5 Common Nursery Planning Questions Answered!

Designing a nursery is one of those sweet moments where imagination meets reality—usually somewhere between a dreamy mood board and a stack of diaper boxes in the corner. Whether you’re creating a nest for your first baby or putting a fresh spin on a shared space, you probably have one or more of these FAQs on your mind.

Nursery Planning Tips

1. What do I actually need in a nursery? It’s easy to get overwhelmed. One minute you're buying a crib, and the next you're comparing seventeen types of noise machines. But truthfully, you don’t need a lot to get started:

· Safe crib (or bassinet)

· Changing surface (dresser + pad totally counts)

· Comfy chair for feeding, rocking, or just being with your bundle of wonder

· Storage for tiny socks, burp cloths, and other things that mysteriously multiply

· Baby monitor (optional, but helpful)

Everything else—from wipe warmers to matching hamper sets—is icing on the baby shower cake.

2. How do I make the nursery safe? Safety always tops the list, as it should. First on your list should be crib placement (away from windows and cords). Next, anchor any large furniture to the wall.  Be sure and use non-toxic paint and finishes. Make sure you have adequate lighting so you can see what happening at all hours of the day…and night! Don’t position anything next to the crib that can be reached by the baby once they can pull themselves up.  For example, don’t place a lamp on the dresser top that’s right next to the crib.  Make sure any open outlets are blocked with covers. 

Pro tip: Scan the room from “baby eye level.” You’ll catch things you might not notice standing up.

3. How do I choose a theme or color palette that won’t feel outdated in a year? Yes, that wallpaper with tiny giraffes in sunglasses is adorable, but will you still love it at 3am in month eight? A great strategy is to stick with timeless furniture and use paint, art, or textiles for personality. Neutrals are always safe, but if you’re into color, try softer versions like sage green, muted blush, or dusty blue. Bold colors are fun, too, but they tend to make babies and  grownups feel a little more awake, which can be counterproductive.

4. How do I make the most of a small space? Small nursery? You’re not alone. Maximize vertical storage, use under-crib bins, and skip the bulky changing table in favor of a dresser with a topper. You also don’t need to fit every single baby item in this space. Consider other spots in your home to store diaper caddies, feeding supplies, and baby gear. Your sanity is allowed to take up space, too.

5. How can I design a nursery that grows with my child?Babies grow up so fast, so when possible choose pieces that can transition over time:

· A crib that converts to a toddler bed

· A dresser that doubles as a changing table now and big-kid storage later

· Neutral rugs, curtains, and paint that play well with future phases

You can bring in personality through fun art, wall decals, or removable wallpaper. This will give you the freedom to update the look without overhauling the whole room every two years.

The Bottom Line:

A nursery doesn’t have to be magazine-perfect, it just has to work for you. I recommend mixing function with joy and creating a space that helps you breathe a little easier. The baby may not notice the extra care that created a special space, but you will. Make it one you love.

Need a jumpstart? Download our Nursery Planning Checklist  to help you figure out what to buy, what to skip, and how to design a room that grows right along with your family.

Now, what will you do next to love where you live? 

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed. 

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