Baby Nursery Decor: From Cribs to Diapers and More

Pregnancy is a busy time, both physically and emotionally, but planning a baby nursery is one of the best parts of expecting. Get your creative juices flowing as you think of design elements and furnishings that will create your baby nursery decor.

Consider which room---Having a room closest to yours will allow you to hear the baby and the convenience of a few steps versus down the hall. Make sure to purchase an audio and/or video monitor for 'piece of mind'. Also remember to set nightlights to guide you in the dark.

Getting the room ready--Paint and new flooring should be done several months before the baby is born, so fumes will be gone before you place your little one in the room. Use low odor (low VOL-volatile organic compounds) paint. Place the crib away from windows and drafts. This brings us to which color and theme; there are so many to choose from. It's nice to have your theme chosen before baby showers are planned; makes it easy for guests to choose gifts.

Your baby's bed will be the focus of your baby's nursery decor. Some mothers start small with a bassinet and then move up to the crib. Others start with the crib and think of ones that convert to a bed as the child grows. No matter which bed you choose, it must meet safety standards and also check for recalls before purchasing.

Other important pieces of furniture would be a dresser, changing table, and rocking chair. The rocking chair is somewhat optional, but such a lifesaver for the mother or person conducting late-night feedings and singing baby to sleep.

Crib bumper pads fit around the inside of the crib to help prevent the baby from hitting his head against the slats of the crib. Make sure to secure these soft cushions by tying the strings to the slats. However, cut the strings as short as possible to prevent a strangulation hazard.

Crib accessories such as quilts and cushions are pretty to look at, however, they pose danger to babies. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported cases of infant suffocation due to these pretty items. Keep it simple! It's best to place the baby in a footed sleeper than covering the infant with a blanket.

Have a good supply of linens, as babies tend to spit up or wet through their diapers. Crib sheets should be tightly and firmly.

Don't forget bath and diapering supplies as you stock up your changing table. Think loads of diapers, towels (for baby's sensitive skin) and washcloths. You will also need baby shampoo, moist wipes, baby wash or recommended soap, diaper rash cream, cotton balls, a baby thermometer, infant nail scissors, and don't forget a diaper pail, whether you use cloth diapers or disposable ones. Your pediatrician can recommend named products to buy.

Set a relaxing mood with a CD player. It is more of a 'want' than need however playing soft music can be very soothing to a baby. Think about lullabies and special CDs that play music that allows Baby to hear sounds of a heartbeat in the background. Newborns find this very 'womb-like' and relaxing.

So enjoy planning your new baby nursery decor and prepare early. There should be no need to worry about running out for last minute items when baby arrives!