While the nursery is technically
the baby’s room, parents/caregivers spend a lot of time there – rocking,
nursing, singing, changing, playing, pleading – for the first year or two. When
putting together your list of “Must-Haves” for the nursery, remember to make it
a practical space that you’ll be comfortable in, and one that will be adaptable
as your child grows.
The Crib. As the centerpiece of the room, this is one of your
most important purchases. Before you choose a crib, think about having to buy
multiple beds in the future. (i.e. Crib, then toddler bed, then twin.) Consider
a convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed
headboard. Buying a convertible crib might save you money in the long run.
A Mattress.
While you don’t have to spend a fortune, make sure you get one that’s
comfortable and sturdy. A good crib
mattress should last though several children, withstand lots of scrubbing, and
eventually fit into a toddler bed.
Crib Sheets. The American Academy of
Pediatrics advises having no bedding (i.e. bumpers or pillows) in the
crib, so you’ll just be buying fitted crib sheets. Buy multiples, and make sure they’re durable
because you’ll be washing them a lot! If you can’t resist buying a bedding set
to use later, you can use the quilt/comforter as a wall hanging until the baby
is old enough.
A Glider/Rocker. You may think they’re old fashioned, but you’ll want a rocking chair. Trust
us, at 3 am, you’ll be glad to have someplace comfy to nurse. And most babies
really do like being rocked to sleep. Go with something simple and classic that
you won’t mind having around the house after baby grows up.
A Dresser. Save
yourself some money and forego buying a changing table. Instead, invest in a
medium-height dresser that can double as a changing table. (Just add a plush
changing mat to the top.) The top drawer can store diapers & supplies. Test
out the drawers and make sure they slide easily, because putting laundry away
is tedious enough without having to wrestle the drawers open all the time.
Storage. Despite their deceptively small size, there never seems
to be enough storage for all the baby’s odds and ends. Incorporate shelving,
baskets and/or drawers to contain the chaos. Check out local crafts supply
stores & discount stores for cheap and adaptable storage solutions.
Decoration.
It’s so easy to personalize your baby’s room today. From appliques and murals, to monogramed toys
and sibling artwork, you can create a nursery that’s original and interesting
but not overly fussy.
A Monitor. You’ll have a love/hate relationship with this
machine. Constant surveillance isn’t necessary, but if you’re sleeping, doing
laundry or are otherwise out of earshot, a monitor of some kind can be a
blessing.
A Night-Light. Get one that generates
enough light so you can see to nurse or change diapers in the middle of the
night, but not so much that it wakes up or stimulates your little one into
thinking it’s time to play.
A White Noise Machine. White noise can have a
calming effect on babies. Some white noise machines come with preset types of
noises, or you can also just use your old boom box and purchase a few white
noise CDs to put on repeat.
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