What a year!
Moving into a new home is already a huge project! Doing it while pregnant is just crazy! I guess you can say I like to keep busy...
New house + new baby = Project Nursery!
When I started this project, I had two things in mind: budget (obviously, because otherwise there’s no end to the madness!) and neutrality. To begin with, I’m not a fan of gender-typical décors. But more importantly, I wanted to make sure the nursery was perfect for welcoming baby (we were told we were having a boy, but mistakes can happen!).
Next, I went shopping. Let’s just say that my excitement when it came time to unbox and assemble the furniture was a whopping 22 out of 10! When the room starts to take shape, it’s like it finally hits you—we’re having a baby!
We constructed a very large room for Eva, with lots of windows so she could look outside (hers is the nicest view in the entire house!). For baby #2, we had a smaller space to work with. Don’t get me wrong, there is more than enough space for everything, but if I could start over, I would cut back on Eva’s room in order to create a slighter larger room for the new baby.
Creating the perfect nursery with a few essential pieces
In the first few months, a nursery doesn’t require all that much. The starting point is, of course, the bed. I opted for the basic Ikea model; not only is it cute, but it’s also inexpensive!
When it comes to choosing a mattress, I have a golden rule I always follow: opt for the mid-range model. I did the same thing with Eva and I always enjoyed lying down in her bed . . . which is a good sign, if you ask me!
Seeing as our nursery isn’t huge, a 2-in-1 dresser/changing table was a must. Once again, I opted for the basic model and simply added a changing basket on top. This turned out to be great; I use the drawer beneath the changing basket to store the wipe warmer, diapers, and other items. The remaining drawers are used to store clothes.
Again, given the size of the nursery, I absolutely wanted to include a closet, for additional storage space. I installed square shelves in the centre and poles on either side to hang stand-by clothes for the months to come.
And finally, I wanted a rocking chair. I bought the one we were most comfortable in—both myself and Antoine with his long legs. However, seeing as I was spending most of my time in the living room (where I could also keep on eye on big sister Eva), I decided to put the rocking chair there instead of in the nursery. My advice: choose a rocking chair that fits in any room, because you never know where it’ll end up ;)
My must-have baby gadgets
First off: the wipe warmer. It’s not essential, but if you’ve ever tried using a cold wipe on yourself, you’ll understand why I consider this machine a must. Personally, I feel like it’s $30 well spent!
Next: an audio AND video camera. It’s happened numerous times where I’ll hesitate whether or not to get up, and just by looking at the camera I realize (thankfully!) that I can stay in bed. It’s important to choose a model that works well in the dark and has a long battery life—I can assure you that it’s no fun if your camera dies every two minutes.
Another really practical purchase is the sleep bag. I swear by it with Renaud, and yet did not like it at all with Eva. It allows him to stay covered all night, even when he moves as much as a marathoner! Also, it allows me to put feetless pyjamas on him so he can satisfy his passion of rubbing his little feet together (it’s a passion we both share!).
Finally, I hesitated a long time before buying one, but I really recommend installing a humidifier in your nursery. Not a day goes by that we don’t fill ours up, especially during the winter. With the fireplace and heating, the air gets really dry, which is unpleasant for our babe’s little (often runny) noses. A humidifier helps maintain the humidity level between 30 and 50%. Plus, it doubles as a nightlight, and some models even let you add a few drops of essential oils to aromatize the ambient air. However, make sure to inform yourself before using any essential oils, as some are not good for newborns.
There you have it—my top tips for a well-organized, practical nursery. Of course, the best part is when you finally bring home your new baby and get to fill the room with lots of love and kisses!
