Designing your nursery in just 7 steps


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The decisions that come along with having a baby and raising a tiny human are endless. But there’s one thing that can be, dare we say, quite easy and even a lot of fun: creating a nursery. Don’t believe it? Read on.

The most important thing you can do in creating a nursery is to design a space that makes you smile, relax and enjoy. After all, you’re going to be spending A LOT of time in the room. During those 3am feedings, you’ll want a comfy place to sit and something pretty to look at, other than your beautiful, albeit temperamental, newborn.

Step 1: The crib

You should consider the crib to be one place it’s worth investing some money. A lot of moms will think it’s a temporary item, but many children sleep in their cribs for three or more years.

Be sure that any crib you purchase meets the latest US safety standards, as some vintage or hand-me-down cribs might not be considered safe any longer.

Step 2: Crib bedding

When you’re thinking about theme or color palette, baby bedding is a great place to start. Take a look at the wonderfully colorful bedding from our partners at The Land of Nod to get some inspiration from their artist-designed collection.

Be sure to stock up on fitted crib sheets, likely five or more, as you’ll be washing and replacing them a lot. Having a variety of colors can be a nice way to change up the look of your nursery from time to time.

Be sure to pick bedding that’s soft to the touch and 100% cotton to keep your baby’s sensitive skin happy throughout the night.

Step 3: Changing table

There’s no avoiding it – where there’s a baby, the are dirty diapers. You can make the experience of dealing with them a lot more pleasant by choosing the right changing table or changing top.

  • Changing table: If you have a lot of room in your nursery, a freestanding changing table might be the right choice. Be sure to choose something that you can repurpose once your baby is potty trained. Will it be toy storage? A bookcase? A media center? Seriously, if you can’t envision it living in your home it isn’t worth the investment.
  • Changing Table Topper: This is a great option if you have limited space. It can affix to the top of any dresser, just be sure you’ve got a dresser that’s a comfortable height.

Step 4: Your nursery chair

A comfortable place to sit is a gift you’ll give yourself time and again during those early months. It’s a place you’ll use for feeding, for playing, for cuddling, for coaxing to sleep, and just about everything else. Here’s what to look for in a nursery chair:

  • Rock or glide: Take a look at some rocking chairs and a few gliders from The Land of Nod to decide what style you’d like to go with. One thing is for sure, you’ll want a chair that provides some motion.
  • Cleans up: Pick a fabric that cleans easily and will hold up to a lot of use.
  • Foot rests: For many moms, a matching, rocking ottoman to put your tired feet up on is more than a luxury, it’s a necessity!
  • An heirloom: If you have the budget, choose a high-quality chair that can live in your home for a long time to come. Maybe even one that could get passed down to grandkids? Too soon?

Step 5: Storage

Your storage solutions should be all about transitioning as your child grows. Open bin storage that’s great for blankets and gear now can easily become a toy box or clothes hamper later. Small bins can turn a bookshelf into a temporary storage solution, and large floor bins or fashionable wall shelves will always be useful.

Consider a hanging closet storage solution for your nursery. After all, hangers aren’t exactly useful for maximizing space when storing tiny baby clothes!

Step 6: Decor

Notice that this is a late step, because finding the functional pieces for your nursery is the best way to start. Then it’s time to add some personality.

  • A rug can be a great accent piece. If you have wood flooring, choose a plush or shag rug for cushioning. If you have carpet, opt for a flat weave construction. Just be sure that whatever you choose it is easy to spot clean.
  • Consider blackout shades or curtains with a built in blackout liner. If you have a small space, think about roman shades or short tailored panels that will add less bulk.
  • Fill the space with decor that makes you happy – your nursery doesn’t have to scream “baby.” Decorate around heirlooms, choose a theme, go minimalist, do whatever so long as you’re comfortable.

Step 7: Ask for help

If you’re still struggling for a place to start, have some questions you’re not sure who to ask, or are hunting for the perfect piece to complete your nursery, it might be time for a complimentary consultation with a design expert.

Our partners at The Land of Nod offer design services to help you set up your nursery. Their experts will work with your existing furniture and decor and suggest products that might be a good fit, and not just Land of Nod products either!

It’s a great service that can help you stay within your budget while still building your dream nursery. Tap the button below and fill out their design questionnaire to get started.


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