Why a cosy nursery is important
A cosy baby’s room serves an important purpose: it creates a comfortable atmosphere for your little one and helps them feel safe and secure. Just think about how uncomfortable you feel in an uncomfortable bed or in a room with harsh lighting. Your baby won’t, of course, have the same preferences as you, but it’s important that they feel at ease in their room.
A cosy nursery can help your little one sleep better and settle down more quickly. Choosing the right furniture and accessories also plays an important role in creating a cosy nursery. There should be plenty of space for playing and exploring, but also quiet corners for rest and relaxation.
Colours and patterns can also have a big impact on the atmosphere in the room. So take your time when planning the nursery and make sure it becomes a place where your little one can feel completely at ease.
Nursery checklist: What you’ll need
1. Changing table with plenty of storage space
The best place for your changing table
Organisation In the changing table: Organisers for the drawer
Things can quickly get messy in the drawer of a changing table. With our organisers, everything stays tidy and within easy reach. You can sort the clothes by standing them upright in the small compartments, so you always have everything to hand without having to rummage through the drawer. This way, you can stay relaxed whilst changing nappies and focus fully on your baby.
Checklist for your changing table
- Safety on the changing table: Make sure your chest of drawers is sturdily built and stands securely. If you wish to fit a wall-mounted shelf, it must be professionally secured. Your baby should not be able to get hold of any creams or oils.
- Making a sustainable purchase: Do you already have a suitable chest of drawers at home? You can turn many IKEA chests of drawers or vintage pieces of furniture into a changing table by adding a changing top. This means you don’t need to buy a new piece of furniture and can continue to use the chest of drawers after the nappy-changing phase.
- Everything at the ready for nappy changes: A changing table with plenty of storage space for nappies, clothes and care products makes your daily routine easier. Use baskets or boxes in various sizes for nappies, care products or clothes. Dividers in the drawers are particularly handy for small items of clothing. Cosmetics can be stored on a wall shelf out of your baby’s reach – but under no circumstances should it be able to fall down.
- Distractions on the changing table: To ensure your little one enjoys nappy-changing time, you should have some distractions to hand. Toys, cuddly toys or even a hairbrush will keep the little ones focused whilst you change their nappies undisturbed. However, it’s best to keep cosmetic products out of your baby’s reach.
- Cheerful decorations: You can give the changing table in the nursery a child-friendly makeover with handles and cute stickers.
2. Cot for sweet dreams
Cot checklist:
- Cot, co-sleeper or family bed? The decision for or against a cot is entirely personal and depends on your individual circumstances and your baby’s needs. Are you thinking about sharing a bed? You can find all the information and IKEA hacks on co-sleeping via the link.
- Safety in the cot: Make sure the cot is stable and complies with current safety standards. A suitable mattress is also essential. Ensure the cot isn’t overfilled with pillows, blankets and soft toys. Too many soft textiles could, under certain circumstances
- ,
- pose a suffocation risk to your baby.
- Position of the cot: The decision as to whether the cot should be in the parents’ bedroom or in the nursery is also a personal one. How can you all get the best night’s sleep? Often, it’s a matter of trying things out.
- Buying sustainable furniture: Many cots can be flexibly converted. As your baby grows, with many models you can lower the base and remove one side of the bars. A cot that grows with your child can be used for much longer.
- Cosiness with stylish décor: A cot bumper around the edge makes the cot extra cosy. And matching wall stickers around the cot turn the sleeping area into an eye-catching feature in the nursery.
3. Breastfeeding and cuddling in the nursery
A comfortable armchair or a cosy sofa is ideal for cuddling with your baby or for breastfeeding. You can also sit down comfortably whilst helping your baby drift off to sleep.
Of course
,
you don’t always have to breastfeed and cuddle in the nursery. However, having a designated spot where you can retreat in peace encourages routines and can have a soothing effect on your baby.
