One of the sweetest parts of being pregnant is putting together a nursery. It is fun to imagine what it will look like, and there are so many great color schemes and nursery themes to choose from. You can make your baby’s nursery theme as simple or extravagant as you like. It’s also easy to incorporate items you already have into the nursery or purchase new items.

When choosing a nursery theme, you might consider if you will already know the gender or are waiting until birth to find out the gender. If you know the gender, that can help you narrow down your theme, or you can choose a gender-neutral theme. Also, consider whether your child will spend many years in this room or move to a different room once they are out of the baby stage.

20 Nursery Themes

1. Woodland

Sweet animal friends and elements of nature make up this woodland-themed nursery. This is an excellent option for either gender. You can even add furry friends as part of the decor. Use neutral colors and add pops of earthy colors like green to tie everything together. Don’t forget to incorporate natural elements, like wood and fur. If you decide to have a woodland-themed baby shower, you can also incorporate some of those items into your little one’s room.

2. Space

This theme helps teach your baby to always reach for the stars. Space is such a fun and unique theme to decorate the nursery in. This can be a very colorful and lively decorated space. Incorporate elements like stars and planets plus astronauts to make the theme pop. I love the idea of star-patterned walls or bedding with a mobile of planets.

3. Nautical

A nautical nursery is a classic theme that can easily grow with your child. Using pops of timeless navy and white throughout looks crisp. Solids and stripes are perfect for this theme, but don’t be afraid to throw in prints to break it up. Decorate with sea life, boats, rope, and anchors. Shiplap would also be a perfect element to add to this theme.

4. Jungle

I love this tropical, over-the-top jungle theme. The palm-leaf wallpaper statement wall makes the room. Use pops of green throughout to make you feel like you are deep in the jungle, and add decor like animals (tigers, zebras, and monkeys) and greenery to bring the theme to life. I believe all the small details will make this room grand.

5. Preppy

This is a timeless theme idea that will never go out of style. The preppy theme design is great because you could easily change it from one gender to another if you had another baby using the nursery. Classic gingham or florals are always perfect for this theme. Add light and airy elements like white furniture and scalloped bedding to tie the look together.

6. Sports

With a sports theme, you could pick a specific sport to design the room around or do a combination. This would be a great way to incorporate a favorite family team if you have one. To improve this theme, use dark wood, pennants with team mascots, and bedding with a sports motif.

7. Safari

A safari is such a fun theme for any baby! Use colors like black, brown, and green as the main focal points for this look. Add decor like baby animals that you would find on a safari. Also, add elements like wood, rattan, and others found in nature. Include greenery throughout the nursery to tie it together.

8. Transportation

I love a fun wallpaper statement wall like this since it adds interest. You could choose one type of vehicle for your theme or incorporate cars, machines, boats, and airplanes. Add vehicle-related signs, decor, and details throughout to make the space come alive. I also like the idea of choosing a color palette and sticking to it throughout the room for extra cohesiveness.

9. Ocean

This has been a trendy theme for nurseries for the last few years, and I think it is beautiful. The ocean nursery theme uses lots of blues, creams, and light browns. A statement piece like wallpaper or a surfboard would look fabulous in this space. Add a jute rug and rattan material furniture for neutral color elements. Pampas grass would also look great sprinkled into this themed space.

10. Leopard

Leopard is neutral, right? This sassy theme is a modern take on a girlie pattern. I love the large-scale design with browns, whites, and blacks. Take elements from your leopard print inspiration and use those colors to decorate the space. I think a black crib and other furniture would contrast the boldness of the leopard well.

11. Vintage Disney

This is one of the coolest nursery themes I’ve ever seen. It is so unique and would work well for a boy or girl. Fun, retro colors are used throughout this nursery. Incorporate theme decors like framed prints and Mickey memorabilia. These elements will lend themselves to subtle yet unmistakable ties to the theme.

12. Floral

A floral theme is such a lovely idea for a nursery. You can choose any combination of flower colors to decorate the room. If you don’t select a statement wall, I would add floral elements using the bedding and other decorative items. Add neutral-colored features with some greenery throughout the space to tie the theme together.

13. Cactus

You can do a cactus theme for a girl or boy in so many ways. Add Southwestern elements throughout the room, like cowhide, antlers, and black or white furniture. The room’s focal point can be a statement wall or bring the theme together using cactus details.

14. Farmhouse

Elements like shiplap, cowhide, and galvanized metal are great to add throughout a farmhouse-themed room. You can use any set of color combinations to make this type of nursery theme a success. I love the name sign made of galvanized metal in this room as the statement piece, and you can add prints like cow or gingham as accents.

15. Boho

A literal dream for any sweet baby! The color palette includes lots of neutrals like cream and light brown. Add other color accents like blush and gold throughout the room to make up the Boho theme. Details to add to this type of nursery include pampas grass, unfinished wood furniture, and tassels.

16. Rock ‘n’ Roll

This is one of the coolest nurseries I have ever seen, and it could easily work for either gender. A record player and vintage vinyl would look so neat decorating this space. I love the idea of a moody black wall paired with the white chair molding. Add an old amp and neon sign for an extra cool factor to make this theme super rad.

17. Black and White

A black-and-white-themed nursery has a cool, clean, and universal vibe, giving it a modern appeal. You can enhance this simple look using different patterns and incorporating a few touches of bright colors. Or add textures to the wall to complement the look.

18. Gingham

We chose this theme for my son’s nursery, but gingham is also perfect for a girl. We have a statement wall using wallpaper in ours. It can also be done using gingham bedding or pillows. Whichever color combination of gingham you use can help you find inspiration for the details. We chose light blue and white but went with black furniture to give it a bold punch.

