Setting up the nursery for your impending arrival is an exciting time. While you want it to look great, you also want it to be a calm and functional space that works for both you and your baby.
There are so many baby products available that it can be a bit of a headache deciding what is a necessity and what is a nice to have – so we have done the thinking for you!
Sweet sleep spot
The most important thing in the nursery is the cot or bassinet! After all, that’s where you hope your baby will be spending a lot of happy sleep time.
A bassinet is smaller than a cot and generally only fits babies up to around six months old. The benefit of a bassinet is that it’s easy to move from room to room if necessary. You can start with a bassinet or just go straight to a cot.
Depending on size, your baby will be able to stay in their cot until around 2-3 years old. Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed which extends their life even further.
In New Zealand, all cots sold must comply with the safety requirements of the National Standard AS/NZS 2172:2003 (with amendments).
Change it up
A change table is not theoretically an essential although many parents will argue that it is. A change table means that the regular nappy changes you will be doing are done at a comfortable height and everything you need (including a change of clothes for the inevitable poonami!) can be stored underneath within easy reach. If the change table is on wheels, you can move it to where the action is – for example, the bathroom at bath time.
If a change table is not in your plans, a padded, wipeable change mat is an ideal alternative.
Sitting down
A comfy chair in your nursery can be a real life saver. Perfect for feeding and soothing especially during night feeds or when your baby is unsettled. Ensure the chair is wide enough to give your arms room to cradle your baby, especially useful if you are breastfeeding.
The chair will become the perfect spot for a bedtime story as your child grows.
Side table and lamp
Complement your chair with a side table that can hold your bits and bobs such as your phone and a water bottle, plus a lamp for some gentle lighting.
Storage
The saying ‘you can never have too much storage’ holds true in a nursery. Even though you start with a few tiny items, your baby will no doubt quickly accumulate all sorts of extra bedding, clothes, books, toys and equipment.
A solid chest of drawers is a great place to start as you can store clothes and bedding in there easily while cute knick-knacks can go on the top.
At first you can pop books in between bookends on top of the drawers too but soon enough you will likely need a bookcase.
Finally, add some shelves up nice and high away from enquiring fingers to hold precious gifts and keepsakes.
See more:
This article was written for Kidspot New Zealand with information supplied by Farmers.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.