Planning and designing a nursery for your baby can be an exciting time during your pregnancy. There are many items that offer convenience, but it is more important to consider what you absolutely need so your nursery is ready for your baby when she comes home from the hospital. Elaine Farber, author of "Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby," recommends preparing your nursery two months ahead of time so everything is in place for the big day.
Crib
A crib is one of the most important items to purchase for your baby's nursery, writes Farber, because your newborn will likely spend a great deal of time sleeping in it. Vicki Iovine and Peg Rosen, authors of "The Girlfriend's Guide to Baby Gear: What to Buy, What to Borrow, and What to Blow Off," add that all cribs sold in the United States must meet federal safety regulations, but you should still inspect the crib to ensure that it is safe. Make sure the slats are no wider than 2 3/8 inches and that there are no more than two finger widths between the mattress and crib. Choose a crib that coordinates with your nursery theme and install a firm crib mattress inside so your baby has a safe and comfortable place to snooze.
Changing Table
Iovine and Rosen suggest a changing table as a nursery essential because it provides you with a clean and convenient place to change your baby's diapers and clothes. Look for a changing table that allows you to attach the changing pad to the table or with built in rails to prevent the pad from falling off. Farber writes that there are many different styles of changing tables, and that you should choose one that has enough storage for diapers and clothes-changing supplies. Choose a changing table with a pad that is firm and that has raised sides to prevent your baby from rolling over.
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor allows you to know what your baby is doing even if you are in a different room. One end of the baby monitor should be placed in your baby's nursery so you can hear him when he cries or when he wakes up. Farber recommends placing a baby monitor no more than 10 feet from where your baby sleeps so you can hear him when he makes any noise. Consider purchasing a portable one that allows you to carry the other end with you wherever you go in the house so you can respond to your baby's needs as soon as possible.
Diaper Pail
According to Farber, a diaper pail allows you to dispose of your baby's dirty diapers in a way that prevents the odors from being detectable. A diaper pail stores used diapers in a sanitary way until you take them out for the trash. Farber recommends buying a diaper pail that uses standard garbage bags so you do not need to purchase special bags. Place the diaper pail next to the changing table so you can conveniently dispose of smelly diapers.
References
- "Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby"; Elaine Farber; 2007
- "The Girlfriend's Guide to Baby Gear: What to Buy, What to Borrow, and What to Blow Off"; Vicki Iovine and Peg Rosen; 2003
