7 Tips For Setting Up Your Baby's Nursery
The room that your baby comes home to for the first time should be a calm oasis from the busy world. Your baby’s nursery can be equipped to facilitate uninterrupted naps and playtime as they grow. Take the guesswork about your next design choice out of the picture and organize a to-list to make your nest ready soon. Consider these helpful and important ideas for putting together a cozy environment for your child.
- Install Safety Features
Safety starts in the air. Use a multi position ladder to install new smoke detectors on the ceiling inside the nursery and out in the hallway. Replace the batteries in any existing devices. You should also install carbon monoxide detectors. If you plan to use an advanced baby monitor system with crib censors or cameras then setting it up early can give you peace of mind later.
- Paint the Walls
Evaluate your paint color options based on the other hues in your home and the ones that are most calming for infants. A colorful room can be stimulating for playtime while muted tones create a cloud-like atmosphere. Look for non-toxic paint and primer that do not emit strong fumes. Finishing the paint job one month before your baby’s due date can allow any odor to dissipate.
- Hang Effective Curtains
Blackout curtains can make any hour into naptime. Place the curtain rod a few inches above the window frame to emphasize height. You can also forgo blackout curtains and create a sheer glow effect for morning baby cuddles. Any effective curtain should help you to manage the room temperature more efficiently in the summer afternoon.
- Pick Timeless Furniture
Furniture that you can repurpose from other areas of your home or adapt for an older child can save time and money. For example, a sturdy dresser can be turned into a changing table now and then switched back. Purchasing a crib that transforms into a toddler bed means that you can keep some familiarity and opt-out of more heavy boxes. Nursery furniture does not have to be entirely specialized for one purpose or age group.
- Choose a Safe Crib
Your family heirloom crib may be best as a display item. Crib safety is an area to pay attention to as well-researched guidelines change over time. Purchase a crib or bassinet that fits your space and budget. It may be beneficial to pay for professional assembly so that you can save hours and rest assured that every tiny part is in the right place. Keep the directions for any transforming cribs in an accessible spot.
- Organize Storage
The baby’s clothes and supplies are little but they are numerous. You will need to have plenty of storage for current, future, and past clothing for your growing child. Also think about where you want to put diapers, toys, and board books. Installing shelves in the nursery closet will allow you to sort clothing and baby gifts into easy baskets. This system can function for years as they grow older and you can use the baskets to store sporting equipment like baseball gloves and balls. Bolt dressers or bookcases to the wall for maximum safety.
- Find a Comfortable Chair
As you prepare the nest for your baby you should also consider your personal comfort. You need a soft and supportive seat for long days and nights of nursing or bottle-feeding. Go to a few stores and try out rocking chairs and gliders. The soft motion may help soothe your baby back to sleep. Pick the chair that works best for your body and the layout of your nursery.
Savor the nursery preparation process and create a safe cocoon for your family.