Nursery

Every nursery needs a few essential items to function and keep the baby and parents comfortable. 

Start by choosing a crib or bassinet for the baby to sleep in. Look for furniture that meets federal safety requirements established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. You’ll also need a crib mattress specifically designed for infants. 

Add a cozy armchair or rocking chair across from the crib. This will give you a comfortable place to sit for late-night feedings and bedtime stories. A rocking chair can also help you relax and soothe your baby back to sleep. 

A changing table is another staple item for the nursery. Choose a changing table with a railing and safety strap to keep the baby secure during diaper changes. Many changing tables also come with convenient drawers to store diapers, wipes, and other accessories. 

Picking a theme is the easiest way to design a nursery. This strategy allows you to choose matching decor and create a soothing atmosphere for your baby. 

Begin by researching popular nursery themes and see if any of them resonate with you. For example, a nature theme allows you to bring the serenity of the forest into the nursery. This style often incorporates live plants, soft brown tones, and natural materials like bamboo. Other memorable themes include floral, outer space, ocean, or rainbow. 

You can also design a unique theme by mixing and matching cozy elements. For example, you could choose traditional white furniture and paint the walls with a soft pastel. Layer in different textures with a luxurious wool rug, soft throw pillows for the rocking chair, wicker baskets, and other decorations. 

Finally, include furniture and decor that you can adapt as your baby grows. For instance, a neutral wooden dresser can store clothing and toys throughout childhood. You can also choose a convertible crib instead of buying a separate toddler bed later. 

Choosing the right furniture and decor can help you make the most of a small nursery. 

Multipurpose furniture can save space and minimize clutter. Many cribs have built-in drawers on the bottom to store clothes, toys, and other essential objects. You can also add a removable changing table topper to a dresser instead of buying two separate pieces of furniture. This versatile furniture improves organization without making the nursery feel cramped. 

Take advantage of vertical space by adding storage items and decor to the walls. For example, you can install floating shelves to display family photos, picture books, and toys. Use a pegboard to organize small items, such as baskets filled with diapers and socks. 

The backs of doors can provide extra storage space. Hang a plastic organizer for baby shoes, bibs, and other essentials on the closet door. You can also add over-the-door hooks for bags, clothing, and towels. These storage solutions will help you organize your baby’s items without sacrificing floor space.