{"id":1431,"date":"2023-09-11T07:34:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T07:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynspecialists\/?p=1431"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:33:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:33:03","slug":"setting-up-a-nursery-all-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynspecialists\/blog\/setting-up-a-nursery-all-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting Up a Nursery: All You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

As an expecting mother (or sometimes, even as a little girl), mommies-to-be will often picture in their minds what their baby\u2019s nursery will look like. They often daydream (rightfully) about the joy of watching their baby in the nursery. Still, they often overlook this space’s overall importance and do little research on how to set up this sleep environment to be optimal and safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The experts at <\/span>My ObGYN Specialists<\/span><\/a> know that expecting mothers have many questions throughout pregnancy. Reaching the end of their term, they will also start to consider different factors regarding the nursery for their newborn. If you are also a mommy-to-be who\u2019s been wondering: \u201cWhen should I start setting up the baby nursery?\u201d and what the nursery should look like, this is the blog post for you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When To Set Up A Nursery?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"White<\/p>\n

As already mentioned above, many expecting mothers would ask themselves: \u201cWhen should I start setting up the baby nursery?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For the most part, experts will regard the second trimester as the most optimal time to start setting up a baby nursery. After the first trimester, most women are tired, have morning sickness, and still have small enough tummies to move around comfortably and easily. Opting for setting up the nursery for your newborn at this time will also mean that you will have everything prepared even if they decide to arrive a bit earlier than planned.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, you know when to set up a nursery. Still, where should you set it up? All experts recommend that you share a room with your baby for at least the first six months of their lives, so you might opt to set up a nursery in your bedroom. Or, if you are shorter on space, you may also create a space for your baby in the bedroom and set up a nursery later in a more spacious area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Setting Up a Nursery For Your Baby<\/b><\/h2>\n

Keeping Things Simple<\/b><\/h2>\n

Babies should be exposed to as little stimulation as possible in the first year of their lives. Overly crowded rooms with too much decoration may distract them from falling asleep. That said, the baby\u2019s nursery should be calm and relaxed, with as little furniture and accessories as necessary. Muted colors are also welcomed. Consider soft white or pastels to make the room feel serene and calming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, you will need to make sure that you can completely block out all lights in the room, no matter whether it\u2019s night or day. Block-out blinds can help them fall asleep during the day and prevent artificial light from entering the room, which may also distract newborns during the light. On that note, ensure that the baby monitor is out of the baby\u2019s sight, as the little red light may keep your bundle of joy awake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep Room Temperatures Even<\/b><\/h2>\n

If feasible, position the crib in a location that is not adjacent to the door or any windows, as drafts could potentially disturb your infant’s sleep prematurely. Consider using standalone radiator heaters in colder seasons, as they are self-regulating and offer consistent warmth without causing dehydration for your baby.<\/span><\/p>\n

On a completely different note, when setting up the baby\u2019s nursery, designate an area for toys as well. You don\u2019t want any toys hanging over the baby\u2019s crib as it might distract them from falling asleep. To be more specific, most experts will recommend avoiding toys in the crib for at least four months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To help them fall asleep, consider using white noise, especially in the first three months of the baby\u2019s life. Humming sounds may offer them much-needed comfort, which is reminiscent of the sounds they used to hear while they were in your tummy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Swaddling Up<\/b><\/h2>\n

Make sure to invest in quality swaddle blankets. I highly recommend incorporating swaddling right from day one, as it gives your baby a sense of security and comfort reminiscent of the womb. Swaddling involves snugly wrapping your baby, including tucking in their arms, effectively preventing their startle reflex from interrupting their sleep. Additionally, swaddling can prove helpful in calming an overstimulated baby.<\/span><\/p>\n

As your baby reaches a stage where they begin to explore putting their fingers in their mouth or showing signs of breaking out of the swaddle and rolling, it becomes essential to transition them to a sleeping bag. The choice between winter and summer sleeping bags will depend on the current climate and season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Baby Nursery 101: Functionality<\/b><\/h2>\n

When setting up the nursery for your baby, you may also need to think a bit beyond the newborn period and might need to assess a few things. Will you be using the nursery furniture for more than a single baby? Do you want a larger crib that may be a great toddler bed as well? Do you want to redesign the room when your child gets older, or do you want to opt for a style that will be usable for years to come?<\/span><\/p>\n

To set up an efficient baby nursery, you should consider the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeding<\/b><\/h3>\n

Having a separate feeding station in the nursery is a nice touch that can make things easier. These stations should include a feeding chair that\u2019s functional and comfortable, as you will have to spend a lot of time in the chair. An end or side table with a drawer is also a great touch to store all items required for feeding (burp clothes, breast pads, snacks, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n

Changing<\/b><\/h3>\n

Again, this is also something that you can perform anywhere. Still, a dedicated changing table is undoubtedly a great addition to the baby\u2019s nursery, as it will have everything you need within arm\u2019s reach. To save on space, you may consider a combination dresser\/changing table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping<\/b><\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve talked about most of this above. To make sure that your baby gets as much rest as possible, opt for even room temperature, avoid overcrowding the room, keep it as dark as possible, and follow the recommended safety guidelines for setting up the baby\u2019s crib.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Safety and The Baby\u2019s Nursery\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Mother<\/p>\n

When setting up the nursery for the newborn, you also need to ensure that the room is safe for your baby. Even though your bundle of joy won\u2019t be moving around that much for some time, it\u2019s recommended that you baby-proof the nursery as early as possible. To that end, make sure that the:<\/span><\/p>\n