12 Do’s and Don’ts When Getting A Nursery Ready
1. Paint before you put baby in. Finish all painting and wallpapering a few weeks before baby is expected, and leave windows open for aeration until the actual arrival
2. Do what you can to keep the light out. Notice where light enters the room, and either put up shades or curtains. Everyone’s happier when baby sleeps!
3. Check the crib and room for safety hazards.Check that none of the crib slats are more than two and 3/8 inches apart, and that all the bolts and screws are tight. Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and crib, and look out for any small parts or plastic coverings.
4. Keep comforters and pillows out of the crib, they could suffocate baby. If a pretty blanket came with the crib set, try hanging it on the wall or using it on the rocking chair.
5. Make sure there’s room to replace the crib with a bed once baby is ready. Unless you’re going to just keep that room a nursery and move the old baby out when the next baby comes.
6. Use wood or cork floor or area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpet if you can. They’re all easier to clean, and don’t harbor as much allergy-inducing dust. They throw up, and make a bigger mess than you’d expect.
7. Secure rugs to the floor with double-side tape. You don’t want to slip while baby’s in your arms! Plus if an end curls up, everyone will trip on it.
8. Figure out how much storage space you’ll need… then put in more. Almost without fail, parents underestimate the amount of stuff they’ll acquire.
9. Don’t forget somewhere for you to sit, and make it comfy. You’ll spend lots of time reading and rocking in that chair.
10 Keep all diaper supplies close to the changing table, so you don’t have to move far from baby to reach anything. You’ll usually only have one hand to use, because the other will be holding the baby where they need to be. (they get strong fast!)
11. Place furniture away from the windows, and use window guards. Also, cut off any blind or curtain cords, or put them up out of reach.
12. Anchor all heavy furniture to the wall so it won’t fall over if accidentally bumped.
