How To

How to Set Up a Baby Nursery

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(19 Ratings)

Nursery decoration themes and color schemes are up to you, of course, but here are some basic guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable nursery.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Set up a crib. Make sure the crib meets safety standards - bars should not be wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the frame. Look for a crib with railers that lower so you can pick up the baby easily.

  2. Step 2

    Get a mattress and linens for the crib. Make sure the mattress is firm and fits the crib snugly.

  3. Step 3

    Consider purchasing a bassinet for newborns, who often like the cozy fit.

  4. Step 4

    Set up a changing table with a pad cover. Make sure the changing table has a safety belt and a guardrail to protect your baby.

  5. Step 5

    Stock the changing table with clean diapers, baby powder and baby creams within easy reach. Keep a lidded garbage can and a laundry hamper close to the changing table for easy access.

  6. Step 6

    Include a soft night-light in the nursery. Bright lights can leave baby wide-awake after midnight feedings.

  7. Step 7

    Hang a mobile over the crib to keep baby stimulated.

  8. Step 8

    Decorate the nursery with favorite photos, quilts, stuffed animals (outside of the crib) and special family mementos.

  9. Step 9

    Stock up on baby coat hangers for fancier baby attire. Adult hangers might rip the tiny outfits.

  10. Step 10

    Consider a glider as a worthwhile investment for the nursery. A glider is safer than a rocking chair because it doesn't have runners, which can pose a hazard to youngsters once they begin to crawl. Even after baby outgrows the nursery, a glider will be useful for bedtime readings.

Tips & Warnings
  • If the gender of the baby is unknown when you're setting up the nursery, yellow and green are good neutral colors. Whatever you choose, keep the colors soft and soothing.
  • Consider painting the walls with stencils of farm animals, flowers, clouds or whatever you'd like.
  • Pillows, stuffed animals, toys or thick comforters in baby's crib pose a choking hazard.
  • Keep baby within reach at all times when on the changing table. Accidents can happen within a matter of seconds.

Comments  

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 It's hard not to get caught up in the cute theme of bedding, etc, but stick to a simple decor & add simple personal touches. I made the mistake of buying the whole crib set, lamp, border paper, & wall hangings & know my son will outgrow this way too soon.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I bought everything secondhand -and bought all the linens at Target! The entire nursery costed me $300! Remember they only stay young for 2 years.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Borders are a fun and inexpensive way to decorate your babies nursery. They come in many patterns and can easily be removed when your child becomes a toddler and changed to a new fun pattern.

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