How to set up the perfect nursery: From crib to Décor Essentials

Creating a nursery involves a consideration of style and functionality. By creating zones in the room for sleeping, changing, and storage, you can create a functional space that makes life easier. This article identifies key safety considerations, sound furniture choices, and design principles to help you create a flexible and safe space that develops with your child. Here’s the ultimate nursery set up guide you will ever need.

How to plan nursery layout: sleep zone, change zone, and storage zone

If you wondering how to set up a nursery there are some easy ways to do it. Planning your nursery layout should not all be about aesthetics and design. It should be as functional as it is beautiful. You can divide your infant’s room into three zones: the Sleep Zone, Change Zone, and Storage Zone.

1. Sleep Zone: The Sleep Zone consists of the crib. It is the place where your baby would sleep and grow. Make sure it is away from the windows, direct drafts, and anything with cords like blinds. This area should be calm and serene. Hang a cot mobile to keep things entertaining for your kid. Also, add calming colours on this side of the wall.

2. Change Zone: This is the area where your kid may not spend a lot of time, but it should be practical for you. Functionality in this area will include accessibility to diapers, changing clothes, wipes and creams. Ensure that it is stocked and tidy.

3. The Storage Zone: Storing a baby’s belongings is one of the biggest tasks. This zone will include clothes, blankets, toys and many other things. This area includes wardrobes, shelves, and storage bins. You can invest in storage pieces that save space and provide convenient storage as your child grows.

Nursery furniture essentials checklist 

Nursery furniture should be designed in such a way that it can grow as your baby grows. A piece of furniture that can only serve as a changing table for a few months may not be an ideal investment, as babies grow fast. So, what should be considered  among nursery essentials? Here’s a nursery furniture checklist that will help you:

1. The Crib: The centrepiece of the room would be the crib. It is also the most important investment you will ever make. Look for a solid wood construction, non-toxic paints and adjustable heights. Also, make sure that it does not have pointy edges but curved edges.

2. The mattress: People mostly rely on major furniture when planning out the nursery. But a mattress is equally important. A very hard mattress may hamper a baby’s sleep, and a very soft one may hamper their growth. Check for firmness in the mattress. Unlike adult mattresses, baby mattresses need to be rigid to support developing bones.

3. The Nursing Chair: While the crib and the mattress are only for the babies. A nursing chair would provide you with space to feed, soothe, and share bonding time with the baby. Look for a glider or a rocker with high back support and comfortable armrests. Also, see the fabric, which is easy to clean, and the design that can later be converted into a reading chair.

4. Smart Storage: Babies' belongings are endless, but they need enough space to store and be fairly organised. So that you don’t have to spend hours finding something. That needs smart storage. Invest in the mix of open and closed drawers. A dresser with a flat top can double as a changing station, saving space. This is where you can involve some creativity, too. Incorporate animal-themed storage to make it look like part of the home décor.

How to choose the right crib or cot: safety standards and mattress fit

The crib or a cot is the place where your baby will spend the most time. This is also the place where you would leave your baby unattended for hours. It must not only be the perfect fit for the baby but also be completely safe. So, you can be assured that you are leaving the baby in safe hands. Follow this as your crib and cot buying guide:

 Look for the Certified Safety. EN-71 certification is the European Standard for Toy Safety. It is applied to the cribs to ensure the materials used, like the paint, varnish, and wood finishes, are of high quality. They are non-toxic and safe for a baby who might chew on the rails. You can also apply the Slat “Soda Can” Test. The bars or slats of the crib should be close enough that your baby cannot slip through or get their head stuck. If you can fit the regular soda can between the two slats, they are too far apart. So, make sure you do the test before buying the crib.
 
The gap between the crib frame and the mattress is a major safety hazard. There should be no more than a two-finger gap between the mattress and the side of the crib. If it is more than two fingers, there is a chance the baby could become trapped.
Also, as the baby grows, the mattress has to adjust accordingly. At the newborn stage, use the highest setting to avoid straining your back. Once your baby starts sitting or pulling up, lower the mattress so the baby doesn’t climb or fall off. Waddle and Roo’s cribs offer automated height adjustments to make this transition effortless.

