Guide to baby nursery

The ultimate guide to a baby nursery for a first time mom

Putting together a baby nursery is not a small thing. It’s a lot of work, especially for a first time mom. You will want to put together a nursery that is comfortable, attractive, and peaceful for your baby. Since it requires a lot of work, you will want to know when to plan a baby nursery.

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Below is a comprehensive guide on a baby nursery. The first thing you need to do as a first time mom is to plan the baby’s nursery. Fortunately, I create this baby nursery guide to help you out.

Table of Contents

When to plan baby nursery?

It is advisable to put together the baby nursery as soon as possible. However, you need to know the gender of the baby before you plan. This will enable you to know the color you will use. Most baby boy nurseries use the blue color while the color pink is for baby girls and yellow is for unisex. At least you would have known the sex of the baby you are carrying by 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Once you do, you can start planning the baby nursery.

When to paint the baby nursery?

Once you know the sex of the baby, you can start painting the room. If you use a unisex color yellow, you can start earlier.

When to set up a baby nursery?

Baby nursery decorations should start by the second trimester of your pregnancy. This is the time you have the energy needed to set up the furniture, curtains, and wall decorations.

What temperature should a baby nursery be?

The normal temperature recommended for a baby’s room is 20-22 degrees C degrees F. However, this depends on the time of the year.

Below is the ideal temperature for a baby room at a different time of the year.

  • The ideal temperature for a baby room in winter is 20 degrees C to 22 degrees C
  • The ideal temperature for a baby room in summer – 16 to 20 degrees

When should you start decorating the nursery?

Decorating the nursery is a lot of work. You would want to do it when you still have lots of energy and when you know the sex of your baby. This will allow you to choose the right colors for the decoration. Therefore, you can start decorating your baby’s nursery when you are 20wks by which time, you already know the sex of the baby. Of course, you can still use unisex items if you want to start earlier than 20 wks.

Which room should be the nursery?

Usually, smaller rooms in the house are great for the nursery. This can be a guest room or a small space in your bedroom. Also, choose a room that is closer to the nursery, to make it easier to check on the baby. As the baby grows, you can use a bigger room for them.

Best time to buy nursery furniture?

There are some factors you need to take into consideration when thinking about the right time to buy nursery furniture. The first factor is the time it will take for the furniture to arrive. You wouldn’t want to order close to your delivery and not have anything to use when you need them. So, it is better to order baby furniture around 21-23 weeks, in order to give ample time for delivery. Second, you will want to buy them when they are cheap. The best time of the year to buy baby furniture is in November when there are lots of discounts to use. This is effective if you still have time before delivery.

What do you need in a baby nursery?

Below are the baby nursery essentials you need.

1.    Nursery Wall stickers

You need to decorate the nursery with fine decorations to make it catchy and beautiful. Need some more ideas. Find more ideas here.

2.    Baby Crib

What is a baby crib?

A baby crib is a bed where the baby sleeps.

Why should a baby sleep in a crib?

It is good and safe for babies to sleep in a crib to protect them from dangers such as SID, choking, and suffocation.

When to buy a crib?

The right time to purchase your baby crib is when you are in the second trimester of your pregnancy i.e. from 4 to 6 months of pregnancy. This is the time you will have the energy you need to shop for your baby’s crib.

When to set up a baby crib?

Set up the baby crib when you are in the second trimester of your pregnancy. That way, you have enough time to examine and set it up. If the parts are not complete or not good enough, there is room to return or replace them.

Types of Baby Cribs

a. Convertible baby crib

A convertible crib is a baby crib that can change into one or two types of beds for babies such as from a crib to a toddler bed and a daybed. Some can even transform into a full-sized bed. It can serve your baby for many years. So, it is a good investment for babies.  I always recommend the convertible bed as it serves for many years, saving you money in the long run.

Canopy cribs

A canopy crib like the name implies has a canopy at the top. It can be round or rectangular in shape. It is more of a trendy crib. It is small and so can take a little space in your home. If you want trends, you can get them.

Standard cribs

Standard cribs are what most people use. It is a full-size crib of different types and models.

When to convert a baby crib to a toddler bed?

As your baby grows into a toddler, you would want to know when to convert the bed to a toddler bed. The normal age to convert a baby crib to a toddler bed is around 18 months to 36 months of age.

Things to consider before buying a baby crib

  1. Buy a baby crib that is made of 100% solid wood and non-toxic finish
  2. Buy a baby crib that has been approved by safety standards and certifications.
  3. Ensure that the slat distance between each slat in the baby crib is not more than 2 3/8 inches. If it is more than that, there is a high risk of the baby’s legs and arms getting stuck in between the slats.
  4. Buy a crib with conversion to save money and also allow your baby to grow with it.
  5. Ensure that the crib has mattress height adjustments of at least 3-5 levels. You can lower the baby as your baby grows.