19. French Country

This is such a gorgeous feminine nursery theme. I love the glamorous elements of it, like a stunning chandelier. Add details like frilly bedding and pillows, a crown, and floral patterns throughout. The furniture for this room should be light-colored, like white or cream, to keep it airy.

20. Fruit

I think this is a “sweet” theme for a nursery. You could easily go with lemon, but strawberries, oranges, or watermelons would also be adorable. The fruit you choose determines your color palette. If using a statement wall isn’t your thing, you can add plenty of precious bedding and decor details to make your theme come together.

Be sure to consider the functions of this room when looking at nursery themes. Each nursery needs a crib, a place to change the baby and store clothes, and a chair for the mom to hold and feed the baby. Often, a nursery isn’t used full-time for a few months since they room with their parents at first. But that means you have plenty of time to finish it the way you want. Also, remember, less is more when it comes to a nursery since, before you know it, you will be babyproofing it for a toddler.

Preparing their room is an exciting part of planning for a baby’s arrival! It can be so much fun pinning beautiful pictures that inspire you on Pinterest for your little one’s nursery. However, designing your perfect nursery can also be overwhelming. Where should you start? What do you need and what can you skip? Parents can feel rattled (no pun intended) trying to make the room perfect for themselves and their little ones. That’s why a special guest and interior designer, Naomi Coe, is breaking it down for us on today’s podcast episode.

Naomi Coe is the award-winning founder of Little Crown Interiors, an interior design studio specializing in nursery and child design. She is also the author of the nursery design book, Your Perfect Nursery. Naomi founded Little Crown Interiors in 2008, focusing her design studio on nurseries and child spaces after seeing this specialized skill missing from other firms. Bringing together beauty, functionality, and safety, Naomi believes in creating spaces for her clients that are unique, intentional, and curated.

Naomi has designed nurseries, kids’ rooms, and playrooms for clients nationwide with a keen eye for style, function, and safety. As one of the first designers in the country to specialize in these spaces, Naomi is known as the go-to expert in her field. Her work has been featured in countless magazines, periodicals, and television, including People, The Wall Street Journal, Access Hollywood, Project Nursery, and Entertainment Tonight. It’s obvious she’s incredibly talented and has the portfolio to prove it!

We are thrilled to have Naomi with us today to share her expert knowledge and tips on creating a stylish, functional, and safe nursery for our babies.

As a new mom, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that comes with your precious, new bundle. You probably realized your baby would need a room of their own. You may have even guessed that the room would likely fill it to the brim with toys and gear and all kinds of baby products. But you may not have realized that, eventually, a lot of that “baby stuff” would slowly but surely take over the rest of the house as well.

As a home decor and design nerd and enthusiast, incorporating my baby’s things into my home was challenging for me. Obviously, I was going to get all the baby products my daughter needed. Still, it was also important that my home didn’t become a hot mess of unsightly baby paraphernalia. It may seem superficial to some, but my home is a sanctuary for me—a place where I can find rest and peace. And the way my home looks, even if I’m the only one looking at it, is important. So when I had my babies, it became important that all the “stuff” that came with them blended well into my home decor.

If this is important for you, too, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some great options for quality, stylish baby products that are beautiful, functional, and will blend beautifully into your gorgeous home!

Stylish Baby Products That Will Blend Into Your Home Decor

When I found out that I was pregnant with a baby girl, I couldn’t believe it. My husband’s family comes from a line of boys, and his brother has boys, so I thought I was destined to have another boy. But the moment I bit into that chocolate cupcake and saw pink icing inside, I was shocked. I almost didn’t believe it and didn’t really allow myself to get excited until I went to our 20-week ultrasound to reconfirm the gender. The ultrasound tech said, “It’s a girl!” And I’ve been looking at everything pink ever since. Haha!

I couldn’t wait to design our baby girl’s nursery and create a haven for her. I grew up by the beach, so coastal has always been my style. (You can see her brother’s ocean-themed nursery and now his big boy coastal room for other inspiration.) But for her room, I wanted it to feel a bit more feminine and pretty, so I went with a Palm Beach chic theme for her nursery. I have to say, it’s one of my favorite rooms in our house.

Palm Beach Chic: Baby Girl Nursery Reveal

Crib

One of the most important places in a baby’s nursery is their crib area. This is where your baby will be spending the majority of her time.

I chose Naturepedic’s organic breathable 2-stage crib mattress for her crib. It’s the only certified organic crib mattress that’s also breathable! Breathable crib mattresses are all about added comfort and safety. Airflow under the baby allows heat to dissipate more efficiently, and breathability may also increase safety by allowing air to flow more freely around the baby.

The breathable fabric is 3-dimensional, allowing air to flow through the fabric and under the baby for 360° air circulation. Since air can pass freely through the cover’s 3D structure, babies can breathe right through it! The breathable function is encapsulated in a washable cover that completely hugs the mattress. This removable layer has a waterproof backing that keeps the mattress clean and protected from urine, spit-up, and other messes. In the event of an accident (because you know they’ll happen), simply replace it with a spare cover or put the baby back to sleep on the fully functional underlying mattress. The cover can then be machine washed and dried at your convenience.

I also love that this mattress has a 2-stage dual firmness that provides a firmer side for infants and a medium-firm side for growing toddlers. As your child develops, switching over is as easy as flipping the mattress!

Buy Crib Mattress Here

Crib Mattress Pad

It’s a good idea to protect your baby’s new mattress with a certified organic waterproof pad. This one from Naturepedic is made with two layers of soft organic cotton jersey on top and bottom and an ultra-thin waterproof barrier in the center. You’ll also love the feel of this stretch jersey fabric. It’s soft to the touch and easily conforms to maintain the feel of the mattress.