Checklist for your cosy corner
- Comfort is key: cuddling and breastfeeding (or bottle-feeding) will soon become part of your daily routine. That’s why your breastfeeding area should be comfortable and inviting. You should enjoy sitting there.
- Plenty of space: Make sure that you and your baby have enough room in the feeding chair, even as your baby gets a bit bigger. A side table also gives you somewhere to put things down.
- A quiet corner: Set up your breastfeeding area in a quiet corner. With few distractions, your baby can relax best – and so can you, of course.
- Hard-wearing fabric: Things do occasionally go wrong when breastfeeding. It’s therefore advisable to choose an armchair that’s easy to clean. Hard-wearing fabrics can be cleaned effectively with an upholstery cleaner.
4. Storage & organisation in the nursery
Practical storage in the nursery is essential for keeping things organisation and ensuring you have everything you need to hand. This is particularly important on the changing table, but ideally everything should have its place in the rest of the room too. Remember: the simpler the storage solutions are, the more likely you are to use them regularly. So keep the room as minimalist as possible – less is often more!
organisation checklist for the nursery
- Tidy away small bits and bobs: Use baskets or boxes in various sizes for toys, nappies and clothes.
- Organisation In the drawer: Use drawer organisers with dividers. Your baby’s clothes are so small that it’s easy to lose track of them in a large drawer.
- Enclosed storage: At first, your little one won’t be able to do anything on their own, but that will change quickly. And any items left out in the open and within your baby’s reach will catch their interest. That’s why you should also have closed storage wherever possible, such as a wardrobe. Bear in mind that, for safety reasons, this should be secured to the wall.
- Decorative wall storage: Wall-mounted shelves save floor space and can be used to showcase lovely items. Tip: You can create cute shelves in the nursery using wall decals.
5. Rugs in the nursery
Rugs create a cosy atmosphere in the room and ensure that your baby can play on the floor barefoot. It’s best to choose rugs made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, free from harmful substances. A high-quality natural rug creates a cosy atmosphere in the nursery, promotes your child’s health and stimulates their creativity. So don’t hesitate to invest a little more money in a high-quality rug – it’s well worth it!
Checklist for your rug in the nursery
- Natural materials: These are not only more environmentally friendly, but also healthier for your child. This is because synthetic rugs can contain harmful substances and trigger allergic reactions.
- Easy to clean: When choosing a rug, look for hard-wearing materials that are easy to clean.
- Safety: When buying, make sure the rug is non-slip and doesn’t pose a tripping hazard. Alternatively, you can place an anti-slip mat underneath the rug. This is particularly important later on in the children’s bedroom, where little ones often run about wildly.
- Child-friendly designs: Choose a rug with a child-friendly design or pattern. This will turn your child’s room into a place full of imagination and a sense of adventure. Even a plain rug can look particularly lovely in a nursery.
6. Lighting in the nursery
The right lighting in the nursery is important for your child’s wellbeing. It shouldn’t be too bright, but not too dark either. A dimmable lamp or indirect lighting is ideal here. Overall, the right lighting plays a key role in your baby’s wellbeing. With well-planned lighting, you can create a cosy atmosphere in the room and support your child’s healthy sleep and daily routine.
Checklist for lighting in the nursery
- Avoiding hazards: Make sure that the lamps are securely and sturdily mounted and do not pose any danger.
- Indirect lighting: You should also ensure that the light does not shine directly into your baby’s eyes. A good option is to install the light on the ceiling and fit it with a lampshade or cover. Night lights can also create a cosy atmosphere and help to soothe your baby as they fall asleep.
- Cosy colour temperature: However, make sure that the lighting in the nursery is not only functional but also creates a cosy atmosphere. A warm yellow or orange light creates a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing and falling asleep. If you opt for LED bulbs, you should look for a warm white colour temperature. This creates a particularly cosy feel and ensures a comfortable ambience in your child’s room.