What to put in a baby crib?

The baby crib should have the followings:

a. Best mattress

b. Crib sheets

c. Sheet savers

d. Waterproof mattress pads.

e. Wearable blanket or sleeper onesie for your baby instead of blankets. Find an adorable blanket below.

f. A pacifier with no pacifier attachments

a.   Crib mattress

Buying a good and comfortable crib mattress for your baby is very important. Good sleep is good for your baby’s health and development.

When to lower the crib mattress?

The right time to lower your crib mattress is when your baby can sit up. Once they are in that stage, they will try to stand up too.

When to replace the crib mattress?

Replace your baby’s crib mattress as soon as you notice that it is becoming saggy, or has signs of body contouring. You can donate your used baby crib mattress to a shelter.

How to choose a crib mattress

  1. Make sure your baby crib mattress is no thicker than 15cm that should fit into the frame tightly.
  2. Buy a firm baby crib mattress
  3. Ensure that the crib mattress meets the federal government regulations
  4. The mattress support should be firm always.

When to set up a crib for baby?

Are you thinking of when to set up a crib for your baby? If you are the one to set up the crib, it is better to do it earlier when you still have the strength to move around. But if your husband or someone else will set up the crib for you, it is better to wait till around 4 to 6 weeks before delivery.

Check out different firm crib mattresses here.

b. Crib Sheets

Crib sheet is a sheet for covering the baby’s mattress. It comes in a range of beautiful colors and textures to further beautify your baby’s nursery. It helps keep the crib bed safe for babies to sleep comfortably. Find more beautiful crib sheets here.

c. Sheet savers

Crib sheet savers help to prevent the mattress and sheet from soiling especially when there are accidents such as when times of explosive poops that will run out of pampers. It is also useful when you are potty training your baby. At such times, all you need to do is to remove the sheet saver and wash rather than the whole crib sheet or mattress. Most of them are absorbent, waterproof, and breathable like the one shown in the image above.

d. Waterproof mattress pads

This is an alternative to the crib sheet saver. It is known as a waterproof mattress pad and it covers the whole crib mattress. It helps to protect the baby crib mattress from urine, accidental poops, perspiration, etc. You can use it for bassinets, cradles, playards, cots etc.

e. Wearable blanket or sleeper onesies

It is recommended that you choose wearable blankets over covering your baby with blankets for safety purposes. Blankets can cover the baby’s face and smother it without you knowing. This can result in suffocation. But the wearable blanket provides a safe sleeping environment for the baby without the risk of suffocation. The baby’s face is free and they cannot kick off the blanket. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends wearable blankets over ordinary blankets. Ensure you choose the best wearable blankets that are appropriate for the season.

f. Pacifier with no pacifier attachment

Babies are born with sucking reflexes. They even suck their thumbs and fingers before they are born. Pacifiers give the baby a soothing effect. It is especially great for fussy babies. It helps to distract the baby and makes them fall asleep. However, you need to choose a one-piece and dishwasher-safe type. Don’t attach a pacifier to a string or strap long enough to wrap around the neck of your baby.

3.   Diaper Changing table

The diaper changing table is one essential you need in your baby’s nursery. It makes the duty of changing the non-ending diaper easy for you as a first time mom. There are different changing tables such as the standalone changing table, dresser or desk changing table, etc. Check them out here.

What do you need on a diaper changing table?

Below are the items you need on a baby changing table

  1.             Diaper
  2.             Wipes
  3.             Diaper cream
  4.             Pacifiers
  5.             A diaper pail
  6.             Pajamas
  7.             Hand sanitizer
  8.             First aid kit
  9.             Nail clippers

a. Diapers

Diapers come in different sizes for babies. Check out a comprehensive post on diaper buying and usage guide here – Baby diaper buying guide. It highlights the number of diapers you need for the baby at each stage of their growth.

Save up to 20% off diaper subscriptions when you join the Amazon Family. Enjoy exclusive coupons and deals on baby products, and free two-day shipping on items from the Amazon family. Check it out now on Amazon.

b. Wipes

Baby wipes are hygiene sheets that help to clean up the baby’s bottoms. They are also useful for wiping your hands after mopping, pumping gas, or cooling your brow after sweating. You need at least two wipes per diaper change. So you should stock up on them. As the baby grows, you need more wipes and fewer diapers.