This waterproof pad features DrySleep™ technology, which effectively blocks liquids from passing through while allowing some water vapor to escape. This helps reduce sweating and clamminess and provides a more comfortable sleep while offering complete waterproof protection. I also love that it eliminates questionable waterproofing materials like vinyl/PVC, phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and butane rubber. Organic cotton is the purest form of cotton and a healthier alternative to synthetic fabrics, often treated with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) plus various anti-bacterial biocidal treatments and even flame retardants.

Artwork

I knew that I wanted to have a beautiful piece of artwork hanging over the crib. I discovered Jessa Adler’s art on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her work. She is an abstract painter that loves to create pieces using acrylic and oil paints. Most of her paintings feature soft pastel colors that invoke a sense of happiness. When I saw this piece of hers on her site, the colors were exactly what I was looking for, and I knew it would work perfectly in this Palm Beach themed nursery. It’s so bright and happy. Once it arrived, I had it framed. It really sets the tone in the room, which is a feeling of happiness and femininity.

Owlet Monitor Duo

When we had our first child, our son, we used the Owlet smart sock, and I can’t tell you enough how much peace of mind it gave us when he slept. The Owlet Monitor Duo combines the Smart Sock with the Cam for the most complete baby monitor. The Duo allows you to monitor your baby’s heart rate and oxygen while streaming audio and video to your phone.

We all worry about our newborns when they sleep, but there’s only so much a traditional baby monitor can tell you. The Owlet Monitor Duo goes beyond the capabilities of any other baby monitor to reassure parents that your baby is safe while they sleep. By tracking your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels with the Smart Sock (using pulse oximetry technology), the Duo goes beyond what you might be able to see or hear so that you can really know if your baby is sleeping safely or if they need you. This information, combined with the ability to stream HD video to your smartphone from wherever you are with their Cam, is what makes their Monitor Duo a complete picture of your baby’s well-being while they sleep.

Inside the Monitor Duo package, you will receive a Sock Sensor, Base Station, two sock sizes with a right and left sock, a power adaptor and charging cords, as well as the Owlet Cam, magnetic base, wall mounting kit with cable guards, and power adapter.

 crib | crib mattress | organic waterproof pad | art | Owlet monitor & sock | crib skirt

Dresser

We used the dresser in Liam’s old nursery for the changing station, and I think it looks even better in her room. It’s the Ava Regency Extra Wide Dresser & Topper Set from PBK. It’s been a great piece that has lasted us years and will continue to be a great dresser for her to have as she gets older.

Diaper Pail

There’s no doubt I will be changing many diapers in this room, so the Ubbi diaper pail will definitely come in handy. The Ubbi diaper pail is made of steel to achieve maximum odor control. It is equipped with rubber seals strategically designed to lock in odors and a sliding lid that minimizes air disruption, keeping the smell inside the pail. One of my favorite things about this diaper pail is that you can use any standard trash bag or reusable cloth liner for it. No need to purchase special diaper pail bag liners. These features make it the easiest disposal system to load, use, empty and clean. Offering a modern and sophisticated twist to a once very industrial product, the sleek Ubbi diaper pail includes a child-proof lock and is available in an array of 12 colors. All the style, none of the smell!

Diaper Caddy

And for diaper changes around the house, I will be using Ubbi’s diaper caddy and wipes dispenser. I also used this with our son when he was a baby and loved it! I know baby girl will be rooming in with us for the first few months, so having this diaper caddy will come in handy.

The Ubbi diaper caddy is made of sturdy plastic. It has two main compartments for diapers and wipes, with a drawer for smaller items and a fitted space that includes a comfortable and easy-to-clean changing mat. The caddy also has an integrated handle and non-skid rubber feet, allowing it to be carried around or stay safely in one place. While the Ubbi diaper caddy can store most disposable wipes dispensers, it was cleverly designed with a window that matches the Ubbi wipes dispenser’s window for parents to know when they are running low on wipes.

Buy Diaper Caddy Here Buy Wipe Dispenser Here

dresser | changing pad | mirror | ubbi diaper pail | table storage | ubbi diaper caddy | ubbi wipes dispenser

Glider

A glider was something that I didn’t have in my son’s nursery when he was a baby that I knew I needed this time around. Having a comfortable chair that I can sit in, rock, and relax while nursing or bottle-feeding my baby is important to me. I’ve always loved Monte Design gliders for their beautiful handcrafted and sustainably made designs. They use the highest quality materials and have exceptional customer service. When I saw their Vera nursery glider, I knew it was the right one for us.

The Vera is an extra-wide and beautiful glider that provides incredible gliding comfort. It has a removable and washable back cushion that is pillow-soft and a removable and washable seat cushion that is super comfy. The Vera glider also comes with a lumbar pillow for extra lumbar, neck, or elbow support. And I really appreciate that their foam is free of any flame retardant chemicals. They are all about quality and safety, which I love.

Seating area

In this nursing nook, I put a side table next to the glider with the Hatch Rest + and a cute frame with baby girl’s ultrasound picture inside. The table will come in handy when I need to have my water bottle, snacks, or other items nearby. The Hatch Rest + will tell me the time and is the perfect night light and sound machine if I need to nurse her at night in her room but don’t want to turn bright lights on. Next to the side table, I put a cute pineapple standing lamp to help with extra lighting if I need it. I thought the frame and lamp were great for our Palm Beach themed nursery.

On the other side of the glider, I have two pehr blush pom pom storage bins (the mini and the bin). Inside I’ve stored some muslin swaddles from aden + anais as well as my Wildbird ring slings. Above it hangs two floating shelves from Minted with some of our favorite books and some artwork.

And at the foot of the glider, I have this beautiful leather pouf to help raise and relax my feet. This will help me with lower back support and posture when nursing my baby.

