Setting Up the Perfect Nursery for Your New Arrival
There are a million things to do before your little one says hello to the world; researching, baby-proofing, shopping, the list goes on. But setting up your nursery can be one of the most exciting parts of the experience. However, there is a little more to think about than color schemes and pretty furniture. This room will need to be designed with function, not just form, in mind.
When you get home with your newborn, the last thing you'll want to be doing is rearranging the nursery because nothing is convenient. With these tips for setting up the perfect nursery for your new arrival, you'll have a functional nursery ready to go before the baby arrives.
Safe Sleeping Space
Possibly the most important thing on the list is setting up a safe sleep space for your baby. Safety is obviously a concern in every area, but this one is a major concern. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), your baby should sleep on a firm surface, something that does not indent when they are laying on it. There should be nothing inside of the crib beside the baby. That includes bumpers, toys, and blankets, according to the AAP.
The consumer product safety commission certifies most cribs and bassinets but always double-check. The AAP does not recommend purchasing any sleeping option for your little one that does not have this certification. When choosing a crib, keep in mind many are now convertible and have options for growing with your child as they eventually outgrow crib sleeping.
Once you've chosen your ideal sleep set up, be sure to get the correct sheets for your mattress type. These sheets should be tight-fitting and specifically made for the type of mattress you have chosen. Swaddles and sleep sacks can also go on the list to keep the little one cozy for sleeping. Swaddles are safe until the baby can roll over on its own and sleep sacks are a great and safe option to keep the baby warm.
Changing Tables
The changing table will be the scene of a lot of movement. This area will need to be immaculately prepared to handle chaos. Ideally, your changing table set up should have lots of storage and keep everything you need at arm's reach.
There are multiple options for changing table types to accomplish this. There are the classic dedicated changing tables. These have everything built-in and are great options if you are planning on having more children down the line to use it. If you have an existing dresser you'd like to use, there are converters that will allow you to safely change your wiggly baby with ease. This option works well to grow with your child since you can remove the converter when they outgrow the changing table. Similarly, there are changing tables for purchase that will convert into a normal dresser whenever you and the little one are ready.
What to put in the dresser once you've decided on the style that works for you? We recommend putting only the things that you need daily inside of the dresser. Wipes, changing pad covers, diapers, creams, blankets, swaddles, burp cloths, pajamas, socks, for example. There are all things that you want at your fingertips when changing a baby. After all, you should never walk away and leave your child unattended; this is very dangerous and why it is so important to have a changing table area fully stocked and ready for you.
Nursery Seating
Sleeping and diaper changes won't be the only things happening in your nursery. You'll also need comfortable places to sit for nursing, playing, or just sitting and watching baby sleep after a long day. We've talked a lot about furniture that can convert, grow, and change with you and your baby as you grow. Try adding a modular sofa to your nursery space for a functional and customizable seating option. Having somewhere to relax and be comfortable will be of great importance as you navigate bringing home a baby and getting into a routine. Don't leave yourself wanting for a comfy spot to collapse into after the baby has finally gone to bed!
Organization
Babies need a lot of things and keeping them organized can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are a ton of creative storage and organization options out there. Think of things like over-the-door racks and hooks, stackable storage bins for things that get stored long term (think: baby's next clothing size), and hanging storage shelves. Taking advantage of vertical storage can help to keep a small space from feeling cluttered. Choose an organizational style that is realistic and functional for you and your family.
Placement
Just as you want to organize all of the baby's little things, how you organize the entire room is important, too. For most people, keeping the crib and the changing table next to each other is preferable. This minimizes the distance between a possible blowout crib situation and clean-up. Additionally, try and create a play area that is not directly next to the sleeping area. This will help to create better sleep habits for the little one. Mostly, just be mindful when placing furniture of not only what looks good, but what will be functional.
Getting Ready for Baby
Don't stress too much about the cute color scheme or the floral wallpaper. When it comes right down to it, you will want a nursery designed to perform. This room will be the scene of a lot of stress, crying, poop, vomit, and, of course, love and laughter. We hope you can use these tips to set up the perfect nursery for your new arrival.
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