Classes and pre-reading
Many hospitals offer a curriculum of classes from breastfeeding, to labor preparations to first aid. Use the time before baby arrives to read books, such as, ‘Pregnancy & Childbirth’ by Dr. T. Chang & Mrs. Wong Boh Boi.
What your new family member needs to feel at home
- Toiletries: baby shampoo/ body wash, cotton buds, non-slip mat and a plastic wash basin, diaper rash ointment
- Small washcloths: half a dozen
- Towels: soft, large ones are best
- Diapers: whether you use cloth or disposable, keeping baby dry is important for their tender skin
- Clothes: lightweight, machine-washable, easy to put on and remove and made of natural fabrics
- Crib: invest in a strong, sturdy crib with a non-toxic finish, adjustable side rails and firmly-fitting mattress, teether rails, check industry sources for recalls and other safety data ( may like a co-sleeper or bassinette for the early months)
- Changing table: invest in a sturdy model with a bit of a railing and adequate storage and always stand at the changing table with a hand on your baby while he’s vulnerable there
- Car seat: start thinking of baby's travel safety needs
- Pram: get a model that baby can use until she's two years old
- Feeding supplies: burp cloths, breast pump, bottles
Getting the nursery ready for move-in day
Whether you know it's a boy or girl, or are waiting for your surprise, it's a good idea to get your nursery designed and ready long before your due date.
Ideally, your nursery theme will make you smile (even during 3 AM feedings), and keep you smiling months later when your infant is toddling across the room.
A few nursery theme ideas to get you started:
- Vintage charmer: think bikes, trains, toys
- Animals: frogs, penguins, pandas
- Shapes: wide, bold stripes, checks, oversized polka dots
- Anything you love: cupcakes, daisies
Switch plate covers, drawer knobs, wall pegs, and lampshades all can help carry out your selected theme. Try to resist the temptation to do everything at once to help you avoid décor overkill.
Room to grow – creating a space that can change with the times
If your baby will be in the same room throughout childhood, consider how you could easily change, or add to, your theme as he grows. Neutral walls can be transformed with murals, and a subtle trim can be replaced as your child's personality blossoms.
If your baby will eventually move to a different room, and you have other plans for the nursery when that happens, keep colors neutral and stick to decorations that can easily be removed. Will the nursery become a computer room in a few months (if, for example, you're considering working from home)? If so, skip the butterfly border and hang a butterfly quilt or framed prints that you can move when baby moves.
Smart furniture – picking pieces that serve more than one purpose
Most nurseries need to do storage duty as well, for baby supplies, accessories, and clothes. Smart furniture can play dual roles, which can cut back the need for more pieces - and save space.
Consider these ideas:
- A padded-top toy chest can double as an extra place to sit
- A convertible crib will convert to a toddler bed as your baby grows
- A changing table with roomy drawers or cabinets can store all your diaper supplies, toiletries and clothes, eliminating the need for a dresser