When Should You Set Up Your Nursery?
As first-time parents, preparing your home for your baby is a thrilling journey, and setting up the nursery is one of the most exciting steps. But knowing when to start—and what you need—can feel overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you enjoy the process while giving yourself plenty of time for planning, shopping, and decorating without stress.
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When to Start Setting Up Your Nursery
The best time to start planning your nursery is during your second trimester, ideally between 18 and 20 weeks. By this time, you’re likely feeling more energetic than in the early weeks of pregnancy, and you’ll have enough time to complete everything well before your baby arrives.
Why plan so early?
• Shipping delays: Some items, like cribs and rocking chairs, can take up to 12 weeks to arrive. Ordering early ensures you avoid last-minute stress.
• Time to decorate: Painting or wallpapering the nursery needs time to air out—ideally for several weeks before the baby moves in.
• Comfort: As you progress through your pregnancy, you’ll want to avoid heavy lifting and feel more comfortable moving around while organizing the space.
Key Considerations When Setting Up Your Nursery
1) Choose a Room and Theme Decide which room will become the nursery. Whether it's a cosy corner or a full room, it’s important to choose a space that feels right for you. Picking a theme early—around 18-20 weeks—helps guide your choices for furniture, décor, and even your baby registry. Whether you go for a gender-neutral palette, classic pastels, or a theme that complements your home’s design, having a cohesive vision will make decorating easier and more fun.
2) Make a List of Essentials Think of your nursery as a functional space. You’ll need core pieces like a crib, changing table, and storage, but also items like a glider or rocking chair for those late-night feeds. Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Crib or Moses basket
✅ Changing station
✅ Storage for clothes, diapers, and toys
✅ Lighting for night-time feeds
✅ Baby monitor
✅ Decorations like wall art, rugs, and soft lighting
3) Set a Budget Before you start shopping, set a clear budget for nursery essentials and décor. This helps prevent overspending and ensures you allocate funds where they matter most—like on a quality crib and a comfortable chair for those endless feeding sessions.
4) Safety First Safety is a top priority in your nursery. Make sure your crib meets current safety standards (like the distance between slats) and that any furniture is anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. Look for non-toxic paints and finishes, and ensure that any fabrics and mattresses are hypoallergenic and easy to clean.
5) Storage Solutions Babies need a surprising amount of stuff! From diapers to tiny socks, it helps to have organized storage. Invest in baskets, shelves, or a dresser with ample space for all the baby essentials. Closet organizers can be a lifesaver for maximizing space.
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Nursery Setup Timeline
Here’s a quick timeline to help guide you through the process:
• 18-20 weeks: Choose a theme, set a budget, and start making your nursery shopping list.
• 21-23 weeks: Order furniture and essentials like your crib, dresser, and chair. Some items can take 10-12 weeks to arrive.
• 23-25 weeks: Paint or wallpaper the room. If using low-VOC or non-toxic paint, let it air out for a few weeks before moving baby’s things in.
• 25-27 weeks: Organize your storage and install shelving. By now, most furniture should be arriving, so you can start arranging the space.
• 27-30 weeks: Add the finishing touches—artwork, rugs, lighting, and textiles. Now’s the time to put away baby shower gifts, stock the changing table, and arrange the room to your liking.
• By 36 weeks: Aim to have your nursery completely ready by this point. Wash the baby’s clothes and bedding, set up your baby monitor, and get all your supplies in order. This way, even if your baby arrives a little early, you’ll have everything ready.
Creating a Nursery You’ll Love
Remember, setting up your nursery should be a fun and rewarding experience! By giving yourself plenty of time to plan, order, and decorate, you’ll avoid the stress of rushing and enjoy each step of the process. This is a space where you and your little one will spend a lot of precious moments together, so make it a comfortable, safe, and cosy environment for your new arrival.