As you count the days until your little one’s arrival, there are a few things you want to make sure are absolutely in order by then. Your baby’s room is a fun project and, if you have some big plans, can be quite an undertaking.

While you think of how beautiful it’s going to be, don’t forget that it needs to be practical, efficient, and, most of all, safe.

Follow these tips to create that lovely nest you want:

    Decorate with Care

• Start with a concept or theme. It does not have to be something grand or extremely ambitious, but you’d want a guidepost to how you will pull all the elements together.
  
• Choose your color palette. Consider how color affects us and opt for a soothing set of hues. Subdued, muted, pale and pastel shades are the usual choices to create a relaxing space.
  
• Select your fabric and textiles first before settling on your paint. It’s easier to create your color scheme around available curtains and beddings and select the paint to match after.
  
• Look up! Your baby will spend a lot of his time on his back and what does he see? The ceiling! Consider adding a little something to the ceiling for your baby. A decal, decoupage, or even some pattern with paint. Whatever it is, keep it calm and simple—do not put anything that will overstimulate the child.
  
• Choose a focal point for your room, be it the crib or a signature piece, and arrange the furniture and accessories around it.

    Mind your Budget

• If you’re not careful, your expenses can rack up. Do you want to be chic but keeping it low key or do you plan to go all out and splurge? Whatever it is, have a plan and stick to it.
  
• Keep in mind who’ll need it to work well for: you! You’ll be the one who will need a functioning space and something that you will enjoy using—especially when feeding in the wee hours of the morning.
  
• Have a splurge vs save plan. As long as you meet safety standards, you can be creative in ways to make the nursery the way you envision it, without blowing the bank.

    Invest in Safe Materials

• Choose VOC-free paint, which is free of toxic fumes.
  
• Forego carpeting if possible as they can harbor dust mites and allergens. If the room already has one, make sure to give it a thorough cleaning and sanitizing. Just avoid carpet made of synthetic fibers that may have toxic chemicals.
  
• You can consider organic bedding or try to find trustworthy makers of toxic free mattresses (check for certifications). To be sure, air out your new mattress for as long as possible before putting it in your nursery.
  
• If you can afford it, opt for solid wood and avoid pressed-wood products (such as plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard) which often contains formaldehyde, a carcinogen linked to headaches, asthma and skin irritation. Otherwise, seek out stores that sell furniture with that are certified as “low formaldehyde” or formaldehyde-free.” 

    Study Your Sleeping Arrangements

• If buying a crib, ensure that it is up to standards: choose fixed sides (instead of drop-sides, that can cause accidents), make sure crib slats are no further than 2 3/8 inches apart, corner post no longer than 1/16 inch.
  
• Choose a crib mattress that is firm and fits the crib snugly—otherwise your baby risks being trapped between the crib frame and mattress side.
  
• If co-sleeping (i.e. bedsharing), use mesh guardrails—make sure they are designed for infants, not older children—to prevent your baby from rolling off the bed. Check that there is no space between the mattress and headboard or footboard. If you are pushing your bed beside a wall, make sure there is no gap in between. Make sure that your fitted sheets cannot be pulled loose.
  
• You can consider using a co-sleeper, like a sidecar-type  crib or cradle that attaches or sits beside your bed.

    Design Your Nursing Setup

• No matter how you choose to feed your baby, you’d like a space to make your feeding time special and comfortable.
  
• If you’re breastfeeding, a practical nursing chair is a worthwhile expense. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be able to support you in your feeding position. Choose one with wide padded arm rests and comfortable back support. If you choose a recliner, make sure you can handle it easily even with a baby in your arms.
  
• Make sure you have a place for everything you need close at hand. For the baby, you’ll need an area for items like baby-safe hand sanitizer, nursing pads, nipple cream, burp cloths, and paper towels. For you, you’ll want to have space for a glass of water, some snacks, even a book or your phone.
  
• If you’re co-sleeping, design your sleeping space so you can feed your baby in bed while having everything you need within reach.

    Consider your lighting

• Control natural light with curtains or blinds. As your baby needs to sleep for hours during the day, keeping the room dark and cool can help him rest longer. Blackout curtains or heavy blinds work well, and can even block the heat from the sun. Make sure they are properly installed and are free from embellishments and other safety hazards.
  
• Choose soft lighting; it reduces the contrast between light and dark, preventing overstimulating your baby.
  
• Avoid open fixtures, especially if it’s going to be right on top of your baby.
  
• If the budget permits, install a dimmer. Some parents use this as part of the bedtime routine to help the baby wind down and sleep. It’s also a handy device for late-night feedings and diaper changes.
  
• Add a night light for a cozy glow and to help you with the night feedings.

    Don’t forget storage

• Your baby is tiny but he will need a lot of stuff! Get creative with ways to organize his items by finding efficient ways to manage your nursery space.
  
• Choose storage systems that you can use as your baby’s needs change and grow.

    Stock up on necessities

• Purchase all diapers, wipes, lotions, and ointments well ahead of baby's arrival.
  
• Place them within easy reach so that you can get them without taking your hand off your baby.

    Babyproof

• In a few short months, your baby will be sitting, crawling, walking; also pulling, tugging, climbing, pushing. Don’t wait until such time to make your baby’s space safe for exploration.
  
• Cover electrical outlets and tuck away cords.
  
• Anchor down any furniture that could pose a threat—nail them to the wall securely. Remove anything that can topple, like floor lamps.
  
• Place anti-slip strips under rugs.
  
• Check for and eliminate potential choking hazards.
  
• Place all medicines, ointments, etc. out of baby's reach

SOURCES:

How to Design a Nursery: Dos and Don’ts

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-design-a-nursery-2504852

How to Design a Beautiful Nursery on a Budget

https://www.thespruce.com/designing-beautiful-nursery-on-a-budget-2504881

Checklist for Safe Co-Sleeping

https://www.verywellfamily.com/checklist-for-safe-co-sleeping-290328

Co-sleeping: Making It Safe

https://elizabethpantley.com/co-sleeping-safety-tips/

As you count the days until your little one’s arrival, there are a few things you want to make sure are absolutely in order by then. Your baby’s room is a fun project and, if you have some big plans, can be quite an undertaking.

While you think of how beautiful it’s going to be, don’t forget that it needs to be practical, efficient, and, most of all, safe.