When Storage Meets Design
Although they may be adorable and small, newborn babies come with a lot of “stuff.” Among the little clothes, diapers, and furniture, there is a lot to think about when decorating, arranging, and organizing a nursery. Naturally, you want to make sure the nursery looks just as cute as your baby. Here are a few tips for a functional, well-organized, and beautiful nursery.
Arranging the Furniture for Function
Many soon-to-be moms and dads have the walls painted and pick out bedding and mobiles and perfect outfits before they even think about buying and arranging the furniture. Cribs, changing tables, dressers, and gliders take up a lot of space. You want them to look great but it is even more important to place them in practical spots in the room.
To help create flow in the room, functionality should be considered a top priority in a nursery. The function of the room depends on the activity. In this case, think about sleeping, feeding, playing, changing diapers and clothes and so on. Ask yourself what you will be doing the most often. If you lack space, consider placing furniture not only against the walls, but in the corners as well.
Optimal spacing and safety are important considerations when locating key pieces of furniture for a comfortable and convenient nursery. One of the focal pieces (and most used pieces) of furniture is the crib. After rocking or feeding the baby, the transition to the crib should be as smooth as possible. Keep a small nightstand or side table near the rocker and place a dim lamp on it. This item can be ideal for bedtime books and empty bottles after feedings. A small drawer in the nightstand can hold easy-to-reach cold tablets or burp cloths when needed. You also want to keep the crib away from the door so that when you peek in to check on the baby, you don’t wake him or her. Lastly, the crib should be located away from a drafty window and away from curtains and draperies where the baby can easily reach, to avoid choking or other hazards. The glider can be placed near the window so mom can look out while feeding.
Another key piece of furniture is the changing table. When changing the baby, diapers, wipes, and a fresh clean outfit should be easily accessible without having to walk away and leave the baby. The changing table should be close to the dresser so you can easily and quickly grab an outfit. Keep the diaper pail and hamper near the changing table as well. This way you can discard the diaper and dirty clothes without leaving the baby’s side.