Part I: Assessing Your Nursery
So, you're expecting a baby...congratulations!! One of the first things a couple says to each other after they find out they're pregnant is, "What are we going to do with the nursery?" In many cases, this might be phrased as, "What room are we going to clear out for the nursery?"
Below are a few suggestions to help you decide on the best room in your house. These suggestions are based on the dozens of nurseries we've installed at Peekaboo along with the advice of parents.
1.) Proximity to Master Bedroom. Many find it easier to have the nursery close to their bedroom. You may not have this choice. Our master bedroom is downstairs, for example, a good distance from the additional rooms which are upstairs. This is OK, since most choose to have baby in the master bedroom in the first few months, anyhow.
Generally, parents move baby out of the master bedroom once he/she starts sleeping through the night. This typically happens between 3-6 months. And note, "through the night" for babies is usually 5-6 hours. This is still better than the 2 hour intervals in the first few months.
TIP: Create a temporary space for baby in your room with a co-sleeper or craddle and a mobile changing station with everything you need to care for baby.
2.) Proximity to Bathroom. If a couple is trying to decide whether to choose between a room attached to a bathroom and one that is not, we almost always suggest the one attached. This just makes it easier to get to plumbing when you need it!
3.) Considering Chi. In case you were curious, the rules of Feng Shui state that you should not have a nursery over a garage or facing a busy street. In the same vein, we suggest a room away from your media/TV room so that you can watch your "programs" without waking baby. Feng Shui guidelines also suggests a baby boy should be placed in a nursery located in the east and north parts of the house while a baby girl should be placed in the south, southeast or west parts of the home.
4.) Window Placement. Though Feng Shui is cool with putting a baby girl on the West side of the home, baby girl might not be as cool. Most rooms with West facing windows get extremely warm in the afternoons, especially in Texas. It is important to keep air flowing easily through a baby's room and the sun often impedes the flow of air.
TIP: If your only choice is a room that receives the Western sun, try energy efficient/room darkening window treatments. They don't cut out the heat completely, but they do help. Sometimes it can't be helped, but it's best never put the crib against a window, especially if it's facing West.
5.) Storage. A closet that is easy to access and that has extra storage for diapers, toys, etc is a very nice feature in a nursery.
6.) Furniture Placement. We will go into this in more detail later, but consider the furniture you want and how it will fit and function in the room.
TIP: It's best not to put the crib on the same wall as the nursery door. It's nice to have the changing table close to the bathroom and/or closet. Many prefer their glider next to the window so that they can look out as they feed/rock baby.
Got the best room in mind??? Now, it's time to plan your space!
Next - Part II: Planning Your Nursery Space
Miss the Intro? Read it HERE