Monte Designs glider | standing lamp | side table | Hatch Rest+ | frame | pouf | mermaid doll | pehr bins | swaddle blankets | Wildbird ring slings | shelves | art

Storage

One corner of her nursery is perfect for storage, and I knew I could add some extra pieces for decor. I got this six-cube organizer shelf to store her books, toys, and whatever else we need to keep close.

A shop that I have loved and admired is The Collective. They have some beautiful pieces for your home. Since the nursery is a Palm Beach Chic vibe, I thought the Palm Beach Chic book and the Mother and Child book would be perfect pieces of decor for this corner. And their custom floral arrangements are gorgeous! It totally makes the room.

Buy Books Here Buy Floral Arrangement Here

To help keep everything organized, I got these watercolor scallop fabric storage bins from Minted. These cute, unique prints put a fun spin on storage essentials. They are made of sturdy cotton canvas with an easy-access leather handle that you can personalize with your child’s name. Love them!

Hanging above, I found this scallop pinboard that I think will grow perfectly with her as she gets older. We’ll be able to hang her pictures, artwork, or anything else that we’d like to admire. I also added a fun mermaid tail felt garland to continue the Palm Beach feel to her nursery.

storage cubbies | storage bins | books | orchid arrangement | pinboard | mermaid garland | rainbow | pink cowgirl boots | bunny | pineapple book stopper | frame

Play

Playtime and tummy time are also important for baby. When looking for the right play gym, this pink ocean play gym from Scandiborn stood out to me immediately because it is too perfect for her Palm Beach nursery theme! The soft shell-shaped gym with arches to hang soft toys that attract the baby’s attention is a great place to play and engage with our little one.

SmartNoggin

Another play item that I love is the NogginStik from SmartNoggin. The NogginStik Light Up Rattle encourages baby’s early milestones and guides parents through activities and interactions that will help promote healthy brain development and bonding beginning day one. It lights up red, blue, and green to encourage visual tracking, has a soft rattle sound to please the ears, has an easy to hold handle for mastering grasping, and has fun textures to delight the sense of touch. The NogginStik developmental light-up rattle is a great baby’s first learning toy!

Toki Mat

As my baby girl grows, I wanted to find a playmat that I could play with her on. Then I found Toki Mats, which are the softest playmats ever. And what’s even better? They are made of materials that are certified non-toxic and are chemical-free. The unique foam they have is the perfect blend of squish and firmness to pad your babe’s falls and lift them up as they develop critical skills. They also easily fold into the travel case to take anywhere. Another feature every parent can appreciate is the covers easily zip off to wash and put right back on again because messes happen.

Toki Mats offer two different sizes, and I decided to go with a Mega mat. I wanted to have a size that I knew would last her for years. And this rainbow print was too cute to pass up.

Scandiborn baby gym | SmartNoggin NogginStik | Toki Mat | beluga whale

Rest

We used another item with our firstborn that I knew we needed to use again for baby girl: the Dock-A-Tot. This thing was a godsend when we needed our son to wind down. It’s an ideal spot for babies for supervised lounging, playing, resting, cuddling, diaper changes, and tummy time. Created to mimic the womb, it can be used around the house and is ideal for traveling with baby. Their products have passed robust testing to ensure a safe environment for little ones. It also includes air permeability and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I certification (testing for harmful substances).

I recommend getting an additional cover for any accidents that occur. We got this adorable Catalina beach print to match our little girl’s Palm Beach nursery room style.

cuddle+kind

And who doesn’t love a cuddle+kind hand-knit, heirloom-quality doll? For every cuddle+kind doll sold, they give 10 meals to hungry children in need. Their dolls are made with natural, high-quality cotton because it’s important to them that they’re safe, soft, and cuddly. Not only that, every doll is lovingly handcrafted by incredible women artisans in Peru, providing them with a sustainable, fair trade income. This is a company that I can definitely stand behind, and the Skye mermaid cuddle+kind doll was the perfect fit for this nursery.

aden + anais

You also can’t have enough muslin blankets because you can use them for so many purposes: swaddling, a breastfeeding cover, a car seat cover, and more. I’m a big fan of aden + anais products. From the breathability and natural give to softness and durability, their high-quality muslin’s many benefits give parents complete assurance that they are doing the best thing for their baby’s comfort. I got their Salty Kisses collection, which is perfect for this Palm Beach nursery theme, but this deco 4-pack is a close second option.

Their burpy bibs are also my favorite burb cloths and bibs. Their burpy bibs take on both tasks with ease. Constructed of silky soft and classic muslin and assembled in a patented, kidney-shaped design, this new parent’s best friend provides excellent shoulder coverage and snaps around baby’s neck for a no-drip snack experience. Your hardest decision will be choosing a favorite pattern, color, and design.

Buy Swaddle Blankets Here Buy Burpy Bibs Here

Kickee Pants

Some of my favorite clothing items for babies to wear for sleep and playtime come from Kickee Pants. Have you tried them out? You should. They are the softest things you will put on your baby’s body. That’s why I had to get a few items for our little girl, like this Lotus Stripe Classic ruffle coverall, as well as the matching ruffle footie and the adorable Blush Stork kimono onesie.

HALO

To help our baby girl sleep safely and soundly in her nursery, we got a HALO SleepSack. Its adjustable swaddle wrap immobilizes baby’s arms to prevent the ‘Moro’ or startle reflex. And, it is the only 3-way adjustable swaddle that adjusts to your baby’s sleep style. Swaddle arms in, hands-to-face, one or both arms out to ensure baby’s best sleep. It’s an easy and gentle transition to the SleepSack wearable blanket when it is time to stop swaddling.

Wildbird

One of my favorite babywearing companies is Wildbird. I’m a huge fan of ring slings because they are easy to put on and get baby in and out of. You can wear your baby front, hip, or back, and parents can carry their babies from newborn to 35 pounds. They are pretty incredible. And what I love about Wildbird is not only do they make beautiful and useful products at an affordable price, but their products are sustainably and ethically made too. Sustainability is vital to every stage of their manufacturing process, from seed to finished product.

