The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Nursery That Will Grow With Your Little One
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You have eight short months (give or take) to get everything set up before the baby comes. While designing your ultimate nursery can seem overwhelming at first, it’s also a rewarding experience and much-needed creative outlet. Getting things just so will ensure a love-filled haven for you to bond with your little one. Check out our guide for essentials that stand the test of time.
What’s Your Aesthetic?
Future parents often find themselves perplexed at the different aesthetics for a nursery: you could go girly, frilly, boho, minimalist, woody, geometric — the options are endless. Before getting overwhelmed, set up a Pinterest board to determine the overall style and look for your future space. This study speaks to the importance of a well-designed, creative nursery for your baby’s long-term health, so ensure the space is functional, yet well-crafted.
Pick a Focal Point
This could be anything that sparks joy and lets your creativity shine. A stylish crib with a playful mobile is a beautiful place maker that pulls all the other elements together.
Wallpaper is another stylish statement — pick one to contrast the aesthetic of your room for a pop of whimsy, or one that matches your aesthetic seamlessly for a cohesive feel. Either way, wallpaper is ideal for a nursery because it can be changed as the aesthetic of your nursery (and child!) changes and will withstand the inevitable marks and stains that find their way there. Peel and stick wallpaper is a great solution if you’re short on time, as it’s easily applied, removed, and repositioned — no more worrying about if your wallpaper’s aligned correctly!
Add the Essential Pieces
According to the UC Davis Medical Centre, bonding with your baby is critical to their development, so look for furniture that will facilitate the experience:
Crib: While good cribs come at a hefty price point, their safety standards and comfort are well worth the investment. A gender-neutral crib is a great option as it’ll work with most all aesthetics, or pick one that matches your wallpaper and Pinterest board.
Changing station: When picking out your dresser or station, make sure its height works for you to prevent discomfort. The top should be big enough for your little one’s transition to toddlerhood, with drawers galore (storage is key) to hide away all those little bits and bobs.
Glider/rocker: Studies show that rocking a baby to sleep reduces crying and improves sleep quality, and since you’ll spend many a sleepless night rocking away, you’ll want to ensure this one is soft, of great quality, and soundless. Pick one with a stop-lock mechanism for safety reasons — this will prevent the chair from sliding when unused.
Night Buddies: Promote sleep and relaxation with all-soft night light toys from Night Buddies!
Note that you don’t have to splurge on everything initially. The USDA reports that child-rearing expenses are at an all-time high so if you’re looking to save money, prioritize items that your child can grow with for now, and add the rest in when you’re ready.
Don’t Forget to Baby-Proof!
Baby proofing is the cornerstone of a well-designed nursery. Anchor all furniture to the floor and walls to prevent any accidents. Windows are another hazard — avoid blinds for fear of strangulation and keep furniture away from windows in case your little one is a climber. If any windows need to be replaced or repaired, now is the time to call in a pro to make fixes. Search for “window repairs near me” and peruse ratings and reviews from past customers. The average window repair will run you $290.
Other general must-dos: Cover outlets with plastic outlet protectors and place non-slip pads under rugs and carpets to prevent slippage. You’ll definitely want to splurge on a good baby monitor and smoke and carbon monoxide detector, as well.
If you take a little extra time to organize before the little one arrives, you’re set to be in the moment and bond with the baby. Bringing your baby home will be one of the most special moments of your life. Enjoy the joy, laughter, and even tears in your newly designed nursery — you’ve earned it!