Nursery Know How - Tips for Setting Up a Nursery
Advance planning builds confidence and setting up the nursery makes an enjoyable – and exciting – third trimester activity. It can be overwhelming, but only if you forget the most important priority when setting up your baby’s nursery: it should be a peaceful and comfortable place for your baby to sleep, and for you and your baby to bond. If you remember that everything else will fall into place, especially as newborns don’t really need a lot.
Your Baby’s Crib
Your baby will spend more time in the crib than anywhere else, making this one of the most important furniture items you will buy for the nursery. Most babies will use the same crib until they are two or three years old so it should be safe and versatile.
- Safety. The safety slats should be close enough to prevent your baby’s head from slipping through (no more than 2 3/8 inches apart).1 The crib mattress should fit snugly, with less than two fingers width between it and the side of the crib, so that your baby can’t roll into this space. The crib should be stable, edges should be smooth, and the mattress should be firm and provide support.
Avoid used cribs, which may not adhere to current safety standards. Their slats may be too far apart, they may be covered in lead-based paint and wear and tear may have left them unstable or unsafe. Although drop sides can be convenient for lifting baby in or out there is a risk that if they are improperly put together or there is a hardware problem a baby’s head could be caught between the mattress and the moveable side railing, as seen in 2009 when almost one million of these cribs were recalled in Canada.2 Research the cribs you are interested in to ensure they have a high safety record. Avoid cribs with decorative touches that could be choking hazards. Keep in mind that many experts consider the use of crib bumpers a SIDS risk.3 SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome, which is an unexpected and generally unexplainable death in infants under one year old.
- Versatility. Cribs on wheels can make it easier to move the crib around when cleaning sheets. The mattress height should be adjustable, so that as your baby begins to sit up you can lower the mattress to prevent baby from climbing or falling out. You may want to consider a crib that converts to a toddler bed as your baby grows.
Your Baby’s Changing Table
The table should be sturdy and come with safety rails and straps that you will use to prevent your baby from rolling off when diaper changing. Tables that come with storage are handy for keeping diapers and everything you will need close at hand while changing your baby.
Crib And Changing Table Tips
Order your crib well in advance in case it is not kept in stock. When it comes time to set up the crib and the changing table, place them away from blinds and drapery that could provide choking or strangling hazards. Make sure to fill out your product registration card for the crib and changing table, and send them in so that you are contacted in case of a recall.
Diaper disposal system. Newborns use up to ten diapers a day so you will need a diaper disposal system located near your changing station to keep germs and odours at bay.
Laundry hamper. Babies frequently leak from their diapers and so their clothing may need to be changed several times a day. You will want a separate baby hamper for soiled baby clothes and bedding.
Chair and lamp. Pick a very comfortable chair you can use for night feedings – perhaps a rocking chair. You will be spending a lot of time in it, so treat yourself to one that you really like. Place a lamp close by so that you can keep the nursery lighting dim.
Tip: You may want to register for baby gifts. Friends and family will want to celebrate your baby’s birth with a baby shower and/or gifts but may not know what infant care and nursery items you have, so registering can make it easier for them.