Buy Libra Here Buy Dawn Here Buy Rosy Here

Weezie Towels

And to keep our baby girl fresh and clean, we will be using Weezie Towels after bathtime! Their towels are soft, fluffy, and absorbent. The Baby Bath Bundle includes one Baby Hooded Towel and a pair of Baby Washcloths. I chose the light pink gingham piping and had her first and middle name embroidered on them. The cutest towels ever! (Our daughter’s name will be Lily Belle, after my great, great, great grandmother.)

cuddle+kind | Dock-A-Tot | HALO Sleepsack | aden + anais swaddles & burpy bibs | Kickee Pants | Wildbird ring slings | Weezie towels

Decor

first-year picture frame | rainbow | pink cowgirl boots | bunny | sunburst frame | crib sheet

Wooden Height Chart

These customizable wooden growth charts from Grow and Company are hand-painted and made to order. I love how you can choose the paint color you want on the wood and the raised numbers. You can also select a decal on top and personalize it with your child’s name. Ours came out beautifully, and I can’t recommend them enough!

pehr pom pom bins

I’ve always loved pehr, and their canvas bins are some of my favorites. Their products are well made, use great quality materials, and are adorable. They help families stay organized in a beautiful and playful way. I absolutely love our blush pom pom bins! But if this isn’t your style, check out their latest Follow Me collection with all of the different adorable animals printed on them.

curtains | blackout curtain | curtain rod | pink rug | shag rug | measuring chart | crib sheet | beluga whale | pineapple pillow

Designing this Palm Beach themed nursery for our little girl was too much fun. All of the pieces fit perfectly, and I can’t wait to show our baby girl when she arrives. We hope you like it (and find some inspiration from it) as much as we do!

So you’re expecting a little one—congratulations! Daydreaming about a nursery and beginning the design process was such a fun way for me to feel connected and get excited about a brand new pregnancy. My only worry: I had a TINY nursery space to work with! Our 90+-year-old house has some pretty quirky features, and one is that our third bedroom is under 100 square feet. That is not a lot of room to work with. I knew that if I could pull it off, a tiny nursery could be perfect and so cozy. I mean, how much space can a baby take up? But we had to get creative and measure, measure, measure.

Here are my big three takeaways for planning a tiny nursery and having a newborn in a small space. Plus some of our favorite products, both tried and true and brand new!

1. Be intentional about what you put in the nursery.

If you’re short on space, you need to be really intentional about what you let through that door. Choose high-quality furniture, and make sure you measure (twice, three times!) ahead of time to be sure that everything will fit together logistically the way you envision it.

I fell in love with the Liberty Crib from Million Dollar Baby Classic. It’s such a gorgeous, classic crib and I know the sweet details on the spindles will never go out of style. It also converts to a toddler bed, and living in a small house I’m all for a two-in-one product! We paired it with the Million Dollar Baby Miranda Rocker to round out a cozy, classic feel. I knew I wanted a classic rocking chair, and it was honestly hard to come by! Plus, the small footprint worked perfectly for our little reading and feeding nook.

Both of our big furniture purchases are GREENGUARD Gold Certified meaning they have been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and meet or exceed stringent chemical emissions standards. GREENGUARD Gold-certified products help reduce indoor air pollution and chemical exposure to ensure the health and safety of your home and family, which was a big deal to me.

Just as (or maybe even more!) important as the big furniture is your baby’s sleep surface. I did a lot of research before choosing an Air Lightweight Crib Mattess by Nook. We’ve been fans of this small, family owned brand for a while now and love their span of products. Their mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, and I LOVE that this mattress only weighs 9 pounds. Most of the options I looked at were around 20+. It makes it super easy to change the cover or crib sheet. Another great thing about Nook is that no crib sheet is necessary! The wrap on the mattress is designed for the baby to sleep directly on. It is totally breathable and water-resistent, but you can buy a backup for when it needs a wash or when you need a design refresh. Nook is offering Baby Chick readers 15% off their products with code Chick15!

With limited space to work with, you’ll want to choose art that really sparks joy! I actually picked out these botanical prints before I chose anything else for the nursery. I loved them and knew that I could find a spot for them no matter what direction I took the nursery.

Having an alphabet print in a nursery is so classic. I fell in love with this print by LouLou Baker. It’s just so whimsical and feminine! I picked it out as soon as I knew we were having a little girl. Her work is gorgeous, and she makes all kinds of perfect baby gifts, from onesies to embroidered blankets.

You’re going to want to choose decor for your tiny nursery that packs a punch! I fell in love with Maileg and their classic, whimsical children’s toys browsing through a local boutique. I sort of have a thing for bunnies, and I just loved the image of my toddling daughter pulling this trolley! Maileg toys are well-made and built to last. They’re always limited release and quickly become collectibles. They believe that fewer, better-made toys open children’s minds to new stories and innovative play. I especially can’t wait to see what kind of adventures this little hippo will go on in future years!

We didn’t have any room for bookshelves, but my husband and I are huge readers and couldn’t imagine a nursery without a children’s library. These acrylic wall shelves fit perfectly into this small corner and provided a convenient perch for our baby monitor. We chose the SpaceView Monitor from Eufy. It gets amazing reviews, and I have several friends who love it. I knew I didn’t want a monitor that connected with my phone or wifi and preferred a classic handheld option. The Eufy has a 5″ 720P screen with a great, clear view! The night vision, signal, and ability to pan and tilt are amazing (we’ve been testing it on our dog!).

