A Guide For Mom to Set Up The Nursery
Being pregnant is a special time in a woman’s life. In the last trimester, you start to think about what’s going to happen when you come home with the baby. Do you get a crib? Do you have a bassinet and then get a crib? Where will your baby sleep? What about other necessary items? Will everything fit?
What color to paint the walls and whether or not you want a rocking chair is the easy part. But, setting it up properly may be a little different. Here are a few quick things to think about.
Safety
Without a doubt, this is the most important thing to think about when setting up the nursery and other rooms of the house. It’s also something you shouldn’t scrimp on where money is concerned.
First things first, the crib. Get a new one—no hand-me-downs—that is up to national standards. Make sure the slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (no more than a soda can’s width, and make sure to take off all of the plastic, states Pregnancy.org. There shouldn’t be anything in the bed when you lay your baby down to sleep. No toys, stuffed animals, blankets or pillows, and always lay the baby on its back, says Parents. These are all to prevent suffocating hazards.
Newborn babies grow faster than you could imagine, so ensure that there are plastic coverings on all the electrical sockets. Most new ones come with them built in, but you may want to put your own in, as well. For worried moms, sleepless nights and crawling babies, consider setting up your iPad as a baby monitor. Then, you can check on your baby without getting out of bed at night or monitor their playtime while doing your own chores.
If you decide to paint, great. However, if your home was built before 1978, make sure you don’t have lead-based paint because the renovation could create significant amounts of lead-based paint dust, explains the EPA. If this is the case, make sure to hire a professional who is trained in lead-safe work practices. You also might want to consider low- or no-VOC paints for health and environmental reasons.
Furniture
Not only is the type of furniture important, but where you put them. For the crib, put it close to the door so you can get to your baby quicker and easier. If you get a changing table, put it next to the crib so you don’t have to go very far. If you decide to have a rocking chair, try putting it by the window. However, you might want to think about getting a recliner because it might be a lot more comfortable for long periods of time.
Finally, keep the furniture away from the windows, especially the crib; cords are something you don’t want your baby to learn to grab.
Design
You’re going to need storage−places to put diapers, the diaper bag, the baby clothes, the creams and lotions and all the many, many things a baby needs. Consider baskets, storage centers and toy boxes. Shelves can be nice, but make sure they are nice and sturdy.
For lighting, consider a dimmer switch or nightlight for when you rock your baby to sleep. You also might want to think about good blinds or short curtains to keep the room dark during naptime. This can be a place to have fun with patterns and colors along with a thick, fluffy rug to match.
Overall, give yourself plenty of time to create the effects and ambiance that you want to have when your baby comes home. Don’t settle for these important things because this is a stressful and important time for you and your baby.
