It’s a different kind of feeling altogether to welcome a part of you into this world. Having a baby can change people’s lives for the better, but for those who are not prepared, it can be stressful.
Things like setting up the car seat for the baby, buying all the essentials and, of course, setting up a nursery before they come into the world. Making the preparations ahead of time can help you a lot to overcome many tough nights.
That being said, if you’re looking for ideas on how to set up a nursery of your own before your big day, you’re in the right place. Here are six simple and easy tips for you to help set up your own nursery for your baby.
1. Setting Up the Main Furniture
When it comes to setting up a nursery, you’ll need four key pieces of furniture like a crib, dresser or storage unit, a changing table and a chair.
Whatever you choose, make sure you get pieces that will adapt smoothly from a nursery to a child’s room. There is also a chance that you might reuse this same nursery for a few more years if you plan to have more children.
In that case, there are convertible cribs that can adjust to a growing child, they can transform into daybeds, toddler beds or even double beds.
Similarly, there are changing tables that can be converted into dressers or storage units as well. You can extend the life of a furniture simply by making smart decisions and choosing pieces that will go well with any new pieces you put in.
2. Tools and Supplies
It’s true that if you’re setting up the nursery by yourself, you’ll need tools like wood panels, hammer, nails, handheld saws, etc.
However, things like, diaper rash creams, covers, sheets, clothes and burp cloths are important supplies as well. You’ll also need to buy these a lot, so might as well stock up.
Not only that, you’ll need to get a humidifier, baby bath tub, hairbrush, thermometers, a baby monitor, clock, pacifiers, nail clippers and a night light.
There is also the situation regarding dirty laundry and diapers. Before you know it, they will pile up faster than anything else. So, get a laundry basket and a diaper pail to help contain the trash.
Creating an environment that will help your baby maintain their healthy growth cycle is also vital. Invest in window covers or black out shades.
3. Creating Smart Storage Solutions
Never underestimate the amount of storage you’ll need when a baby is in the house. It’s astonishing how someone so small will need so many things and that these very things will need a substantial amount of storage.
Whenever you’re checking out dressers, make sure they include dovetail drawer joints and corner blocks. There are always ways to tell whether a furniture has the quality to be durable over the coming years.
Most importantly, you can anchor shelves, dressers and other large furniture to the wall or go for anti-tip devices. This will ensure safety in the nursery and you won’t worry about your baby being in danger.
Also make sure there is enough space to hold all of your baby essentials. This means enough shelves, cabinets and drawers and how they can be utilized to the fullest.
4. Positions, Positions!
Another crucial tip when you set up the nursery is the position of the furniture. Buying a crib is all good and well but not knowing where to position it can be just as important.
Arranging a room the right way can enhance efficiency, comfort, sleep and most importantly safety. Keep in mind that the position of the crib is away from the windows and outside walls.
In some climates, outside walls can be cold and drafty. It’s also vital how the light enters the room during different times of the day. For example, when the sun comes up it shouldn’t shine directly on your baby.
Even street lights can affect your baby’s sleep. Take your time to find the perfect placement for the crib and other furniture. You can help your baby to get that extra amount of sleep that they will need thanks to these careful considerations.
5. Choosing a Changing Table
There are many parents who choose to keep the changing table inside the nursery and there are others who don’t. This depends entirely on you and the space your nursery has.
However, you need to keep in mind that changing tables are designed to be a comfortable place for your baby and as storage units as well. That being said, it’s not absolutely necessary for you to have a changing table.
You can always choose to change your baby on a mat on the floor or by placing them on your bed as well. This is of course when you have no space for a changing table or if it doesn’t cover your budget.
There are so many designs of changing tables now that can flip down when they aren’t in use. This is great for those who have small nurseries.
6. Nighttime Vigilance
Feeling anxious and wanting to keep an eye on your baby is very normal for mothers. Making sure that your baby is breathing normally or that the position of their head is right are just a few things that moms will worry over.
There are some parents who set up a crib in their bedroom so that they can keep a closer eye on their baby when they sleep. Then there are some who use a baby monitor to keep an eye on their infants.
However, for those who want to keep their baby in a nursery, but also want to be close, we would suggest getting a rocking chair for yourself. You’ll need it anyway for when you’re feeding your baby or putting them to sleep.
Besides that, it’s just a great way for you to relax and keep an eye on your baby.
In conclusion, we’d like to say that having a baby is pretty overwhelming. Parents will go through new experiences, some bad but mostly good. There will be sleepless nights, cranky babies and other roadblocks along the way.
However, it’ll be all worth it in the end. Most importantly, the idea of a nursery is to create a space that’s comfortable for both you and your baby (mostly your baby).
So, don’t worry so much, plan ahead and you can get behind the worst of the worst situations with ease. Remember to make lots of memories with your baby in their growing years!
