Pregnancy Journal
How to Set Up a Nursery Before Baby Arrives
Setting up a nursery before your baby arrives can feel exciting — and completely overwhelming.
There are endless products, opinions, and Pinterest-perfect rooms that make you feel like you need everything immediately.
You don’t.
With guidance from newborn care expert Dorothy Waide, this is a practical, calm approach to creating a nursery that is safe, functional and ready for real life.
When Should You Set Up the Nursery?
If possible, aim to set up your nursery during the first or second trimester, when you still have energy.
Building furniture and rearranging rooms is not ideal at 39 weeks pregnant. That said, do not panic if you run out of time. Most newborns sleep in their parents’ room for the first several months.
Your nursery does not need to be perfect before baby arrives. It just needs to be prepared.
Nursery Essentials: What You Actually Need
1. A Safe Cot
The cot is the only true nursery essential.
When choosing one, consider:
- Safety standards
- Adjustable mattress height
- Ease of access for settling your baby
- Longevity as your baby grows
Dorothy recommends a cot with adjustable sides or mattress levels so you are not constantly leaning and straining your back.
If buying second-hand, always purchase a new mattress. Avoid pillows, duvets, cot bumpers or loose bedding. A firm mattress, fitted sheet and safe sleep space is all your baby needs.
2. A Practical Changing Area
You will change thousands of nappies in the first year. Comfort matters.
A set of drawers at hip height often works better than a separate change table. It saves space and keeps clothes and essentials within reach.
Think about:
- Where wipes and nappies will be stored
- Whether you need a sealed nappy bin
- Good lighting for night-time changes
Function first. Aesthetic second.
3. A Comfortable Feeding Chair
If feeding will happen in the nursery, your chair should support you — not just look beautiful.
Before purchasing, sit in it. Imagine holding a baby for 30 minutes.
- Are your feet flat on the floor?
- Do the armrests support your elbows?
- Is your back supported?
Comfort is critical during the fourth trimester.
4. Baby Monitor (If Needed)
Not every home requires one. Smaller homes or room-sharing families may not need a monitor immediately.
If purchasing one, think long-term. Choose something durable enough to use for multiple children.
Should You Blackout the Nursery?
Light affects sleep more than many parents realise.
Darkness supports melatonin production and can help babies settle more easily. While newborns may initially sleep anywhere, many become increasingly light-sensitive.
Blackout curtains or blinds can make a significant difference to nap quality.
Setting Up a Nursery for Twins or Multiples
For twins, practicality becomes even more important.
- Place cots side by side with standing room between them.
- Ensure one adult can comfortably reach both babies.
- Choose adjustable cots to reduce physical strain during settling.
The goal is efficiency without compromising safety.
What You Don’t Need (Immediately)
- Elaborate decor themes
- Excess soft furnishings
- Every gadget marketed to new parents
Babies need safety, warmth, feeding and connection. The rest can evolve over time.
A Final Word Before Baby Arrives
The nursery does not need to be magazine-ready.
It needs to feel calm. Functional. Safe.
Your baby will not remember the paint colour. But you will remember how supported and prepared you felt walking into that space for the first time.
Keep it simple. Keep it safe. And give yourself permission to adjust once baby is here.