep space sorted first, and build out the nursery at your own pace.

Making the nursery functional (for you too)

When you are ready to set up the nursery, it helps to think about it from a practical standpoint first, and a decorating standpoint second. This is a space you'll be spending a lot of time in, so it needs to work for you as much as it does for baby.

What you need in a nursery

1. Create a dedicated feeding station
A comfortable chair with good back support, a side table for water and snacks, and a small lamp. You'll thank yourself during those middle-of-the-night feeds.
2. Set up a changing area
A sturdy changing table with storage underneath for nappies, wipes, spare clothes, and creams keeps everything within arm's reach. Always keep one hand on your baby when they're on the table.
3. Think about light and sound
Blackout curtains help your baby learn the difference between day and night. A white noise machine creates a consistent, calming sound environment that can help minimise noise disturbances outside the room like a doorbell or pet.
4. Keep spare sleepwear handy
Between nappy blowouts and spit-ups, you'll go through more changes than you expect. Keep a small stash of clean sleepwear in the nursery at all times.
5. Storage that makes sense
Shelves, baskets, and drawers for clothes, toys, and essentials. Label them if it helps. The easier things are to find, the less stressful those late-night moments feel.

Sleep Essentials

Swaddle Up™
Waterproof Cot & Bassinet Sheets
White Noise Machine

Top Tips for

any sleep space or nursery

  • Lighting

    With late-night feedings and changes, appropriate lighting is crucial, as there's nothing worse than disrupting your little one's sleep routine with lights that are too bright. When planning your sleep space consider the following:
    • Natural light: Position the cot 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.

  • Safety

    Safety is paramount when setting up a nursery or sleep space. Here are some important safety tips:
    • 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.

  • Functionality

    While we are constantly thinking of nursery ideas to make our little ones more comfortable, it is equally important for parents and carers to feel at home in the nursery.
    • Create a dedicated feeding station: Place a comfortable chair and side table for easy access to feeding supplies.
    • Organise changing supplies: Keep essentials within arm's reach of the changing table for convenience.
    • Invest in a quality chair: A comfortable chair for feeding and soothing is very-nice-to-have in your nursery.

  • 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: Save valuable floor space by installing shelves on the wall.
    • Opt for multi-functional furniture: Choose furniture like a cot with built-in storage to maximise space.
    • Utilise the space beneath the cot: Store extra items underneath the cot to keep your space organised.

  • 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: Mask household sounds with calming white noise.
    • Keep the nursery door closed: Prevent outside noise from disturbing naps and bedtime.
    • Place rugs or carpets: Absorb sound in the room to reduce noise distractions.

Your sleep space checklist

Whether you're setting up in your bedroom or the nursery, here's your at-a-glance checklist:

  • Firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet
  • Room temperature between 20 and 22°C
  • White noise source ready to go
  • Nightlight for feeding and changing (warm tone, not too bright)
  • Feeding and changing station set up within reach
  • Blackout curtains or blinds
  • Spare sleepwear and nappies stocked
  • All furniture anchored to the wall
  • No loose items, cords, or hanging objects near the sleep space

Nursery design ideas


Once the practical bits are sorted, the fun part begins. Here are some popular themes that parents love:

  • Soft neutrals: Beige, grey, and pastel tones create a calm, soothing space that grows with your child.
  • Jungle or animal themed: Cute animal prints, leafy decals, and soft toy accents bring a playful energy to the room.
  • Celestial: Stars, moons, and dreamy night-sky murals for a cosy, sleep-friendly atmosphere.
  • Nature or forest: Tree murals, woodland creatures, and earthy greens work beautifully in a nursery.
  • Clouds and rainbows: Whimsical, light-hearted, and perfect for a calming space.

Whatever theme you go with, keep safety front of mind. Avoid anything that dangles over the cot, and make sure wall art and shelves are securely fixed.

Create a moodboard on our Pinterest

Key takeaways

Start in your room, not the nursery.
For at least the first six months, your baby's safest sleep space is in your room. The nursery can wait until you're both ready.
Firm, flat, and nothing else.
Whether it's a cot or bassinet, the mattress should be firm and flat with a fitted sheet. No pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys.
Get the temperature right.
Keep the room ideally between 20 and 22°C. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, so dress baby in TOG-rated sleepwear and skip the extra blankets.
Make it work for you too.
A comfortable feeding chair, supplies within arm's reach, and a warm-toned nightlight will make those late-night wake-ups a lot easier.
Safety first, decor second.
Anchor furniture to walls, keep cords out of reach, and avoid anything that dangles over the cot. Then have fun with the theme.

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