We talked about measuring, right? So important in a tiny nursery! We knew that this little corner could be a gem or a headache. Because of the room’s odd size, a standard rug wasn’t going to work for us. Thankfully, perusing the social media of Lorena Canals, one of our favorite kid-friendly rug companies, inspired us to layer this washable, Pine Cone Ivory Rug on top of an inexpensive sisal. Lorena Canals is known for its buttery soft, machine washable, kid-friendly rugs. I knew I had to find a way to work one into our nursery! I love how this will provide a soft play area for our daughter to explore the world around her.

Is this Sleepy Mouse hook from Fiona Walker not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? Her felt animals are so whimsical and truly a work of art.

Weezie makes some of my favorite towels everrrr. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a mom-to-be, go ahead and go for either the short or long-sleeved Weeize robes. I, admittedly, have both and am obsessed with them. I also feel like they’ll be perfect for nursing—no matter the temperature! So I was particularly excited when they announced the release of their new line, Lil’ Weezie for littles! This is the baby shower bundle and includes a baby hooded towel, two washcloths, and two bibs. You can choose between striped (pictured here), gingham, and solid piping and can monogram in a variety of super fun colors and fonts. They really do have the perfect gifts for both mom and baby.

I fell in love with Eloise the Elephant from Cuddle + Kind.  She’s handmade with the softest yarn and the sweetest face. Better yet? Cuddle + Kind donates 10 meals to children in need for every doll sold. Their range of animals and friends are available in classic 20″ (pictured here) or little 13″ sizes. I’ve seen the cutest photos on social of babies growing alongside their Cuddle + Kind friends who make great yardsticks!

Putting your changing pad on top of a dresser is a great way to get a lot of use out of a little furniture. I had to search high and low for a dresser that would fit in this small space—actually the only place in the room for a dresser! (Bringing me back to the importance of measuring!) It had to be the perfect height for a changing table and fit between the built-in bed and the door. I fancied it up with these adorable knobs from Etsy!

Another favorite from LouLou Baker is this embroidered classic LL Bean tote bag. I can’t wait to throw all of our goodies in it and take the baby for a walk in style!

You’ll want to keep your necessities for changing baby’s diaper and clothes in the dresser, but you’ll also want some swaddles and bibs close at hand! I’ve devoted the entire bottom drawer to my favorite muslin products from aden + anais. I love that you can get a range of products in a matching print, from sleep sacks to stroller blankets, snap bibs to swaddled, all in their muslin that gets softer with wash. One of my favorite products of theirs are the burpy bibs—is it a burp cloth, is it a bib? It’s both!

This mobile comes in the first Lovevery Play Kit (more on these in a minute!!) and can be turned one way for a bold black and white pattern accessible to newborns and the other way once they’re ready to look at something more complex and colorful!

One thing I’m super excited about for myself, the environment, and my baby is the opportunity to cloth diaper! As a postpartum doula and a midwife, I’ve had the opportunity to educate hundreds of families on the benefits of cloth diapering, and I can’t wait to try it out for myself. Esembly is a new company to the cloth diaper market, and they’ve streamlined the process with their simple inner absorbent, outer protective layer system; cloth-diaper friendly skincare products; and laundering routine and products that have been perfected after years in the cloth diaper laundering business. It’s weird to say you’re excited about diapering, but I am! Esembly is offering a 10% discount for our readers with code Baby*Chick*1020, and I highly recommend the Try-It Kit with everything you need to see if cloth diapering is right for your family!

My mom recently asked me, “What do you do with the diapers while you wait to do laundry?” Well, put them in an Ubbi diaper pail, of course! I have two cloth diaper pail liners from Esembly that fit perfectly inside my beautiful Sage green steel Ubbi Diaper Pail! I’ll throw all of the cloth diapers and wipes in the pail, take the cloth liner out every 2-3 days, turn it all inside out into the washer, throw the liner in and wash it right up! Meanwhile, I know the Ubbi will do a great job of locking out odors, and its footprint is slim enough to fit in my tiny nursery!

2. Get creative and organized using other spaces in your home

If you’re working with a tiny nursery, you’ve got to be creative about using the other spaces in your home. It’s necessary to have a good set-up in your bedroom (probably for everyone it is!). You’ll want somewhere for baby to sleep if you’re planning to room-share, and you’ll want a way to keep the feeding and baby care essentials close at hand for middle-of-the-night purposes.

From Bugaboo, a company known for its exceptional strollers, comes the Stardust, a new playard and travel crib to the market! Having a travel crib to keep in your bedroom is a great, multi-functional alternative to a bassinet. It allows baby to stay close for as long as you want them in your room, but folds up compactly for travel, days at grandmas, or even trips downstairs! We’ll be able to use it for up to two years for our daughter to play in or sleep in safely. I love that it folds up with a handy carrying case, unfolds in one move, has a height-adjustable mattress, and a streamlined look.

You’ll want somewhere to conveniently store some baby-care necessities. The Ubbi Diaper Caddy is explicitly made for this purpose and is one of my favorite gifts to give new parents. I recommend stocking it with a thermometer, nursing pads, nipple balm, a NoseFrida, burp cloths, a swaddle, diapers, and wipes. It perfectly holds the Ubbi wipes dispenser, which is AMAZING complete with a weight for easy one-handed pulling out of wipes and a little peep window to check on your supply.

I recently discovered this Braun no-touch thermometer, and it is the best thermometer I’ve used both personally and professionally. It requires no touching so that you won’t wake your sleeping baby, and it has fever indicators you can adjust based on age. I also love that it can check surface and water temperatures. I really have never been so hyped about a thermometer.

If you’re planning to nurse, I definitely recommend a good nursing pillow to keep on hand in your bedroom in the early days. I love the Niche from Nook. Not only is it non-toxic, but it also has a changeable cover. Plus, I find that it’s the perfect combination of fluffy and sturdy enough to raise baby to breast, but malleable enough to move around into the best position for each mom and baby. And the discount code Chick15 works for 15% off the nursing pillow, mattresses, and all of the other wonderful Nook products!