C. Diaper cream

Diaper rash is common in babies. With diaper creams, you can eliminate and prevent them. Use the diaper cream whenever you change the baby’s diaper to protect the baby’s skin from moisture that can cause rashes.

d. Diaper pail

Soiled diapers are stored in the diaper pails for disposal. It helps to keep the odor contained so that the nursery will not be smelling or stinking. It seals off offensive scents and absorbs odors. It is an absolute necessity for a baby nursery.

e. Hand sanitizer

You need to disinfect your hands after every diaper change. The best and fastest way to do this is by using hand sanitizer whenever you change diapers. So, you need to keep one in your diaper bag and on the changing table.

When to stop using a diaper table?

Most changing tables have the recommended weight of the baby to use it. For example, some of them recommend 30 pounds or normal age of 2 years.

5.    Baby Bassinet

What is a baby bassinet?

A baby bassinet is a bed designed for babies from birth to four months old.

What is a baby bassinet used for?

A baby bassinet is a place where your newborn and babies can sleep or rest.

How long does a baby sleep in a bassinet?

A baby should be able to sleep in the bassinet from birth until they are 3 to 6 months.

What to look for in a baby bassinet?

  1.            A baby bassinet should be portable enough to move around the house
  2.            The mattress of the bassinet should be well supported
  3.            The bassinet mattress must have a firm sleep surface
  4.            Buy the right bassinet for your baby’s weight and age
  5.            Pick a bassinet that conforms to safety standards

Check out smashing bassinet for babies here.

6.   Baby monitor

What is a baby monitor?

A baby monitor is a radio system designed to help you listen to the sounds of your newborn baby. There are two types of baby monitor – The audio monitor and the video monitor. The audio monitor is made up of a transmitter unit and a microphone.  A video monitor has a base transmitter and a receiver. The monitor sits in the room where the baby is, while the receiver is with the caregiver in another side of the house. You put it near the baby, especially when they are sleeping.

Why do you need a baby monitor?

A baby monitor helps you to monitor your baby when you are not with them. If you live in a large house with different apartments, you may need a baby monitor, especially when the baby is not with you and you are somewhere else doing your chores. However, if you live in a small space and it is easy to hear your baby when they cry or need you, you may not need it. Especially, if you co-sleep with them or have their crib or bassinet close to you.

Where to put a baby monitor?

You can put the baby monitor on a shelf or mount it on a wall in a corner close to the ceiling.

When to stop using baby monitor?

You need a baby monitor for your newborn when they are still very young. But as they get older and sleep better through the night, you may not need one. However, you can use a baby monitor until the baby is 1-3 years when they can make a loud noise that can wake you up.

What to look for when buying a baby monitor?

  1. Buy a baby monitor with a frequency of 900 MHz or more. It makes it very clear without interference
  2. Choose a monitor that shows a low-battery notification so you will know when to change the battery
  3. Choose a wireless baby monitor if you can afford it. It helps you to work outside and inside the house while still monitoring your baby.
  4. Choose a model with a sound-activated light so it will notify you with a flash when it detects a noise. This way you will know when your baby is crying while talking to someone on the phone, listening to music or even vacuuming.
  5. Video monitors are the best. You can watch what your baby is doing per time.

Check out different baby monitors here.

7.    Dresser chest

A dresser chest is essential in a baby’s nursery. It makes it easy to organize your baby’s items neatly. With it, it is easy to find your baby things.

Do I need a dresser for the nursery?

Yes, you do need a dresser for your baby’s nursery. Apart from using it to store baby things, it is also useful as a changing table. Keep the diapers, cloths, cream, and other items needed for diaper changing at the top of the drawer.

8.    Nightlight

A nightlight is a beautiful light that is used in the dark and at night. It lightens up the room a bit with its low glow.

Should a baby sleep with a nightlight?

Nightlight according to studies, helps to boost the baby’s brain development. It makes toddlers afraid of the dark to feel safer. It also makes it easy for you and your toddler to walk through a dark room without the fear of bumping into anything.

It is not compulsory for your baby to sleep with a nightlight. However, using it can help to lure your baby back to sleep when they wake up at night.

What to consider before you buy a nightlight for your baby’s nursery?

  1. Choose the right color to enhance the effect of the light. e.g. Blue color, red or orange colors are good as well.
  2. Choose the night light that has a replaceable bulb which will help you use it for a longer time.
  3. Check to ensure that the light is not too bright once it is on. Also, it must not be too dim either. Find a balance.

Check out beautiful nightlights you may want to consider here.

8.   Nursing Rocking chair

The nursing rocking chair is essential furniture for your nursery. It helps you to sit comfortably to nurse your baby.

Is a rocking chair necessary in the nursery?

It is part of the nursery furniture. It helps you to nurse your baby in a comfortable position. You can also rock your baby to sleep with it. However, it is not a necessity.

