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The first consideration should be placement of the crib. It should be away from drafts and windows. A snug-fitting sheet and perhaps a waterproof pad will be sufficient for bedding. Bumper pads, while frequently used, are not a necessity. A quilt or heavy blanket should not be used, nor should any pillows. If desired, the baby can be swaddled in a receiving blanket to sleep.
Put the changing area near the crib. That way, you will be right there when the baby wakes up and needs changing. Get a changing space that is big enough for all of your supplies. Once the baby is on the changing table and partially undressed, you don’t want to have to go and get something from another part of the room.
A diaper stacker, which is a hanging material-covered device for putting lots of diapers, is a good investment if you don’t have a lot of space for packages of diapers. It can hang off the changing table, so the diapers are within reach.
Another nice investment, though not an absolute necessity, is a wipe warmer. This is a container in which you place a stack of wipes, keep it turned on and you will have warm wipes for each changing. A whole container of wipes usually fits in a wipe warmer, so it doesn’t have to be filled often. Even if you don’t have a wipe warmer, keep the wipes right on the changing surface within easy reach.
As for your changing surface, covering it with a waterproof pad will save the sheet from getting soiled. Keep the extra waterproof pads under the changing table or in a nearby drawer.
A laundry hamper or basket is handy to have near the changing table. A diaper pail right next to the changing table, with a scoop of baking soda in it to control odor, is a must. That way the messy diapers and soiled clothes won’t be in your way when changing your baby.
If a dresser or shelf will fit next to the changing table also, that will keep other necessities close. You can place your cotton balls and alcohol for cleaning the umbilical cord, gauze and petroleum jelly for circumcision care if you have a boy, and diaper area ointments and creams on it. If you don’t have room for a shelf or dresser, there are containers that will hang on the side of a changing table that you can put these items into.
The key is to put whatever items you use most frequently within reach. You should also consider items that might be needed during changing. Diaper pins and plastic pants if you use cloth diapers, tee shirts, socks, and other items of clothing, lotion, and supplies such as these should also be kept within reach.
If you will be feeding your baby in his or her room, set up a comfortable chair with room for your feeding supplies near it. A cloth diaper for burping, a clock for timing feedings, and perhaps a radio nearby make feeding time easier. A lamp with a dimmer comes in handy for late night feedings when you don’t want to fully wake the baby.
A monitor is a nice addition to the nursery. When you have a newborn, it is easier to sleep knowing they are all right. Having a monitor on is reassuring.
Brightly colored pictures on the walls will attract a baby’s attention more than soft pastels. A mobile hanging on the crib is fine until the child is able to reach it or sit up. Make sure decorations are safe, and that nothing is above the crib or changing table that could fall and harm the baby.
The key to setting up a nursery for your baby is making it easier for you to use. When the child gets older, then it can be changed to suit his or her needs. But right in the beginning, ease of use for you is best.
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