How to Make a New Baby Room

There are few more exciting times than when expecting a new addition to the family. One of the most important components of preparing for your new addition is making your new baby's room. With a little planning and preparation, you will have a delightful space that is ready to welcome your little one and will provide a cheery space in which to take care of her needs.

Things You'll Need

• Low or zero VOC paint
• Paintbrushes, rollers and trays
• Drop cloths
• Curtains and hardware
• Shelving
• Decorative accessories
• Baby furniture
• Diaper storage
• Noise machines
• Nightlight
• Area rug
• Rocking chair or arm chair

Instructions

Painting

1. Paint your room in the color of your choice. Choose a color that you will enjoy and that you think your baby will enjoy. Use a low or zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paint to avoid introducing any harmful or irritating chemicals into the air of your baby's room. Purchase enough paint to cover the wall area, following the paint label guide to estimate the amount needed.

2. Use inexpensive, disposable drop cloths to protect the floor from paint spatter.

3. Use rollers and paint trays for the bulk of the wall painting, leaving a gap between the wall and ceiling. Trim this final area with the brush.

4. Allow sufficient time for the paint to completely dry.

Decorating

1. Install curtains that complement the paint color.

2. Hang a mobile in a bright or contrasting color above your baby's crib area to stimulate visual development.

3. Place alphabet cards or other brightly colored art on the walls of the room.

4. Install shelves, if desired, to hold books, decorations and stuffed toys.

Furnishing

1. Choose a crib for your baby. Make sure the crib meets safety standards. Cribs are available in many design styles, including traditional, contemporary and modern. You will also need a mattress and bedding to complete your crib.

2. Choose a changing table for your baby room. A changing table provides a comfortable and safe place for the baby during changes. Many tables have drawers or shelves below the changing area to hold diapers, wipes and clothing. Changing tables and cribs are often offered together in complementary design schemes.

3. Purchase an enclosed diaper storage unit for used diapers.

4. Select a soft nightlight, preferably on a dimmer switch, to ease middle-of-the-night changes.

5. Place a complementary area rug in the room if there is a hard floor. This will be warmer on feet, and will provide a soft cushion for your baby when he begins to crawl.

6. Include a rocking chair or arm chair in the room for helping to rock baby to sleep or for nursing your baby comfortably.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan your color choices ahead of time so you can be on the lookout for individual items when shopping. Don't be afraid to mix furniture of different designs and colors. Leave enough time to complete the room ahead of your due date.

• Make sure all furniture you select meets current safety standards and is assembled according to the directions, using all enclosed hardware. If you have exposed outlets in the room, use outlet covers. Install any wall shelves with heavy-duty hardware to ensure they will hold many times the load you will actually place on them. If you are unsure, obtain the advice of a licensed contractor. Place objects back from front edges of surfaces so that the baby will not reach and pull them down.