*Collaborative post.
When you’re welcoming a new member of the family into the home, you want to make sure that you got the right space to welcome them. As such, a lot of parents will spend plenty of time preparing the nursery for their new arrival and there are all sorts of things you might get recommendations to put in there. However, when it comes to finding out which are really essential, that can be a little more difficult. Here, we’re going to look at the must-haves, and why they’re so important.
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A place for change
Think about the tasks you’re going to spend most of your time on when you’re in the nursery. Naturally, you should expect there to be a lot of diaper changing, so you want to make sure that you have the right place to do it. Diaper stations, or changing tables, should be considered a must. They offer an organized space with enough storage to keep all those changing supplies, not to mention a surface at the right height to make sure that you’re not experiencing any discomfort. A lot of people also choose to get a diaper bin or pail, which is temporary storage to hold any dirty diapers after changing. However, the fact is that using these for even a short time can quickly start to smell the place up.
A place for mom and dad
We’re going to be looking at all the different spaces and assets your baby is going to be making use of when in the nursery, but let’s not forget that the parents need a place to chill in there, as well. To that end, there are several options, with the glider and the rocking chair being the most common of them all. The choice is yours as to which you go with, but you need to make sure it’s a comfortable place that allows you to sit and feed your baby without too much hassle. Furthermore, its ability to provide some kind of rocking or light bouncing motion is going to be important when it comes to helping the baby get off to sleep.
Plenty of storage
You are going to find that, especially through those first months, you are going to have more things than you know how to handle. Your baby will be constantly wearing new clothes throughout the year, and then you have toys, bottles, and all other items that you and your baby need. As such, you need to be sure to leave enough room for storage. Open storage containers that are inaccessible to the baby such a sizeable wicker basket, will be the perfect place to keep your most regularly used items, like blankets, bibs, and other feeding or sleeping accessories. Then you should be sure to have a sizeable dresser for the clothes and more infrequently used items as well.
Where your baby sleeps
The most important thing of all is deciding where your baby goes to sleep. Is it better to get them a crib or bassinet? The former is a little more complex than the latter, but the answer really depends on your needs. Younger children may benefit better from an enclosed crib without drop-down sides that could potentially become a hazard if they get loose. Regardless of which one you choose, however, there are a few priorities you need to ensure. Making sure the baby has enough space to sleep comfortably without giving them the room to roll around is number one. Making sure the crib or bassinet is made of quality materials is crucial, too.
The bedding is important, too
On top of the bed, you have to make sure that the bedding you choose is perfectly designed to be both comfortable and temperature appropriate. Firstly, you have to choose the right mattress. The size is the most important factor, and you shouldn’t be able to fit two fingers down the sides. Another hazard is mattresses that are too soft. If the baby rolls over, this can be a real danger. When it comes to choosing bed sheets and the bedding that goes on top, then be sure to make sure they’re specifically designed to be safe for children. Having the baby sleep outside of a blanket, but simply in some sleepwear can eliminate any dangers associated with loose blankets or covers.
Controlling the climate
With the right bedding and sleepwear, your baby should be able to handle most changes in temperature. A good, safe blanket can be more than enough to protect them from the cold. When it starts warming up, however, you have to ensure that you have the means to cool them down. Air circulators or fans for the nursery do much the same thing. Not only will the circulation of cool air help your baby sleep safely and comfortably, but the gentle white noise that they make can also end up helping them sleep, as well. Just make sure that it doesn’t get too cool in there. Keeping it between 68 degrees F and 72 degrees F is where you want to be.
What about a nightlight?
This is an item that parents will go back and forth on endlessly. If you’re buying a nightlight, you need to know why. The majority of babies aren’t afraid of the dark at all. This tends to be a fear that some kids get as they grow up. If they’re crying in a dark room, it’s because they can’t see their parent near them. What a nightlight can do is that it will allow for a little visibility in the nursery without making it too much brighter. As such, if you need to come into the room without disturbing their sleep, it can be good for that. Of course, it can help offer a little visibility so baby can see you if they wake in the night, too.
With the tips above, you should be ready to ensure your child has many a comfortable night in the safety of their nursery,. When it comes to other things like baby monitors, these aren’t as essential but if you would feel more comfortable incorporating them, it’s worth considering.
