Setting up a nursery is probably one of the most crucial points of preparation for your newborn. This room is imperative to their early development. Here are just a few things to include in your child’s nursery so that you can be ready when they decide to make their grand entrance.
Stock Up on Essentials
One thing that is almost assured when having kids is that there will be plenty of accidents and emergencies. As every parent knows, it is important to have your nursery fully stocked with essentials such as diapers and wipes, among other things. Obviously, life with a new baby can get hectic and you might find yourself without these items. Luckily, if you’re ever in a situation where you cannot leave to go grab said items, you can always have baby supplies delivered to you via your mobile device.
Control the Air Quality
There are a plethora of benefits that come from having a humidifier in any home, but when you have a home with a newborn child, it becomes a must. Children, especially newborns, are susceptible to dry skin and nasal passages. This is even more true in the winter or colder months when windows and doors are kept shut most days. Without fresh air moving through your home, your babies will not have the necessary humidity level of 40-60%. With a humidifier, you can maintain healthy humidity levels for your child no matter what time of year it may be.
Find the Perfect Crib
While it might be inexpensive to go the route of acquiring a crib passed down from a family member or even Facebook Marketplace, your child’s safety should always be top of mind. This is not to say that you should not shop second-hand for a crib. It is imperative that you are much more conscientious when you purchase or receive an older crib. Regardless if you buy old or new, be sure to look for these few things when purchasing:
- Whether you have just built or purchased the crib, always be sure to give the crib the shake test to make sure it’s stable enough to hold even the most active infant.
- If you choose a wooden crib, be sure to check very carefully for splinters as well as any other protrusions, sharp edges, etc.
- Avoid cribs where a child can get stuck or climb out of; look for things like cutouts in headboard or footboard as well as cribs with large spacing between the slates.
- Older cribs may not have the safety standards that we see in newer cribs, and one of the leading things to consider is testing them for lead paint.
- Minimalism is key when it comes to cribs. DO NOT put anything in the crib that your child may choke or suffocate on; having something safe to distract a child or lull them to sleep like a mobile is a great alternative to many toys.
As a side note: Just as with the crib, having a quality changing table will make diaper changes all the easier and more pleasant for you and your baby.
Research the Best Toys
The toys that kids are exposed to at a young age can have a major impact on them developmentally. It may seem like toddlers oftentimes prefer random household items over their actual toys, which according to a study from the University of Alabama could be due to the fact that simple household items are more versatile than toys that are unique and serve a single purpose.
While you may not want to unload all your kitchenware for your infant to play with, try to look for more simple objects for them to help maximize their imagination. In conjunction with more simple toys, it’s smart to look for items that help aid in cognitive and sensory development; such as musical instruments, mobiles, teething toys, stuffed toys as well as toys with mirrors (non-glass).
No matter how much time and effort you put into planning your newborn’s arrival, it will never be perfect. Things will come up and messes and accidents will happen. These tips will work as a roadmap to guide you on that journey so that you can be ready for them.