Like so many of us right now, I’m working from home. With such little space to work with in our house, I knew my home office (which is in our bedroom!) would need to double as a mini nursery/ playroom. This playmat from Toki matched beautifully with my decor and provides a cushy place for baby to explore and play in my little office area. Toki mats are made of natural foam and have a super soft organic cotton cover that’s completely machine washable. They are a GOLS-certified organic product, so you know that they’re totally safe for baby!

I’m a huge fan of the SnuggleMe Organic infant lounger, and I highly recommend them to all of my postpartum clients. It’s great to know that baby has a GOTS-certified organic safe place to hang out, leaving your hands free! This gorgeous cover in Sugar Plum matches our decor beautifully!

Lovevery is one of the new baby brands to have come on the market in the past few years that I am most excited about! Their Montessori-inspired products for babies and toddlers are designed by experts and are fun for kids and gorgeous for parents to look at. I was given a year’s subscription to their play kits at our shower, and I am honestly not planning to buy any other toys in the first few years! Play kits with developmentally appropriate, encouraging, and eco-friendly playthings are sent to your house as your baby grows, taking the stress and work out of providing toys for your little one. Each kit also comes with a play guide to help you understand the developmental significance of each play item. The items pictured above are from the first kit—The Looker—and are designed for newborns taking in the world around them through bold patterns! We couldn’t be more excited to try them all out.

3. Invest in products that have multiple uses and/ or grow with your baby

This is a big one for me! Not only are we short on space, but I also want to be conscious of over-consumption. I am constantly on the lookout for multi-use products that will cut down on our consumerism and grow with our family.

Like the aforementioned Play Kits, the Lovevery Play Gym is a miracle of aesthetics meets research meets a play gym your little one will actually use and learn from! Designed by child development experts, the Lovevery Play Gym has five development zones that encourage your baby to learn to focus, make sounds, explore how things feel, hide and find objects, and explore colors. It also comes with a play space cover to turn the gym into a cave of imagination for older babies and toddlers! I knew we’d want a play gym for our baby, and with precious little space in our tiny nursery, I was strategic in choosing a product that would be pretty to look at, developmentally encouraging, and would grow with our child!

The Bloom Coco Go 3-in-1 Bouncer is another multi-use product that I am super excited to try out with our baby. I knew I wanted to keep the baby container products to a minimum in our house—we just don’t have room for a bouncer, a swing, and a rocker. The Coco was the perfect answer for us since it’s a lounger, a bouncer, and a fixed stationary upright seat for baby! Depending on the position of the little feet on the bottom, you can rock the seat, bounce it, or turn on a two-speed vibration. It also folds flat (!!!) and fits beautifully into a storage bag with handles for easy transport to and from grandma’s house, or just out of sight when not in use. I love that it can be used for newborns up to baby’s weighing 25lbs. It will be perfect for having a safe place to put baby while I work or even on the bathroom floor while taking a shower (if we’re being real)! Bloom is offering Baby Chick readers 10% off their entire line of beautiful baby items with code Babychick10 at checkout!

The Doona Infant Carseat and Stroller is the classic, tried-and-true multi-use baby product. Saving you time and money, the Doona is the world’s first infant car seat with a completely integrated mobility solution (aka, stroller!). It easily packs down and clicks into a base with the wheels attached, and they pop back out with a push of a button. Known for being incredibly safe and practical, the Doona was at the top of my list for space-saving, multi-use baby products in a small space.

Phew! Putting together a nursery is super fun, but it is hard work! Are you working with a small space to design a tiny nursery? Share with us the tips and tricks you’ve learned along the way!

One of the most exciting things to do when you are expecting a new baby is to design a nursery. It’s the room where you and your baby will be spending a lot of time, so it needs to be a place where you feel comfortable and enjoy being. There are so many cute themes and nursery design ideas that it can be tough to choose just one. Something that is becoming increasingly popular with nursery design is not only choosing a pleasing aesthetic but also making eco-friendly choices. But why should someone plan an eco-friendly sustainable nursery? There are actually many benefits – health, environmental, and economic. Here’s why you should consider planning an eco-friendly nursery along with some adorable and eco-friendly recommendations! (Plus we’re doing an amazing nursery giveaway [CLOSED] that you don’t want to miss out. Keep reading!)

What is an eco-friendly nursery?

Eco-friendly means “not harmful to the environment.” So an eco-friendly nursery is one in which the chosen products are good for the environment and for your family. The three pillars of sustainability are: environmental, social, and economic. Unfortunately, there are a lot of chemicals and toxins in many consumer products – including baby products. By being mindful and choosing to design an eco-friendly, sustainable nursery, you are actively choosing to create a healthier and safer space for you, your family, and the environment.

Why would I want an eco-friendly, sustainable nursery?

When some people hear “eco-friendly, sustainable nursery” they think raw, stale, and boring. But, thankfully, creating an eco-friendly and stylish nursery today has never been easier! And, yes, you can have both. There are so many companies who are choosing to create clean, safe, and stylish pieces so you don’t have to sacrifice your style for quality. By doing your research and choosing products that are eco-friendly and sustainable, you are helping to protect our natural environment, the people living in it, and reduce the resources we consume. It’s ultimately better for everyone.

Products that are Beautiful and Eco-Friendly for Your Baby’s Nursery

To pick out some of the best eco-friendly products for your nursery, we chatted with Stephanie DeBrincat, interior designer and founder of Rockabye Mommy. Stephanie specializes in healthy nursery and children’s room design. She is passionate about creating a safe and healthy space for your kids.

