One of the easiest ways to ease an overwhelmed mind is to whittle all of the overwhelming elements into only those that are most essential.
When starting to plan for your baby’s nursery, think of the foundation. There are so many little things needed when preparing for baby but there are five main things that will help build the foundation of a nursery that you can then get ready for baby.
#1 Convertible Crib
An adjustable crib should grow from newborn to about three years of age, though my five-year-old just stopped sleeping in the toddler bed that was once her crib.
First children tend to transition sooner to a toddler or “big kid” bed upon the arrival of a little brother or sister. Then, the crib can be used for the new baby. Last babies are the ones who generally use the adjustable crib at every height.
Some cribs can transition into full-size beds that the child could use through high-school. In working with parents for over ten years in helping transition baby rooms to kid rooms, I’ve rarely seen these cribs transitioned to a full adult-size bed. One of two things happens, (1) the bed is so beat up, they don’t want to use it or (2) The parents don’t like the look of the bed when it’s made out to a full bed. It’s not their style.
Most important is to get a bed that will transition for use in the toddler years.
#2 Dresser with Convertible Changing Table Top
A dresser is something that can easily last through childhood.
Dressers that come with a changing table top that can be removed are most functional.
We have used a changing pad on top of a dresser without the top by securing the straps to the back of a dresser that is secured with furniture anchors to the wall, then apply a gripping material underneath the changing table pad to prevent it from sliding.
When the dresser is no longer needed as a changing table, you removed the pad and it is transitioned back to a dresser.
This technique can then be used again with the second + child -or- as many parents will tell you happens with the second child, you can just change them on the surface nearest to you at the time!
Important Tip! Be sure to protect the top of the dresser before placing the changing pad on top as it could possibly scratch the top surface of the dresser.
#3 Rocker/Glider
There’s nothing better than sitting in a dimly lit nursery rocking baby to sleep. The rocker/glider serves a bigger purpose than getting baby (and sometimes mamma and daddy) to sleep. It often becomes the favorite family meeting place for stories and snuggles.
The most sustainable rocker/glider choice is one that is in a neutral color so that it can make its way through each child.
We have had custom gliders created in a fabric that can be moved to another part of the house after the baby rooms become big kid rooms.
#4 Diaper Disposal
This is such a small thing among the foundation pieces, but so nice to have. It falls into that category of a place for everything and everything in its place.
My personal favorite diaper pail is the Ubbi Diaper pail because it keeps the smell in, even without proprietary bags. You can use your plain old kitchen trash bags and the smell will still be contained.
…most smells. You can get some random doozies that no diaper pail can handle but, for that reason, we’re just looking for the best overall performer.
The Dekor hands-free is another popular diaper pail, but it does require its own bags. I’m not big on special trips to the baby store or waiting on an Amazon delivery just to throw a diaper away. Personal preference.
#5 Black-Out Curtains
Often, I see beautiful Instagram photos posted that lack this foundation element but I believe these are a must in a baby’s room.
The good news is that they are so much easier to find now. Overstock and Wayfair have a plethora of options and, of course, there’s always Potter Barn Baby/Kids.
But, what to do if you find curtains you love that don’t have the black out?
An easy trick is to do one of two things:
1.) For curtains with grommets- you can purchase a black-out liner or a coordinating black-out curtain and put the black-out liner or curtain behind the curtains you want to show in the room.
2.) For pocket curtains, you can purchase a double curtain-rod along with a black-out liner or coordinating black out curtain. Place the black-out liner or curtain on the back curtain rod.
Voila! No excuses for a bright room and fussy baby.
And that’s it! If you can decide these five items, you have made great headway in the planning of your nursery.
The next step will be filling in with essentials like a mattress and changing table pad, but those are simple once you have these foundation pieces decided.
Please comment below with your questions or any tips you can offer other expecting parents.
