Designing a nursery for your upcoming arrival is an exciting part of becoming a parent, but it can also be difficult to decide what you need. Shopping for nursery furniture and décor will depend on your lifestyle, budget and other factors, but most nurseries need a crib, mattress, dresser and changing area—along with some décor to add style. From essential furniture to adorable decorations, let’s take a look at some ideas and tips for setting up a nursery both you and your little one will love.
Convertible Crib
To ensure your baby’s bed will last for years and grow along with him or her, a convertible crib is an excellent investment. With the ability to transform from a crib to a toddler bed to a twin headboard/footboard all in one, convertible beds are money-saving and practical.
If you already have a standard crib for your little one, he or she will still need to move to a larger bed at some point, often between the ages of 2 and 3. Then, you can upgrade to a toddler bed (which uses your existing crib mattress) or go straight to a twin or full bed your child can grow into and use for years. In any case, a side rail can help make the transition into a “big kid bed” a safe and easy one, especially if your child tends to sleep near the edge of the crib or against the crib rails.
Infant Mattress
Extra-firm mattresses are ideal for infants, as they help reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a firm sleep surface. That doesn’t mean you’ll need to buy a new mattress when your little one is ready to transition out of their crib, though. A reversible baby/toddler mattress features an extra-firm side for safe infant sleep, along with a medium-firm side that offers comfort for growing toddlers. Opting for a single mattress that will last through the toddler stage is a great way to save money when you’re setting up your baby’s nursery—and all you’ll have to do is flip the mattress when it’s time to make the switch!
No matter what mattress you choose for your baby, make sure to keep it protected with a waterproof crib mattress protector. From diaper leaks to spit-up to potty training accidents, there are plenty of ways that infants and toddlers can make a mess overnight. A fitted mattress protector wicks moisture and heat away from your baby while they sleep, ensuring they stay comfortable and dry. It also ensures your mattress won’t absorb stains or odors so your child can enjoy a fresh mattress for years to come.
Dresser Kits & Changing Pads
A changing station is an essential component of any baby’s room, but that doesn’t mean you need to take up extra space with a cumbersome changing table. Most wide dressers can be safely converted into changing areas with a stylish dressing kit that creates a secure, dedicated space for your changing pad and diapering supplies.
Décor
Finding the perfect décor for your baby’s room is about striking a balance between what’s adorable and what your little one is likely to enjoy in the future. Unless you’re prepared to fully redecorate in a couple years when your child has different tastes and interests, it’s a good idea to choose at least a few pieces of versatile, stylish décor that your little one can grow with.
- Rug: An area rug is a great place to start. Choose a pattern or color that is timeless but coordinates with your nursery theme, and a material that is comfy and warm on little feet.
- Lighting: You can also choose lighting that your kid is unlikely to outgrow. Statement ceiling lamps or versatile yet colorful table lamps can coordinate with both nursery décor and older kids room décor. Until your little one is older, it’s probably better to avoid floor lamps that can tip over.
- Wall Décor: Add timeless style to your nursery walls with wall décor that you can use for years to come. Floral wall art, mirrors, geometric décor and whimsical pieces are great additions to a baby’s room—and since they’re on the wall, they’ll be safe from little hands!