One of the most FUN aspects of pregnancy, besides growing a baby, feeling their movements and hiccups, choosing a name, registering for baby items and having a baby shower is setting up the nursery. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or daunting, make it FUN! Choosing themes, picking colors, building furniture or just unboxing it and setting it all up makes it finally feel real.
There is no specified time to begin setting the nursery up. Do it when you: feel ready, have the furniture, help is in town or wait till after the baby arrives and you see what you really want and need. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “room sharing because it can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% and is much safer than bed sharing. In addition, room sharing will make it easier for you to feed, comfort, and watch your baby. Room share—keep baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep for the first 6 months or, ideally, for the first year. Place your baby’s crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard in your bedroom, close to your bed.”(https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx)
No matter the size of your house, your room or your child’s room, you can make the space work. Some families start with their baby(ies) in a bassinet or pack n play right next to their bed and some families choose to place their baby in the crib the first night home. The choice is ultimately what works best for you!
The main three pieces of furniture in the nursery are typically the crib, changing table and a chair, rocker or glider. Think long term if you’d like your furniture to grow with your child. Here are some easy and helpful hints for setting up the nursery:
Crib check out safety requirements at (https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Full-Size-Baby-Cribs_
- Placed near the door for visual purposes
- Away from windows (screen safety, drapes and window blind cords)
- Placed near or on an inside wall, outside walls can be cold or drafty
- Away from electrical outlets, hanging shelves or under a vent (blows directly on baby)
- Firm, fitted mattress, no bumpers, toys, blankets, etc
- Mobiles need to be high enough and should be removed once baby can push up on hands and knees or can sit up
Changing table/dresser (not an absolute necessity if space doesn’t allow)
- Secured to the wall with furniture straps
- Sturdy and stable base
- Use concave shaped changing pad with straps and always keep a hand on the child
- Keep diapers, wipes, and other items nearby but out of reach of child
Chair, Rocking chair or Glider (not a necessity if space doesn’t allow)
- Wide seat base (comfortably fits your body, baby and a nursing pillow)
- Padded arm rests
- If glider or rocker make sure to have a STOP LOCK mechanism when not in use
Super easy set up. Top it off with a night light (that does not get hot to touch) so you can see for middle of the night feedings and wake times. Make sure all area rugs have non slip pads underneath them, cover all electrical outlets, make sure you have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in the nursery and throughout the house, if you have a toy box (make sure it has spring loaded support or safe hinges as not to pinch tiny fingers) and use furniture straps to secure ALL tall and heavy furniture (dressers, changing tables, bookshelves, etc).
For more helpful tips, tricks and hints, call Colleen at Your Family’s Journey at 520-440-8446 for all your postpartum and breastfeeding needs. If you’d like further information, feel free to check out her website at www.yourfamilysjourney.com