Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

One of the best parts of preparing for your new baby’s arrival is rolling out the red carpet and giving him the kind of nursery he deserves. But preparing your baby’s nursery is more than just picking the perfect paint colors, and choosing the right decorations. The nursery needs to be functional so that your newborn will have everything he needs during his first few months of life.

The crib is the heart of your baby’s nursery, and should not be chosen in haste. Never gamble with your infant’s safety by selecting a crib based solely on the price. Take the time to find a crib that’s safe and affordable. Shopping around a few months before your baby is due will give you plenty of time to find a crib that will fit your budget without compromising on quality.

Crib accessories for your baby’s nursery should include a firm, properly fitted mattress; a bumper guard to keep your baby from bumping his head on the crib; a waterproof mattress cover to protect your baby’s mattress from leaks; and at least four fitted crib sheets so you can change soiled ones as needed.

A changing table will reduce the amount of strain on your back by allowing you to stand upright when you’re changing your tykes diapers. A changing table provides an amazing amount of storage space underneath so you can keep all of your baby care essentials such as diapers, wipes, ointments, receiving blankets, baby oil, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and a thermometer within reach. 

A soft rocking chair, and a footstool will provide you with a place to comfort, nurse, and read to your baby. You’ll probably spend a lot of time in your rocking chair with your new baby, so make sure it’s sturdy and comfortable. I skimped on the quality of my first rocking chair, and I felt like Goldilocks when it collapsed right from under my bum. Thankfully, I was the only one who got hurt (mostly my pride).

A dimly lit lamp and a nightstand are great for those middle of the night feedings when you and your baby are still half asleep. If you place the nightstand right beside the rocking chair, it will give you a place to put all of your baby’s night care essentials so they’re easily accessible.

A dresser is one of those nursery “Must haves.” How else will you handle the massive influx of clothes that will come from every direction imaginable. You’ll find yourself buying clothes regularly to keep up with the rapid pace of your baby’s growth--and a dresser will give you plenty of space to store them. Dressers come in many different sizes, so keep space constraints in mind when you're selecting one.

A quality baby monitor can be your ears when you’re not in the room with your infant, as they are designed to pick up the tiniest coos and movements. You can do the dishes; sort the laundry; or take a nice, long, lavish soak in the tub without missing a burp.

A few other essentials you’ll need for your baby’s nursery include a hamper to handle the never ending piles of dirty laundry your little one will produce; a diaper pail to contain the stench of a gazillion dirty diapers; a supply of soothing CD’s to help calm your infant during the night; and a few books to read to your tyke each day.

Stocking your baby’s nursery with the essentials is not only exciting--it allows you to have everything you need to comfortably care for your newborn, and make your job as a parent less chaotic.