When you get the news that a baby is on the way, you will want to start making preparation. A baby will bring big changes to your family and those changes are easier if you have a plan for a nursery. The most logical choice for many families is to convert a seldom used guest room into a nursery for the little one.
It may not take a lot of work to convert the guest room into a nursery. Some of the furnishings may be useful for the baby. Dressers, some chairs and lamps can sometimes be reused. Everything else will need to be moved out and placed in storage, donated to charity or sold.
After you have cleared out the room, take time to examine the basics. Will the carpets need to be replaced or can they simply be cleaned and vacuumed. What about the walls. Can they be cleaned and used as they are or will you need to paint a fresh color. If there need to be these types of repairs, the easiest time to do them is when the room is empty.
What are some things that will be needed in a nursery?
First you will want to provide your baby with a bed. If you find yourself purchasing a new baby bed, then consider one that will convert to a toddler bed. This allows a growing child to use the same bed and mattress for several years. Before choosing a used bed, be sure that it is sturdy and safe. Rails on the bed must be very close in order to be safe.
A Philips baby monitor will help you to hear and see into the nursery from the convenience of your own room. You will be able to hear the baby before he or she becomes too worked up and crying loudly. This will make for less stress for both the baby and the parents.
Babies tend to need lots of clothes and diapers. The dresser that was in the guest room may work, but home storage cabinets are also a great option. Diapers tend to fit better in the cabinets than in a dresser. As the child grows, the cabinets can be used for toys and other items that the child will need to store.
Since you will no longer have a guest room, you may want to make provisions for overnight guests by purchasing a sleeper sofa or an air bed. Having a new baby almost guarantees that out of town grandparents will want to visit for a sleepover.