Designing your nursery is a big part of planning your bub’s arrival. Not only does it have to be practical and budget-friendly, but it should also be a serene and comfortable space for you and your little one. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect space.
Step 1 – Sketch a room plan
Take your existing space and draw up a simple room plan. Mark existing features like the door (and which way it opens), cupboards, and windows. Then, using a pencil, sketch in your key furniture. This can include:
- Crib
- Changing table
- Feeding chair
- Dresser
- Play station
Remember to include plenty of storage and look at multi-use items, like cots that can be adjusted into a single bed, or compactum changing tables.
When doing your layout, it’s best to focus on creating 3 separate zones – the changing area, sleeping area, and feeding area. Place furniture in each zone that keep necessary items close at hand but don’t overcrowd the space. You want to make moving around with your baby and reaching them as easy as possible. For example, at the changing station, you’ll want easy access to nappies, creams, cloths, and fresh clothing while still having a hand free for your bub.
Step 2 –Prioritise safety and comfort
Of course, your nursery needs to be a safe space for a growing bub, so there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, don’t put the cot near a heating or cooling vent if your home has an air conditioning system. Placing it on the opposite side of the room will help keep the temperature constant, reduce drying on their skin, and prevent them from sleeping in a draft.
Secondly, all electrical power points should be baby proofed, and cords should be safely secured and out of the way of exploring fingers. The same should be done with any cords attached to blind or curtains, especially near the cot and feeding chair.
Step 3 –Select soft and task lighting
Layered lighting is important in any room, but it’s especially important in a nursery. In addition to overhead lighting, you should place a lamp near the feeding chair for night-time feeds. This should be a low wattage light and well-covered with a shade, so you can see enough to feed your bub and avoid any falls, but not enough to wake either of you up more than necessary.
Another good lighting spot is a nightlight placed in the hallway or just outside your bub’s room. This will help you find your way to their room in the night and can be very comforting for young children too. A touch light or light on a dimmer is best, and you can keep it on all through the night rather than having to switch it on and off.
Step 4 – Decorate and have fun
Whether it’s a traditional pink or blue space, gender neutral, or a theme, decorating has to be the most fun part of setting up a nursery! There are so many wonderful, inspirational spaces on Pinterest and in magazines, but it’s important to focus on your individual style too. We recommend that you choose:
- A soft, gentle colour palate for the walls or even ceiling using low VOC paint
- A wallpaper, wall sticker, or a painted mural can add a bold or characterful touch
- Soft textures using easy to maintain and clean in natural fibres like linen, cotton, and wool
- Easy to maintain house plants (out of baby’s reach)
- Ceiling décor or hanging décor (out of baby’s reach) that your little one can look at and enjoy
- Blackout blinds with a soft, sheer curtain for easy napping in the day and filtering harsh sunlight
- A rug underfoot that’s easy to clean and soft enough for play time
Approach decorating your nursery the way you would any other space in your home. Whether you like a rustic or boho look, or are a fan of a modern space, you can find a design that suits the aesthetic of your home.
Step 5 –Look for budget-friendly bargains
Having a baby often means tightening your budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get the look you want for less! You can keep costs down when decorating your nursery by:
- Using community social media pages and Facebook Marketplace to find second-hand furnishings and décor
- Visiting thrift stores for pretty, decorative items
- Hosting a decorating party with friends to paint your nursery
- Asking friends for cuttings of their indoor plants for your nursery
- Buying from stores well in advance when they have their seasonal sales
Step 6 – Get the Right Organic Cleaning Products
Making sure your cleaning stations and surfaces remain clean is essential, but you’ll want to stay away from any harsh chemicals. Our Toy and Table cleaner is the perfect partner for the job. Gently fragranced with a pleasant sweet orange and tangerine smell, our everyday cleaner can help you easily clean and sanitise surfaces and nappy stations – all in a baby-safe way.
Stock up with organic and natural baby and new mum products for your nursery
Every KidsBliss baby product is packed with the goodness of nature, from our shampoos and bath products to our lotions, cleaning products and sanitisers. Our products are locally made from only the purest natural ingredients and designed for mums and dads who want the best start for their little one through chemical-free, high-quality, earth-friendly products. They’re not just for bubs either – they’re for the whole family! Try out our massage lotions, bath washes, and shampoos to see the difference good care makes.