Get Ready for Baby: Nursery Design Tips and Ideas

As your due date gets closer, you’re probably in prime nesting mode—getting the baby’s room or nursery area ready for your new arrival. There are so many things to do, and so many choices and decisions to make from the décor and colors to choosing a boy, girl or neutral theme—the options are endless.  One piece of advice—be sure to pick something you can live with for a few years. 

Work with the space you have, centering everything around the focal point in the room, the baby’s crib.  The changing station, dresser, and rocker/glider should be in close proximity to the crib.  Here are few tips for designing your nursery.

1.  Less is more.

This baby haven will have a lot of action going on. So, it is important that everything can be easily accessed when needed.  Every nursery should have the following three items: a crib, a mattress, and a changing table space. If you have space for a rocker or glider, those do come in handy. Or they can  be in other rooms in the house.

Cribs: After years of recalls and accidental infant deaths, new regulations regarding drop side cribs are on the way. Make sure your crib is safe. Check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s crib information center before you make a purchase. Also, consider a convertible crib, that can turn into a twin or full size bed and be used for many years.

Mattresses: There are two types of mattresses: innerspring and foam.  Innerspring lasts longer, while the foam mattress sheets are easier to take off (there will be a lot of sheet changes), but foam loses it shape fairly quickly.

Changing Table: Besides the crib, this is another space the baby will use frequently throughout the day.  There are two types: stand-alone changing spaces and combination (2-in-1 changing table and dresser)

Other nursery essentials include: diaper pall, baby monitor, rocking chair or glider, portable crib, baby swing, infant seat (bouncer/rocker activity station), baby tub and night light.  Some optional items are: crib bumper, bassinet or cradle and a bedside sleeper.

2.  Consult club mom.
It’s easy to get caught up in the buying frenzy, but so many products are unnecessary and you may want to save your money for diapers. Before you buy, tap into the many online mommy networks to consult with moms and moms-to-be about the products you're interested in. You'll come across the moms who've been there and bought that, and will know a bit more about the brands you're unsure of.

3. Mind these no-no's.

Baby’s safety is a number one priority.  So that means no rough edges, sharp points, small parts, exposed hinges or springs, or attached cords or ribbons.  Also please be sure to double check that all heirloom and gently used furniture comply with the latest safety guidelines. And all baby furnishings should be free of lead paint, have sturdy non-tip construction, smooth edges with rounded corners and safety restraints.