When you have a newborn on the way, there is a lot to plan for. It is an exciting time as your family is about to grow. If planning what your child is going to wear is not exciting enough, you also have a whole room to decorate.
Setting up a beautiful nursery is a highlight during a pregnancy, even if it means assembling flat-pack furniture.
With so many products on the market, it can be easy to go overboard with decorating ideas. Before you get overwhelmed with wallpaper samples, it is important to remember your and your baby’s needs. You want to create a space that is cosy, functional and within budget.
When is the right time to set up a nursery?
Pregnancy can feel like a long time, especially in those last few weeks, but you will be cradling your precious new arrival before you know it.
While it is tempting to leave designing the nursery until maternity leave, chances are you will be too exhausted to be doing anything. Energy levels are typically at their best during the second trimester, between 13 and 26 weeks, making it the ideal time to get started. If you have opted to find out early if it is a boy or girl, this might also influence your design choice.
Set a deadline to complete the nursery no later than the 36-week mark. Babies are not known for always sticking to their due date, even those with very organised parents. It pays to be prepared.
What will it cost to set up a nursery?
Parental guilt starts even before your baby arrives, but don't feel pressured to buy the latest and greatest gadgets for your nursery.
When it comes to nursery furniture, everyday essentials such as a cot, car seat, and pram can be expensive. BNZ estimates, on a medium budget, it will cost around $304 per week, or $15,834 per year, to raise a child.
Be sure not to spend on unnecessary items that will end up in the cupboard. Instead, start your research by asking friends with children about what they consider to be must-haves for a nursery. They may even offer to lend you an item, such as a bassinet or car capsule, which you will only use for the first few months.
You should search on second-hand websites, such as Facebook Marketplace or TradeMe. However, safety is paramount for your newborn, so you should always check your items meet guidelines recommended by groups such as Safe Kid Aotearoa, Plunket and Consumer NZ.
You could also consider hiring equipment, as it is unlikely you will need it for a long period of time.
To keep track of costs, and make sure you are keeping within your budget, track these on a spreadsheet so that know where you stand.
Turning a small room into a nursery
Babies are small, and they do not need large rooms to thrive. If you are tight on space, but big on love, they will not notice.
Most parents will want their newborn close by during those first few chaotic weeks while settling into a routine. Set aside a corner of your own bedroom as a 'mini-nursery' with just the essentials such as a bassinet.
Small bedrooms are great for children of all ages, especially new arrivals. Decorating your nursery in soft pastels or neutral colours can give a room an airy feel. Vertical patterned wallpaper is another styling trick for creating the illusion of space.
Use clever storage to keep the room functional. For example, babies do not need long hanging space for their clothes, so adding another rack inside a wardrobe or additional drawers may be better. And be sure to utilise any empty space such as under the change table or cot.
Nursery styling tips
Now the real fun begins. Styling is one of the best parts of designing a nursery. It is when you can really add your personal touch by picking some nursery décor and accessories: bed linen, artwork, lighting and more. The aim is to create a sleep sanctuary that is both serene and a safe space, so go for colours and patterns that are inviting and calming.
A host of inspiration can be found online for some nursery ideas. First, start by picking the look and theme you want for the nursery. A mix of textures will add to the warmth of the space. Night lights and dimmers are also perfect for creating a sleepy ambience to the room.
We do not like staring at blank walls and nor do babies, so be sure to include prints in your design. You could create a feature wall or use wall stickers. And do not forget floor coverings. Creaky floorboards can play havoc when trying to creep out of a room without waking the baby.
To sum up, here are our best tips to design a nursery you will love:
- Select a colour palette
- Choose a look, such as scandi, traditional, vintage, minimalist, boho
- Pick a theme to match, like botanicals, animals, celestial
- Choose furniture and bedding to compliment your look
- Select some soft furnishing to add texture
- Include artwork, as no one likes a sterile space
- Do not forget mum and dad and add a comfortable chair for feeding
- Ensure everything is within easy reach
There you have it, the perfect nursery!
It is now ready and waiting to welcome your little one home.
Share
