How to prepare your baby nursery

Introduction

Prepping your baby nursery can be fun and exciting but it can also feel overwhelming, so our helpful guide is designed to support you through the process.

There’s lots to think about - where do you put the cot? Do you need a changing area? How to baby-proof? If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a list of nursery tips to give you a few ideas on setting up your baby nursery exactly as you want it. The current HSE advice is to have your baby in a cot in your room with you until they’re six months old so there’s no rush, take your time and enjoy the fun bits.

Which room is best for the baby nursery?

Have a think about where your baby will sleep after they move out of your room – will they have a baby nursery to themselves? Or share with siblings? Think about possible distractions, and how you might counteract these – for instance black out blinds could be a good solution if the room is bright, or a white noise machine if the room is next to a busy road. Check it’s well ventilated and consider how hot it gets in summer and how cold in winter. You may also want the room close to your bedroom so that you can hear baby if they cry. Make sure that you use a thermometer to ensure the room temperature is around 18°C. You can even get thermometers that double up as night lights.

Off with the old and on with the new

If your house is old, there are a few extra things to consider when creating your baby nursery:

• Many old houses are painted with lead paints – read the guidance on how to deal with this safely. Remember, if you’re pregnant, this isn’t work you should be doing yourself.

• Old floorboards can be quite creaky, a deep pile rug can help to muffle footsteps so there’s less chance of waking your sleepy little person. It’ll also add a splash of colour, texture and warmth. Failing that, you may need to practice a ‘Mission Impossible’ style silent escape…

• Some baby monitors don’t work through old, solid brick walls – make sure you’ve tested them before they’re needed!

What nursery furniture does baby need?

Before you turn to Pinterest and dream up a beautiful-looking nursery, think pragmatics! Start with the big pieces of furniture you’ll need and go from there.

If you’re buying a new nursery cot, make sure it conforms to BS EN 716-1. This standard ensures that the cot is deep enough to be safe for your baby, and that the slats are the correct width apart. Think about what else you’ll need in the room - If you’re short of space, think multifunctional or folding furniture. Storage benches that double as toy chests and seats are great. If possible, make room for a changing area and a rocking chair so that any long nights are a bit more comfortable. A baby cot top changer is a great space saver too.

Think about how you’ll use the room in the day – do you want a play area? Do you want to use the room for nappy changing? Will the baby nap in the nursery or elsewhere? – as well as in the night.

How to accessorise your baby nursery

Accessories can transform a simple room into a calm, beautiful haven. Here’s a few baby nursery decor ideas:

Night lights. You’ll be surprised how many great options are out there - some can transform a room into a magical galaxy. If you have a favourite lamp it can easily become a night light by swapping the bulb for a night-time bulb.

Key pieces. Think about a focus piece: a bold patterned rug or a cool lampshade. Always bear in mind the mood you want to create when you choose your colours.

Get personal. There are so many companies offering personalised accessories for the nursery, like mobiles, door signs, name banners and even lighting. You could get even more personal by displaying photos or keepsakes from friends and family members.

Need more inspiration? Why not take a look at our preparing baby nursery checklist.

Fancy an eco-friendly baby nursery?

If you want to go eco, here’s a few things to think about.

• Plastic is not fantastic. Toys shouldn’t cost the earth in more ways than one! Plastic toys are cheap but they don’t last and aren’t easily recycled because they can contain chemicals like BPAs which are bad for the environment. Keep an eye out a charity shops or Facebook marketplace for stylish wooden alternatives and look out for organic or eco-friendly brands – they’re popping up everywhere.

• Upcycle furniture. Mass produced furniture made from plywood contains formaldehyde which is linked to headaches, asthma and skin irritation. Buying used furniture or upcycling your old furniture is a great way to save money and the planet too. A bit of paint can turn an old trunk into a brightly coloured toy box or an old chest of drawers into a nappy changing station. Just make sure you’ve thought about safety first - no splinters or sharp edges. It’s also best to avoid buying used cot mattresses, which tend to deteriorate with time.