Baby Nursery Decorating Ideas

You have just discovered that you are about to become a parent and it's time to think about baby nursery decorating ideas. It is an exciting time with lots of changes and preparation ahead of you. Amidst all of the doctor's appointments, birthing classes and other adjustments, you will also need to make plans for the nursery. Planning a baby's nursery is one of the best parts of having a baby. Your creative genius can truly come out as you prepare for your new arrival. But you do want to make sure you have the baby nursery essentials. Here is a list of suggestions for the new nursery.

Setting Up the Baby Nursery
If you can choose where your baby's nursery will be, consider the room closest to your own. This will allow you to hear the baby and to get to the room quickly when needed.

The baby's bed should be placed away from the window and drafts. Paint or put in new carpet several months before the baby is born.

Decide on your theme before you start painting or preparing the room. This will give you time to pick out coordinating items such as wall decorations and crib sheets. Friends and family will also want to know your theme before the baby shower. Many stores have registries, similar to wedding registries, which allow you to register your themes.

The Baby Bed
The baby's bed is going to be the focal point of the nursery. You may start out with a bassinet and move up to a crib as the baby gets older. Cradles are another option for newborns up through about six months. Choose a style that goes along with your theme. Shop several stores and compare prices. Stay within your budget. Consider checking yard sales and children's consignment shops. You can often find good deals this way.

Another option is to start out immediately with a crib. Be sure to place bumper pads in a crib as a safety measure. Cribs that convert to a bed as the child grows cost a bit more than a traditional crib, but they pay for themselves in the years of use ahead. This is nice when converting the nursery into a child's room.

A Dresser
Another essential for the nursery is a good solid dresser. You can often find coordinating pieces that match the baby's bed. If you're purchasing second-hand furniture, painting it to match is another option. You want the dresser to be good and sturdy. Deep drawers with plenty of room is a must. The top will become your work area and hold all of the baby's supplies.

A Changing Table
If you have room in the nursery, you may want to purchase a changing table. Changing tables have shelves underneath that allow storage for linens, diapers or baby clothes. Your dresser can also double as a changing table by simply laying a changing pad and blanket on top. Your changing table can also work as a dresser. Add some baskets for small items to help keep the clothes organized.

A Rocking Chair
If your nursery has the room, consider adding a rocking chair. A rocking chair is perfect for those late-night feedings or singing baby to sleep. They are a blessing when trying to calm a fussy or sick baby.

A Diaper Stacker
These handy items hang on the wall and keep the diapers stacked neatly. Usually hung in close proximity to the changing table, a diaper stacker keeps diapers in easy reach but out of the way.

Baby's Supplies
A basket that holds basic supplies is an important part of the nursery. You will want to keep baby powder, diaper cream, baby oil and baby wipes in your work basket. Place this basket on the dresser or changing table and keep it well stocked. Other items you might want to include in the basket are baby nail clippers, a thermometer, baby's comb and brush and soft washcloths.

Items of Contentment
While not a must in your nursery, a soft nightlight and musical player are very nice. A nightlight allows you to enter the nursery without having to turn on the light and disturb your baby.

Playing soft music can be very soothing to a baby. It can be something as simple as a CD player that can play lullabies softly or a toy that fits on the crib and plays sweet music. Some CDs play music that allows baby to hear a heartbeat sound in the background, which is very soothing to newborns.