How to Furnish a Nursery

Among the first tasks to complete before the baby comes are creating and furnishing a nursery for your little one. There are lots of items you will need and it may take some time to acquire them all or determine what you need, but with a little work you can bring it all together in time.

Things You'll Need

• Crib
• Changing table
• Rocking chair
• Themed decorations
• Diaper trash can

Instructions

1. Choose a theme or color scheme for the room. This is usually done after the sex of the baby has been determined, if you choose to know this in advance. Pick something fairly common so it's easier to match and coordinate things. Paint the room as needed.

2. Shop for a crib. It's the most important piece of furniture your baby will have in the home because it is meant to last for several years and he will spend a lot of time in it. Find one that is comfortable, easy to use (lifting and lowering the railing), sturdy and large enough for the child as he grows over the next few years.

3. Choose a changing table. Look for something that fits your theme or color scheme and has several drawers or compartments. This is where you'll be able to store diapers, baby powder and other changing necessities. Find a trash can you are comfortable with taking out and using for dirty diapers. You will likely want something sealed because of dirty diapers' foul smell.

4. Buy a rocking chair and put it in a corner where you have easy access to blankets, books and such. The chair is great for being able to rock a baby to sleep and calm her down.

5. Decide whether you want an armoire, chest, drawers or other furnishing to store all the baby's items. Find toys and decorations that fit the theme to complement the room.

Tips & Warnings

• Register for items for your baby shower so you can be sure everything will fit your design layout and decor as you want it to.

• Don't wait until the last minute, because you will have so many other things on your mind as the delivery date nears.