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Wondering what should be in a baby’s room? While expecting a baby is a very exciting process, equipping the nursery with all the right essentials can be complex and sometimes stressful. But worry not, here’s what experienced mamas find most helpful for this period.
Baby Cots
The cot’s ease of use is one of the most important aspects to consider when shopping. The drop side of the cot should be secure, function properly and be light for you to move it. With the constant bending to pick up the baby, the cot should be at the right height to keep your back safe. The locking mechanism should be easy to operate by adults and impossible for a baby to open. Check the size you need to fit in the room before buying. Some cots may be too big for your space. Get one that’s light if you need to transfer it to another room and make sure it can fit through the door.
The most important part is safety. Cots should be certified under the mandatory Australian safety standard AS/NZS 2172, with the correct height, width, shape and safety performance. Many manufacturers nowadays prefer to coat the cots with natural waxes that are allergen-free to prevent health issues. And last but not least, when choosing a mattress for your baby, ensure it’s firm and fits around the edges of the cot so there are no gaps because they can be suffocation hazards.
Baby Changer
Having enough storage space is imperative. You’ll need room for bedding, clothes, diapers and changing accessories. It’s essential to keep them organized and in one place to make it easier for you. This is where a baby changer comes in very helpful. When choosing the right one, take into consideration the following aspects.
Functionality
Babies have a lot of stuff; the changer needs to be functional and large enough to fit everything. Quality mechanisms for opening and closing the drawers will only help you and make the changer last longer. I would recommend buying a baby dresser with a removable changing table, so when the diapering days are over, the kid doesn’t have a piece of furniture that looks like a changer.
Space
Carefully measure the room and the available space for the baby dresser. One that’s too big will make the room overcrowded, get a small one and the room will look empty. My suggestion is to use newspapers or magazines to trace out how big the baby dresser should be and plan the rest of the room accordingly.
Aesthetic
Always pick something that matches the room’s overall look – something that will complement the cot and give it an extra flair. Luckily, baby changers are made from various materials and in different colours and styles, so you have plenty to choose from.
Durability
Make sure the drawers function properly, and the material is solid. Experts recommend buying dressers made out of wood because of their sturdiness instead of dressers made out of plastic.
Bedding
Newborns spend 17 hours a day sleeping; that’s why choosing high-quality bedding is essential. Their skin is delicate and gentle, and choosing the suitable fabric will keep it safe and healthy. Buy materials made out of pure cotton. They are soft, breathable, tested and allergy-free. For example, flannel cotton sheets hold on to heat and keep the baby warm in the winter, and cotton-blend sheets allow air circulation to keep the baby cool in the summer.
Make sure the bedding is well-fitted. If it’s too short or too big, it can be a hazard for the baby because it can entangle itself in it. Always wash the bedding with a fragrance-free and chemical-free detergent to avoid rashes and discomfort appearing on the baby’s gentle skin. Also, get as many spare beddings as possible. Babys can be messy, from spilling a bottle, to accidental spilling of other fluids, you might need to change the bedding at least once a day.
Storage Basket
Storage baskets are great for additional storage space and for keeping the room organized. They can fit toys, diapers, clothes and much more. You can sort them by size and category. That way, it’s easier to find the things you need. They are light, and you can transfer them quickly and position them to be as close as possible to you. They are usually made from eco-friendly materials, such as rattan, bamboo and seagrass. Bright and beautiful colours on the basket will light up the space and give it a unique feel. You can choose from different shapes and sizes depending on your needs and the size of the room. B
Rocking Chair
When the baby comes home, a lot of feeding, snuggling and hugging will follow. You can do this in a comfortable rocking chair. You and the baby can both enjoy the rocking motion of the chair. You will soothe the baby, and you’ll have a spot where you can relax. When the baby wakes up in the middle of the night, this is the perfect place to calm them down and put them back to sleep. Add some light lighting to create a cosy ambience.
An old-fashioned wooden rocking chair will complement any style and type of baby room, but a padded glider will be much more comfortable. You can upgrade the chair by adding a small matching footstool, which will make the experience even more enjoyable. Either way, rocking chairs are a must-have for every new mum.
To Sum Up
We, as parents, love to provide our kids with everything they need. We’ll probably make some mistakes on the way, but don’t beat yourself up; we’re human. Organise your baby’s room as you want to, and be prepared to spend a lot of time there, making memories that will last forever.
