Starting the design for your nursery can feel like a daunting task! With so many themes, colors, furniture choices and trying to keep up with the Instagram moms, you may be feeling overwhelmed. We’re here to help you take the first steps in designing your nursery and give you some peace of mind. At the end of the day, the most important part of your nursery should be creating a space that makes you smile, relax and enjoy time with your new little babe!
#1 – The Crib
Let’s start with the crib, which is a staple piece for your nursery. This should be your investment piece since many kids sleep in their cribs for two or more years. Also, if you’re planning on having more children, investing in a good crib will reduce the need to buy a new crib for each child after your first!
You’ll want to make sure that the crib meets all current US safety standards. Safety standards are constantly evolving, so you won’t want to repurpose an old crib or buy vintage. Make the investment on a newer crib or if you accept a hand me down from a friend, check the paperwork to make sure that everything is current with the today’s safety standards.
In terms of style, choose a crib that matches your own personal tastes. Or if you want to play it safe, pick a neutral color that will match with most themes and can be used for a boy or girl’s nursery if you plan on having more children in the future.
#2 – Crib Bedding
The crib bedding and crib combined will essentially be the focal point of your nursery. The bedding is a great place to have fun and use prints to bring in your own personal style. You can also incorporate your theme here or build a color palette for the nursery, especially if you have a neutral crib.
You’ll want to make sure that you invest in plenty of fitted crib sheets. We suggest 5-6 sets, if possible. Trust us, you’ll be shocked at how many you’ll go through some days! Plus, you don’t want to do laundry constantly for a new pair of crib sheets, so having extras comes in handy. Look for bedding that is 100% cotton and soft to the touch to keep your little one as comfy and cozy as possible.
#3 The Changing Table
It’s probably no news flash to you, but you’ll be changing a lot of dirty diapers soon! The only way that this is made possible without running around the room or house is to have a nicely organized changing table.
The most important is having a changing pad that can easily be set on top of a dresser. Keep your own height in mind when selecting a baby dresser. If you’re a shorter mama, you may want to get a shorter dresser, especially if you’re having a boy! No one wants to get peed on their face (sorry, but true!).
You’ll want to buy organizer baskets or use the top drawers to store all of your diaper changing needs – extra diapers, butt cream, diaper wipes and an extra changing pad cover in case your little one has a full on blow out. Having these items within reach and restocked at all times will keep you sane and diaper changing quick and easy!
#4 The Nursery Chair
Besides the crib, your nursery chair will also be a very important purchase in your nursery. This gives you a comfortable place to sit and relax while you’re nursing, rocking him or her to sleep, or reading a night time story. This is where you’ll get plenty of mama and baby bonding, so choose your chair wisely.
A rocking chair or glider is the most popular options for nursery chairs. The movement of either will help lull the baby to sleep. You’ll want to shop around and pick one that is comfy for you, so try to visit the chair in person first. You may realize that the seat is too deep or you have difficulty actually rocking the chair if your feet don’t touch the floor (we’ve learned from experience), so we highly recommend shopping for this piece of furniture in person.
Be sure to choose a rocking chair or glider with armrests to support your tired arms. If you’re opting for a rocking chair, consider one with arm pads to keep your elbows comfy while you’re holding the baby for at least 30 minutes at a time.
Lastly, you’ll want to find a rocking chair or glider that supports the height of you and your partner, since you’ll most likely be trading off on feeding or snuggle sessions. There are quite a few items to check off the list when selecting a rocking chair or glider, but if you shop around, we promise you’ll find the perfect one!
Once you have these 4 staple items selected for your nursery design, the rest will come together! Consider faux plants, lots of storage, cute rugs, a fun mobile, hanging picture frames, and prints or anything else that brings out your personal style! Don’t forget to take pictures of your nursery before your little one comes, it most likely won’t ever be as perfect as it is now!
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