Maintaining the family home is a lot easier when you ensure that everyone has the space required for all of their needs, including your youngest additions ot the family. As such, here, we’re going to look at everything you should consider for your baby’s nursery.
Don’t Underestimate Your Storage Needs
As small as they might be, you may make the mistake of assuming that your baby’s room isn’t going to need a whole lot of storage. However, besides their clothes, their gear and supplies can quickly take up a ton of space. A well-stocked nursery should use clever storage, such as a mix of open shelving for quick access and closed storage for less attractive necessities. Use labeled bins or baskets for categories like clothes, toys, and linens so that you can reach them quickly when you need them. A laundry hamper can be a great choice for quickly picking up items that you can’t sort just yet, helping to keep the area tidy and safe.
A Safe, Comfortable Place To Sleep
Make sure that you have a comfortable, safe place to sleep at the ready. Your choice of bed matters a lot. There are many different types of cribs available, but if you’re looking for a long-term investment, you might want to consider a Newton Galileo Convertible Crib that starts as a crib for your newborn, converts to a toddler bed as they grow, and later transforms into a daybed. Aside from the crib itself, you need a firm, well-fitted mattress that’s stable and comfortable, alongside soft, fitted sheets that are breathable and safe. Loose blankets, pillows, and toys in the bed are a no-no for now, as they can be a safety risk.
A Good Changing Station
While you may learn to change your baby’s diapers wherever and whenever, having a dedicated changing station can help you practice and have a comfortable space at the ready whenever you’re in the nursery. It can also make diaper duty much better organized and more efficient. Whether it’s a standalone changing table or a dresser with a secure topper, make sure it’s sturdy and at a comfortable height for you. Stock it with diapers, wipes, creams, and extra clothes within easy reach, so you can keep one hand on your baby at all times. If you want to keep cleanup as easy and quick as possible, consider investing in a waterproof changing pad to use on top of the changing station, as well.
A Place To Feed
While your baby might be ready and willing to eat wherever they are, having a good feeding spot in the nursery can save a lot of time, ensure your comfort, and make night feeding much more convenient. Equip your nursery with a supportive chair or glider, preferably one that provides arm rests so that you’re able to settle in and get into a comfortable position without those extended sessions starting ot strain on you. You should add a small side table for bottles, burp cloths, or your water bottle, and a soft nightlight to avoid harsh lighting. A footstool can also help with posture during longer feeds, especially for breastfeeding mothers. Your comfort is the priority when creating a feeding area.
The Right Lighting Options
A nursery is primarily for sleeping, so everything should be designed with that in mind, including the lighting. Bright main lighting is important when you need visibility, whether it’s for cleaning up or playing with your baby. However, soft, dimmable lamps and plug-in nightlights can be a lot more useful when it comes to taking care of their needs at night. If you’re changing them in the evening or doing a nighttime feed, then you want to be able to do without stimulating them as best as possible. A nice warm light temperature lamp and blackout blinds or curtains can create a cozy ambience and create the best spot for naps, no matter the time of day.
The Safety Essentials
A well-stocked nursery includes safety considerations from day one. Cover outlets with safety plugs, secure furniture to walls, and keep cords out of reach. There are some debates over whether it really offers peace of mind or encourages hyper-awareness, but you may want to at least consider a baby monitor that allows you to keep an eye (or at least an ear) on your little one when you’re not in the room. If your nursery has windows, then be sure that you use cordless blinds or, at the very least, safety clips to keep those dangerous cords out of the way. Lastly, be sure to check your crib regularly for any loose crews or parts. Prioritizing your baby’s safety means that you can rest assured that the nursery is the best place for them to be.
A Personal Touch
Although your baby might not notice the decor of the area too much, creating a nursery that feels warm and welcoming changes how you approach it, which affects how you feel and carry yourself in the space. If you feel comfortable, safe, and warm, then your baby is likely to feel that, as well. For that reason, choose colors, wall art, or décor that reflects your style and creates a calm, happy atmosphere. Consider a few sentimental items, like a family photo or decorative heirloom quilt that you can hang up for those warm, happy vibes. Your nursery needs to be a place that you’re happy to spend hours of your day.
With a space that’s perfectly designed to suit their growing needs, you’re going to be able to take care of your baby much more effectively in their nursery rather than having baby stuff eat up more and more of the home. Just be prepared for those needs to evolve rapidly as those first few years of growth come quickly.
