With a little one on the way, your mind instantly thinks of all the baby essentials you need to stock up on. There are clothes, bottles, wipes, and plenty of diapers, but all these things don’t account for where the baby will go. It’s time to design a nursery, but you have no idea where to start. But getting your nursery in order before the baby arrives doesn’t have to be overwhelming or cost a fortune if you follow these tips.
Paint Swatches Galore
One of the biggest and most difficult decisions you’ll make regarding the nursery is settling on a paint color. Before you begin testing colors, it is best to have your bedding and furniture picked out so that you can match it. Then, start by assessing the room, including the size and lighting. Dark colors tend to absorb light, while lighter colors make a room feel bigger and brighter. Consider sticking to a neutral color scheme and adding pops of color via an accent wall, décor, bedding fabric, and curtains. Keep in mind that as your child gets older, that bright pink might not be their favorite, so sticking to a neutral color will make it easier to change the room to match their style and preferences. Save money by getting paint swatches and samples to test. Depending on the season and the store, you can even find deals or promotions that help you save money you can put toward baby’s college education.
Be Thrifty
You want your baby to have the best, but there’s no need to break the bank when putting together the nursery. You’ll be spending a lot on food, diapers, and clothes, so any way you can save is crucial. Start by putting out feelers online or with fellow parents to see if they are looking to part ways with baby gear, and consider checking out yard sales and second-hand stores for items you can turn into a budget-friendly DIY project. Sometimes all you’ll need is a coat of paint or new fabric to make a dresser or rocking chair like new. Be sure to keep an eye out for deals before you make any big purchases. Stores like Buy Buy Baby, Target, and Amazon are an amazing resource for nursery items, and you’ll find plenty of savings and discount opportunities.
Make It Grow With Your Child
As you design your nursery, remember that the best way to keep it budget-friendly is to ensure the nursery grows with your child. Infants don’t have much say in the matter, but toddlers and kindergarteners develop a voice of their own, and with it comes personality, style, and a sudden dislike of the safari animals painted on the wall. Choose décor that can be easily replaced such as wall decals, rugs, curtains, and wall art. Opt for furniture that is convertible. For example, many cribs transition into a toddler bed, and a dresser can be turned into a changing table by adding a foam pad. You can also opt for smaller furniture (such as mini-cribs) so that you can easily swap things out or move them around as needed.
Safety is a Priority
Don’t get so caught up in the fun of decorating that you forget to ensure the nursery is a safe space for your baby. Any furniture that can easily be pulled over such as dressers and changing tables should be secured to the wall, in addition to any other top-heavy furniture throughout your home. Be mindful of hanging décor that can be easily pulled down including curtains/blinds. The crib might seem safe enough, but as a good rule of thumb, the only thing that should go in the crib is your little one. Crib bumpers, blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals pose a risk for suffocation and entrapment. Other baby-proofing steps to take are covering outlets and sharp corners as well as double-checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. For extra peace of mind and to ensure your baby is sleeping soundly rather than getting into mischief, invest in a baby monitor. Some even come with two-way audio, temperature readers, and breathing monitors.
Getting ready to welcome a new baby takes a lot of hard work, and preparing the nursery is just one of many things on your to-do list. Make things simple and budget-friendly by choosing paint colors, furniture, and décor that will grow with your child. Most importantly, baby-proof your nursery for safety and security. Then, take a deep breath and get ready for the most exciting adventure yet.
by Erin Reynolds