Checklist
- Consider keeping the room minimal and accessorising with colourful pieces. It’s easy to change some cushions and the cot will go eventually, but updating the walls and flooring are a bigger task.
- Think about the room itself. Is it on the quiet side of the house? Does it get a lot of sunlight? Is it draughty?
- Check out Pinterest to put together a board of inspiration as well as things on your wish list.
- Make a basic collage (online or with craft supplies) with the items and colors you like. You can then move things in and out to see what works.
- Think about putting in a dimmer switch. Bright lights don’t make sleepy children.
- Check if you need to oil the door hinges if they are stiff and squeaky.
- Consider a drop-side cot or a cot with a plenty of levels.
- Assemble the cot inside the room, it might be too big to fit through the door.
- Think about investing a comfy armchair or rocking chair for night feeds or to soothe your child.
- Consider buying a changing table or get a short chest of drawers with a changing top.
- Buy a changing mat.
- Buy a diaper bin.
- Ensure any nursery furniture that could be pulled over is securely attached to the wall.
- Look into using wall decals. They peel off easily but make the room look fun instantly.
- Consider buying blackout blinds.
- Buy a child guard for the door to the nursery or stairs nearby.
- Buy different types of blankets for all weather conditions.
- Buy a lamp or nightlight for late-night diaper changes.
- Consider buying a child monitor — maybe with a camera — and install it safely with wires out of reach of little hands.
- Buy a room thermometer if your monitor doesn’t have one. Buy a fan if your child’s room gets hot.
- Buy a humidifier if the air is dry.
- Paint the room three months before junior is due to make sure the room is fume-free. Water based or Zero VOC paints are ideal.
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