Getting Your Nursery Ready
Photo by Lars PlougmannPlanning for your baby’s nursery can be exciting for some mothers. Plans often start when the mother is now definite about her pregnancy. With so many possibilities, decorating your nursery can also be overwhelming. You will be excited over giving the room that playful and cutesy air just for kids… On the other hand, you’ll also be thinking of the practical side of things like a place to change your baby, where to put the crib, and so on. You have to decide on whether to have your walls painted or use wall paper. Don’t think too much on the whole thing all at once. Remember that your baby starts by crawling, and so should you. Take it step by step so you won’t be overwhelmed and confused over the whole preparation.
WHAT DO WE NEED??
Here are some items that most experienced mothers recommend to be placed in the nursery. Most of these items are geared towards comfort and practicality that would help you most during the first years of your baby’s life. If you’re concerned over the safety of the product you’re going to purchase for the baby, look if the company is certified by an independent company that tests if a product is child-friendly like Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association.
FOR BABY
Crib – This will be the world your little one will claim as his own. Do not buy that big crib yet. That would be too overwhelming for someone who’s used to living for 9 months inside a cramped space. If you wish to save money, choose a crib that has an adjustment so you can change the height of the bed as your baby grows. Tip: CRIBS ARE NOT PLACED BY THE WINDOW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. You will have an increased risk of your baby falling when he is able to reach for something that interest him.
Blankets and pillows – some cribs come with blankets when you purchase them. They are mostly to give your crib that aesthetic appeal so you would buy them. It would be best that you purchase a different set, of lighter and softer material to prevent suffocating your child. If you bought a baby swaddle, leave the blanket out. Keep the items in the crib scarce as possible. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is often associated with having too much blankets, stuffed toys, and pillows in the crib.
Crib sheets and waterproof lining – as much as possible, buy the softest crib sheets that you can find that is made with cotton. The waterproof lining placed beneath the crib sheet will protect the mattress from getting wet from accidental leaks.
Changing table – the height should be just about as high as your belly button. This way you don’t have to strain your back when you’re changing your baby. You may be tempted to change your baby on his adjustable crib, but it would not be a good idea. You may stain the bedding, and your little one may spray while changing. You will then have to go and change the bed, the pillow cases, and even put the mattress out to dry.
Changing mat – this is a rubber lining that can be placed on top of the changing table. You may want to invest on this more than on the changing table. When your baby is around 6-8 months, he will be doing his best to give you a hard time changing. His constant movement will eventually cause the need to change him on the floor to prevent any injury.
Diaper pail – some say it’s a needless extravagance, some say it’s a must. If you have delicate sensibilities, then you may want to invest on a good diaper pail.
CD Player – great for playing those bedtime songs and audio books to help your child sleep.
Baby monitor – you don’t have to worry about not hearing when your baby needs you during the middle of the night or while you’re off doing cooking or doing the dishes.
Shelves and hamper – keep your baby clothes organized so you know which clothes goes where.
Curtains and/or blinds – this can help you regulate the amount of light coming through the window, as well as give you some privacy over nosy neighbors. Choose blinds that don’t have any looping cords to protect your baby from strangulation.
FOR YOU
Rocking chair with foot stool – this will be heaven-sent especially during those late nights when your little one would be fussy. If you have delivered via c-section this is not just a comfort furniture. Standing too long rocking the baby can be quite painful for your incision, and this can help you rock your baby to sleep without straining your sutures. Make sure that you buy one that’s really comfortable and can cradle you and your child safely if you fall asleep while rocking.
WHEN TO START???
This section is deliberately placed at the end. Now that you know what needs to be done, and what you have to spend for, choose the time when to start decorating. For practical reasons (and if you can stand ignoring tradition and superstition) it would be best if you plan for your baby’s nursery once you have been given positive confirmation about your pregnancy. Some parents put off decorating their nursery for superstitious reasons; a belief passed on between generations that can really dampen your zeal in decorating. Still, there are others who disregard the superstition and go on ahead and decorate the nursery. It’s a practical decision for you can spread the expenses through the entire 9 months. Straight decorating cramped in a couple of weeks can put quite a strain in your pocket, leaving you with an incomplete nursery by the time your baby arrives. Now that you know what you need.
The décor of your baby’s nursery is entirely up to you. Do not let the critiques and well-meant suggestions of your friends and family give you problems on how to decorate the room. Remember, the ones who will often be in the nursery will be you and your child. Aim for comfort and stimulation for the two of you so you can enjoy the early (and un-godly) hours that you spent with each other.