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The news that you’re expecting a baby starts with a lot of excitement. And as the months pass by the excitement keeps growing, especially when you start planning the nursery set up and all the essential supplies you need to purchase before your baby arrives. Holding your baby for the first time is the most beautiful moment in every parent’s lifetime. That’s when you realise you want to make everything right and provide the best care and protection for your child.
As you and your baby will be spending a lot of time in the nursery, you want to make sure it’s soothing, organised and fun, too. For most parents it means matching furniture, possibly fitting a theme, so they opt for transforming the room with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring.
But when it comes to the nursery supplies, things can get complicated a bit as there are many items to choose from. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some ideas that can help you pick the nursery necessities and make things easier for both you and your bundle of joy, especially in the first couple of months.
Baby Nursery’s Essentials
Designing the perfect nursery and filling it with all the items you’ll need to take care of your little one is one of the most important tasks you’ll have as a parent. Take your pick from a variety of nursery supplies and select colours and themes to create a beautiful and safe space for your baby, where they’ll grow day by day, play and take a nap whenever needed. One of the first nursery necessities is a place for your baby to snooze.
A Baby Cot and Mattress
Babies spend a lot of time sleeping. The newborns are usually swaddled and not so mobile, but as they grow, they begin to learn how to roll over and need more space. That’s why t’s important to choose a baby cot and mattress that are safe and easy to clean. Whether you choose a crib or bassinet, your baby’s sleeping spot will most likely be the focal point in the nursery, so you may want to pick the colour carefully.
A cot is a baby to toddler size bed. Make sure to choose one that fits all the safety standards and is easy to adjust in terms of height. This will allow you to lay your baby down gently and adjust it as your baby learns to sit and stand.
A bassinet is used for newborns. It usually has a smaller mattress than a cot and is portable, which makes it a great choice for moving from room to room while keeping a close eye on your baby.
Also, many parents opt for a co-sleeper these days as it’s easy to attach to an adult-size bed and allow you to sleep close to your little one safely. Moreover, it provides easier access to your baby if you’re breastfeeding.
You can choose from different styles and depending on your personal preferences, you can select modern or traditional pieces of furniture or a furniture set. However, make sure the baby bed you choose is sturdy and made of high-quality materials.
Bedding
Baby furniture might be one of the most important nursery essentials, but baby bedding is a necessity for your child’s comfort. Additionally, your choice of bedding can play a big role in the overall look and feel of the nursery. There are a variety of bedding options you can choose from, including crib sheets, bumper pads, pillow, blankets and more.
Baby Dresser
It’s always a good idea to have an organised baby dresser in the nursery. A baby dresser should have at least three drawers for organising diapers, wipes and baby clothes as well as feature compartments for washcloths, socks, bibs and other must-haves. It’s a perfect combination of storage and function, allowing you to change your baby’s clothes with ease, a few times a day.
In your baby’s first year, there will be many dirty diapers and it won’t take long until you become a changing-diapers expert. Instead of buying a changing table, you can add a changing top on the baby dresser, at the perfect height for you.
Rocking Chair
You may not find it a necessity, buy a comfortable rocking chair can be very helpful. Many parents prefer sitting in a rocking chair while feeding and rocking their baby to sleep. Babies are soothed by the rocking motion which helps them fall asleep easily, but also a rocking chair provides a comfortable spot for breastfeeding.
Mobile
Mobiles have been a nursery staple for ages. They help soothe babies to sleep and entertain them while they’re awake. Most mobiles have a music feature, calming nature sounds and moving figurines and some have lights and mirrors as well.
Nightlight
You’ll be making many late-night visits to the nursery and a nightlight can be a very helpful accessory whenever you need to check on your little one. You won’t have to turn on a bright overhead light, instead, you can use a nightlight to guide you in feeding and changing your baby while keeping the light soothing.
How to Create a Beautiful and Functional Nursery for Your Newborn
Consider Functionality
Setting up your baby nursery is a lot of fun when you know what you need. Apart from food, diapers, clothes and furniture, you’ll need to consider functionality to create flow in the room. If you’re working in a small space, you can place furniture against the walls and in the corners as well. Optimal spacing and safety are most important when placing baby furniture and creating a comfortable and convenient nursery.
Make sure the transition to the cot, after feeding or rocking the baby, is as smooth as possible. Also, it’s always a good idea to keep the cot away from the door, so you won’t wake up your baby when you peek in to check on them. Lastly, the cot should be placed away from curtains and draperies where the baby can easily reach, to avoid potential hazards.
Choose Textiles Before Paint
Choosing textile first is a great idea, so you won’t end up finding the perfect bedding or rug only to discover the colour scheme doesn’t match your paint choice.