Safe sleep setup: spacing, bedding, temperature, lighting

Creating a safe and sound sanctuary for your kid to sleep is nothing more than a challenge. There are so many things that you need to take care of. After all, it is the first space they would spend their time in after being born. Let’s understand what would contribute to creating a safe sleep setup for babies.

1. Take care of the spacing.

Leave a lot of space to move around the crib. Similarly, make sure the crib is at least 3ft away from windows, heaters, lamps, or any wall decorations. Keep baby monitor wires and curtain cords out of reach of the crib. Also, position the crib in a well-ventilated area.

2. Bedding should be firm

Layering with quilts and plushies does look cosy, but they are not good for the baby. Instead, keep a firm mattress. Use a tightly fitted bottom sheet. Also, instead of a baby blanket, use a baby sack that can be wrapped around the baby to keep them warm and secure.

3. The Perfect Temperature

A Goldilocks temperature is perfect for the babies. Aim for a room temperature between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. Neither too hot, nor too cold.

4. Lighting for Circadian Rhythm

During the daytime, keep the nursery bright and airy. At night, use the curtains to block the sun and streetlights. Use dim lights for late-night diaper changes.

Nursery decor essentials: shelves, mirrors, frames, and soft furnishings 

You can decorate your kids’ nursery in many ways. Small newborn nursery essentials can add some life to the boring old furniture. Some nursery décor ideas could be as follows:

1. Shelves

Decorative shelves, like Waddle and Roo’s bunny shelves, can add some life to the walls of kids’ rooms. They can also keep things out of their reach.

2. Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the most versatile décor for your kids. They would induce social interactions and creativity among infants. It can serve as a perfect playtime prop when a kid grows up.

3. Frames

Frames with colourful drawings will be perfect for building your kids’ first memories. And filling their room with tiny pieces of their creativity.

4. Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings like the rug, blackout curtains, and decorative cushions can also add personality to your kid’s room.

Small nursery setup ideas for compact rooms and apartments

Some small nursery space ideas to set up a cosy nursery nook for compact rooms and apartments are as follows:

Instead of buying a crib, a changing table, and a desk separately, invest in one furniture piece that converts and transforms as your child grows. You can also use walls as mini libraries or wall hangings to make the room more attractive.

Use small rugs to create a separate area in the room. You can also use mirrors to add depth to the room. Dark paints can make the room feel dark and cramped, but lighter, airier paints can make the room feel spacious and airy.

FAQs

What furniture is essential for setting up a nursery?

A functional nursery revolves around a quality crib with a hard mattress that provides support for growing bones. After the sleeping area, a nursing chair with back support is essential for nursing and bonding. Effective storage systems, like a dresser that converts into a changing station, are useful in accommodating the large number of baby items while making optimal use of the floor space.

How much space do you need for a nursery?

The amount of space needed is determined by your layout plan and not square footage. Although it is always best to have a separate room, a functional nursery area can be created in small apartments by maximizing wall space and using multi-functional furniture. The use of rugs and mirrors can also help to create defined areas in small spaces.

What is the safest place to put a crib in a nursery?

The best place to set up the crib is in a quiet corner of the room and not near the windows, heaters, or direct drafts of air. The crib should be placed at least three feet away from any potential dangers such as lamps, wall hangings, or cords from blinds and baby monitors. This also helps to create space for airflow around the crib.

What should not be placed inside a baby crib?

To ensure a safe sleeping environment, the crib should be kept free from soft materials. Materials like quilts, soft toys, and pillows are considered hazards and should be replaced with a tight-fitting bottom sheet and a baby sack to wear. It is also important to ensure that there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib. 

When should parents start setting up a nursery?

Although the text provided is more technical in nature when it comes to assembly, it is possible to start the process early enough to ensure that all furniture is screened for safety standards. This will give the individual enough time to complete safety tests such as the slat soda can test and ensure that all paints are aired out.