- Saving energy: Another important aspect when choosing the right lighting for the nursery is energy efficiency. Make sure you choose energy-efficient light bulbs – this way, you’ll not only save money but also do your bit for the environment.
- Supporting the natural rhythm with light: There are also special lamps for the nursery that offer different colours and brightness levels, which can help support the natural day-night rhythm. These so-called ‘light alarm clocks’ simulate sunrise and sunset and help your baby get used to a regular sleep pattern.
7. Decor & Colours in the Nursery
Whilst functional aspects are important, the design of the nursery shouldn’t be overlooked either. With a harmonious colour scheme and cute details, you can create a cosy retreat for your baby. And, of course, decorating is the most fun part.
Checklist for décor and colours in the nursery
- Colour selection: Choose a soothing colour palette for your baby’s room, such as pastel shades or soft natural tones. Avoid bright and overstimulating colours, as these could potentially irritate your baby. Bear in mind that certain colours can have a calming effect, whilst others have a more energising effect. Take this into account when making your choice.
- Wall design: Opt for a neutral colour or a subtle pattern as a backdrop. Ideally, use washable paints or wallpaper that are easy to clean, in case your baby smears something on the wall. You can also incorporate wall stickers into the décor to liven up the room.
- Window decoration: Choose sheer curtains or blinds to let in natural light and create a cosy atmosphere. Avoid long curtains with hanging cords or ribbons, as these could pose a potential hazard to your baby.
- Mobiles: Hang a mobile above your baby’s cot to provide visual stimulation. However, it should be hung out of your baby’s reach.
- Safety: Ensure that all decorative items are secure and firmly attached to prevent them from falling or tipping over. Remove any small objects or decorations that could pose a choking hazard to your baby. Check the safety of decorative items regularly.
8. Music and sounds in the nursery
Music and sounds can have a soothing effect on your baby. A gentle melody or the sound of a waterfall can help your child relax more quickly and fall asleep more easily.
Checklist for music and sounds in the nursery
- Choosing the right music: There is special sleep music for babies that features various natural sounds such as birdsong or the sound of the sea. Just have a go and see what works!
- It’s all about the dose: Make sure the music isn’t too loud and isn’t playing continuously. Too much noise can damage your baby’s hearing and cause them unnecessary stress.
- Device safety: The music source should also be securely positioned – ideally out of your baby’s reach. A Toniebox is also a good idea. This sound system is specially designed for children and, with its fun characters, will accompany you throughout your child’s childhood. With the right protective films, you can personalise your Toniebox.
9. Safety in the nursery: what you should bear in mind
Having a baby at home brings with it many responsibilities and tasks. Whilst it’s important for your baby to have a cosy and safe place to sleep, you also need to think about safety when setting up a nursery. A checklist can help you ensure that your baby is well looked after and safe in their room.
Checklist for safety in the nursery
- Reducing the risk of injury: Start by choosing furniture with rounded edges to minimise the risk of injury.
- Secure sockets: Also remove any objects your little one could reach and ensure that cables and plugs are protected by safety clips.
- Furniture stability: Also make sure your furniture is sturdy and won’t tip over easily – particularly wardrobes and chests of drawers. Ideally, these should be secured to the wall.
- Curtain No risk: You must also be careful when choosing window coverings. Avoid curtains or roller blinds with long cords or strings, as these can pose a strangulation hazard.
- Securing toys and decorations: To avoid strangulation risks, you should also avoid hanging any dangling toys or other objects on the wall near the baby’s cot. You should also avoid having too many or overly large cushions, blankets or soft toys in the cot.
- In case of an emergency: For added safety, you can install smoke alarms and have an emergency plan ready for all family members. You should also check whether your home has a fire extinguisher and whether it is easily accessible. A first-aid plan for babies is also a good idea.
- Check regularly: Check all furniture and appliances regularly. Make sure everything is stable, remove any unsafe items and test the smoke alarms. Then you’ll be well prepared for a safe nursery!