What to look for in a nursery rocking chair?

  1. Choose a nursing rocking chair comfortable for you
  2. It must be easy for you to sit and stand up after nursing your child
  3. Choose a rocking chair with padded armrests. Babies are heavy and if you may need to nurse for a longer time.
  4. Choose a rocking chair that has a footrest. It takes the pressure off your back.
  5. Choose a rocking chair with a stain-resistant and easy to clean material.

Check out outstanding and trendy rocking chairs here.

8.   Diaper and caddies

What is a diaper caddy?

A diaper caddy is a container where you store your baby’s diapers, powders, wipes, toys, etc. It has lots of pockets for things that make it easy to change your baby’s diaper.

Why do you need a diaper caddy?

A diaper caddy enables you to easily access your baby’s diaper needs. It helps you keep everything you need in one place. There are three different diaper caddies. The first is the portable caddy that you can easily move from one room to the other. The second is the hanging caddy that you can hang on cribs, walls, closets, etc. The third caddy is the stationary caddy that stays in one place.

What to put in a diaper caddy?

A diaper caddy should contain the followings:

  1.           Diapers
  2.           Wipes
  3.           Diaper cream
  4.           Hand sanitizer
  5.           Changing pad
  6.           Receiving blanket
  7.           Toys
  8.           First aid kit
  9.           Nail clippers
  10.           Thermometer
  11.           Hairbrush
  12.           Change of clothes for baby
  13.           Pacifiers
  14.           Cotton balls.

How to choose the best diaper caddy for your baby nursery

  1. Buy a diaper caddy easy to clean. This is because it will get messy lots of time.
  2. Choose the right size of diaper caddy for your baby nursery
  3. Diaper caddies come in different colors. You can pick the right color for the sex of your baby or use a unisex color.
  4. The size of the diaper caddy you buy is based on the baby items you want to store in it. So choose the right one accordingly.
  5. Choose a caddy that comes with a changing pad and a strong handle.

9.     Clothes hamper for a baby nursery

Baby uses lots of clothes at a time and they are mostly full of pee, poo or vomit. You will want to keep them in one place so it will be easy to wash them often. It is great to have cloth hampers in every room so that clothes will not end up on the floor.

10.  Baby nursery rugs

The best rugs for the baby nursery are the rugs that are made with materials such as wool or cotton and they are woven by hands. They don’t have a latex backing. They are the best.

What size rug for baby nursery?

The most common size of a nursery rug is 5′ x 8′. This size is great because you have enough room for movement.

11.          Nursery closet organizer

Baby closet organizers help you store your baby’s clothes and organize other baby stuff in one place. It can take your baby’s clothes, blankets, sheets, towels, diapers, etc.

Blackout curtains for baby nursery

Should I get blackout curtains for the nursery?

Yes, get blackout curtains for the baby nursery. The truth is, that everyone sleeps better when it is darker. It helps to eliminate light and thereby makes the baby sleep longer and better. It also helps babies to develop their circadian rhythm.

Best blackout curtains for nursery

Searching for the best blackout curtains for nursery? Here are four you can consider.

a. BGment Moon and Stars blackout curtains for kid’s bedroom

The BGment Moon and Stars blackout curtain is one of the best blackout curtains for the baby nursery. It helps to keep the summer heat and winter chill outside while balancing the temperature to create a comfortable environment for your baby to sleep.

b. Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window

The Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window helps to create an energy-saving insulating barrier against heat and cold to make the room cooler in the summer and very warm in winter. It keeps the baby nursery room very dark to make it easy for babies to sleep in the afternoons and at night.

c. Deconovo Faux Linen Total Blackout Curtains

The Deconovo Faux Linen Total Blackout Curtain is also one of the best blackout curtains for the baby room. It helps to cancel noise and wind. It keeps out the sun 100%, making the room very dark to help your baby sleep better and longer.

d. SUN AWAY Portable Blackout Curtain with Window Suction Cups

The SUN AWAY Portable Blackout Curtain with Window Suction Cups easily blacks out sun rays from the windows. You can take it along with your while traveling or sleeping over at the grandma’s because it is portable.

Guide to a baby nursery: It is time to put your nursery together

Planning a baby nursery takes time, so you will want to start as soon as possible. Especially when you have the energy to move around.

Use the guide to a baby nursery above to know which items to buy and where to pick them up. Start early so you will arrange things the way you want.

Most importantly, save up to 20% off diapers subscriptions when you join the Amazon Family. Enjoy exclusive coupons and deals on baby products, and free two-day shipping on items from the Amazon family. Check it out on Amazon right now!

Have fun!

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