5 Tips to Transform a Room Into a Nursery

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One of the first priorities for expectant parents is preparing a room for your bundle of joy to inhabit once they come home from the hospital.

Whereas couples that have been planning for children may know exactly how they want their child’s room to look, many first-time parents get overwhelmed trying not to forget essentials that their newborn may depend on once they get home.

In hopes of eliminating at least one of the sleepless nights you may encounter as the parent of a newborn, here are five tips to help you transform a room in your home into a nursery.

Changing table

Although studies reveal babies cry for at least 12 different reasons, the two most common reasons newborns cry are hunger and a dirty diaper.

Whereas any flat surface can double as a changing area, it’s best to incorporate a changing table in your home nursery to better facilitate your newborn.

While changing tables are sold in a variety of styles, it’s best to purchase a changing table that provides storage below the changing bed to maximize the space in your home for your growing family.

Wallpaper or paint (child-themed)

While children’s wallpaper varies in style from literary icons to cartoon characters, research reveals that the vibrant images and colors help stimulate a newborn’s mind.

Wallpaper can be used functionally as well, as paper with constellations or simply a moon and stars can translate into early astronomy lessons when your child gets old enough to understand their surroundings.

Toy bin

With family and friends buying numerous toys and stuffed animals to welcome your newborn into the world, new parents quickly learn how fast toys can accumulate.

Purchasing a toy bin can help provide a sense of sanity and organize all of your child’s new dolls, games and trinkets.

While high-end toy bins can cost as much as $200, modest toy bins can be purchased for as little as $24.

Dresser (storage)

Believe it or not, my niece had more clothes than I currently own before her first birthday.

Although I’m a minimalist who owns more pairs of Air Jordan’s than pants, my sister buys her daughter clothes at a rate that would even upstage the pageant moms on Toddlers and Tiaras.

For this reason, I suggest purchasing a dresser to store your child’s clothes. Although newborn clothes are tiny and cute, the overflow from your baby shower and impulse shopping habits may turn your nursery into an episode of Hoarders.

Crib

The most important item in a nursery is definitely the crib, as newborns (three months or younger) can sleep as much as 17 hours in a day.

Yet, as many new parents can attest, newborns only sleep a couple of hours at a time. For this reason it’s important that you select a comfortable crib for your newborn as they will spend the majority of their first three months sleeping.

While stylish baby cribs sell for as much as $735, the average crib sells for around $150.

Bringing home a newborn can be the most exciting time of your life, if you’re properly prepared.

Use some of the tips listed above when you transform a room in your home into a nursery and you may have a smooth transition welcoming your newest kin to your growing family.