How to Set Up a Baby Nursery

 Nursery decoration themes and color schemes are up to you, of course, but here are some basic guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable nursery.

 Steps:

1. Set up a crib. Make sure the crib meets safety standards - bars should not be wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the frame. Look for a crib with railers that lower so you can pick up the baby easily.

2. Get a mattress and linens for the crib. Make sure the mattress is firm and fits the crib snugly.

3. Consider purchasing a bassinet for newborns, who often like the cozy fit.

4. Set up a changing table with a padded cover. Make sure the changing table has a safety belt and a guardrail to protect your baby.

5. Stock the changing table with clean diapers, baby powder, and baby creams within easy reach. Keep a lidded garbage can and a laundry hamper close to the changing table for easy access.

6. Include a soft night light in the nursery. Bright lights can leave baby wide awake after midnight feedings.

7. Hang a mobile over the crib to keep the baby stimulated.

8. Decorate the nursery with favorite photos, quilts, stuffed animals (outside of the crib), and special family mementos.

9. Stock up on baby coat hangers for fancier baby attire. Adult hangers might rip the tiny outfits.

10. Consider a glider as a worthwhile investment for the nursery. A glider is safer than a rocking chair because it doesn't have runners, which can pose a hazard to youngsters once they begin to crawl. Even after the baby outgrows the nursery, a glider will be useful for bedtime readings.

Tips:

1. If the gender of the baby is unknown when you're setting up the nursery, yellow and green are good neutral colors. Whatever you choose, keep the colors soft and soothing.

2. Consider painting the walls with stencils of farm animals, flowers, clouds, or whatever you'd like.

Warnings:

1. Pillows, stuffed animals, toys, or thick comforters in a baby's crib pose a choking hazard.

2. Keep the baby within reach at all times when on the changing table. Accidents can happen within a matter of seconds.