Creating the Perfect Nursery: Design Tips and Must-Haves
The nursery is where your baby will sleep and where you will spend bleary-eyed early mornings feeding. Here is how to create a space that works beautifully for both of you.
Safety First: The Non-Negotiables
- Crib placement: Away from windows, heaters, and radiators. Use cordless blinds in the nursery
- Furniture stability: Every piece of furniture must be anchored to the wall
- Air quality: Open windows to air out new furniture before baby arrives
The Crib: Choosing Right
- Look for ASTM F1169 compliance (US crib safety standard)
- Slat spacing must be no more than 2-3/8 inches
- Pair with a firm, tight-fitting mattress
Outfit the crib with safe bedding: a fitted sheet only until after 12 months.
The Glider or Nursing Chair
You will spend a significant portion of the first year in this chair. Invest in one that is comfortable for feeding and putting a sleeping baby back down. Look for full back and arm support, wide enough to shift position, and easy-to-clean fabric.
Lighting: The Overlooked Element
- Blackout curtains: Get the darkest curtains you can find
- Dimmable overhead light: Check on your baby without flooding the room with bright light
- Night light: A warm, dim light for nighttime feeds (avoid blue-spectrum light)
Storage: Think About the Future
- A dresser with a changing topper (doubles as change table and clothing storage)
- A small bookshelf at floor level for board books
- Baskets or bins on lower shelves for toys
Color and Atmosphere
- Soft, muted colors are calming: sage green, warm white, dusty blue, soft terracotta
- Avoid highly stimulating patterns directly above the crib
- Natural wood tones add warmth
Nursery Checklist
- Safe crib with firm mattress and fitted sheets
- Comfortable glider or nursing chair
- Blackout curtains
- Dimmable or layered lighting
- White noise machine
- Dresser with changing topper
- All furniture anchored to walls
- Cordless window treatments
- Baby monitor
- Smoke and CO detectors in working order