“Your little ones will spend countless hours sleeping and playing in what’s supposed to be their safe haven, so doing what you can to keep toxins to a minimum is incredibly important,” said Stephanie. And we couldn’t agree more.

As a designer, her goal is to create the healthiest, safest, most gorgeous, and cozy environment for your little ones to thrive in. We couldn’t think of a better person to talk to about nursery design. Here’s what to think about when designing an eco-friendly sustainable nursery and some products we highly recommend.

1. Sleep Space

Babies spend most of their days sleeping, especially as newborns. So the best place to start when creating an eco-friendly nursery is choosing a quality crib mattress. Get a mattress made of organic materials and look to see that it has received quality safety certifications. By doing this, you are helping the environment and protecting your baby from harmful chemicals that may be present in artificial mattresses. We love how every one of Naturepedic’s products is certified to the highest organic and non-toxic standards. We also love that they do not use any of the questionable materials found in many crib mattresses such as vinyl, PFCs, polyurethane foam, flame retardant chemicals and barriers, formaldehyde, pesticides, GMOs, and glues/adhesives. Here are a few certifications to look for:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
• Forest Stewardship Council / Rainforest Alliance
• MADE SAFE® Certified Non-Toxic
• Organic Content Standard (OSC100)

Without certifications, it is up to consumers to do their research and to ask the right questions. By reading labels and looking at safety certifications you can determine if the item’s production standards are acceptable for your family.

Also, for furniture pieces, like the crib, confirm that the manufacturer is only using water or food-based, non-toxic glues. Adhesives can contain chemicals that emit toxic VOCs into the air. This is something that we want to avoid, especially in your newborn’s room.

Here’s what you will need in baby’s sleep space in the nursery and some products that are eco-friendly and high quality:

• Crib mattress – Naturepedic organic crib mattress
• Crib sheets – Naturepedic organic crib sheets
• Crib mattress pad – Naturepedic organic waterproof pad or breathable protector pad
• Crib – Greenguard Certified Crib
• Blanket – Coyuchi Certified Organic Baby Blanket
• Rest pad – Naturepedic organic rest pad
• Air purifier – Austin Air Baby’s Breath Air Cleaner

2. Diapering

Choosing natural and organic products is the best way to keep your nursery as eco-friendly as possible. Another good practice to make your baby’s nursery more sustainable is to choose pieces that will last. Changing tables are great for your baby’s first year of life, however, we recommend choosing a dresser or large chest instead. By choosing one of these multi-use products you can add a changing tray on top to be functional for diaper changes, but it will also be able to grow with your child and stay in their room for the long haul — well past the baby stage.

Here are the items that you will need in the nursery for diapering. We’ve listed some of our favorite products that are eco-friendly and high quality:

• Changing table pad – Naturepedic organic changing table pad
• Changing table or dresser – Greenguard Certified Dressers and Changing Tables
• Diapers – Healthy Nest Diapering Development Program
• Disposable Wipes – Water Wipes
• Reusable baby wipes – Mukin 100% Muslin Organic Cotton Baby Washcloths
• Cloth diapers – Esembly cloth diapers
• Diaper balm – Esembly skincare
• Diaper pail – Ubbi diaper pail

3. Feeding Area

You will feel like you are constantly feeding your baby. And that’s normal! Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in this area, create a space that is comfortable for you while you feed your little one. When choosing furniture, look for pieces that have a Greenguard Certification. These are products that have been tested for more than 10,000 VOCs and are certified low emitting for healthy indoor air quality. This will ensure that the materials are safe for your baby and you.

This is what you will need in your feeding area:

• Glider or Rocking Chair – Greenguard Certified Glider or Rocking Chair
• Nursing pillow – Organic Niche Nursing Pillow
• Side table – Greenguard Certified Side Table

4. Decor

Did you know that 20 percent of all industrial pollution comes from the textile manufacturing process? It’s true! Many fabrics produced use harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, flame retardants, VOCs, and heavy metals. Because of this, the factory workers and the environment are heavily impacted. They are exposed to these hazardous toxins which then pollute our water, soil, and air and ultimately lead to health concerns. This is why it’s best to avoid fabrics that have been chemically finished to reduce your exposure, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon, and silk. Instead, choose a natural, sustainable fabric for your nursing chair, seating, and drapery like recycled cotton, organic linen, organic hemp, flax, and Tencel.

And don’t forget what’s going on your floor! Your best choice for an eco-friendly, safe, and non-toxic purchase is with carpet or a rug made from untreated, undyed fibers and organic materials such as wool, jute, or seagrass. Here are some examples that we love:

• Paint – AFM SafeCoat Paint or ECOS Paint
• Area Rug – GOTS Organic Weave
• Storage furniture
• Toys – Oompa Organic Toys

As you can see, eco-friendly doesn’t mean boring! It’s beautiful and it’s safe so you can breathe easier knowing your baby is in a healthy home.

Nursery Giveaway! [CLOSED]

And guess what . . . we are partnering with Naturepedic to give one lucky winner an entire eco-friendly nursery makeover! Here’s what you could win:

• Virtual nursery makeover for a lucky mom-to-be with Stephanie from Rockabye Mommy — including a mood board 
• Naturepedic organic crib mattress
• Naturepedic organic crib sheets
• Naturepedic organic breathable protector pad
• Naturepedic organic changing table pad
• Naturepedic organic rest pad                 
• Austin Air Baby’s Breath Air Cleaner
• Greenguard Certified Crib
• AFM SafeCoat Paint or Ecos Paint
• Area Rug – GOTS Organic Weave
• Greenguard Certified Changing Table
• Greenguard Certified Nursery Rocking Chair
• Coyuchi Certified Organic Baby Blanket
• Coyuchi Certified Organic Swaddle Blanket
• Healthy Nest – Diapering Development Program 

Total Value of the Giveaway: $3,500! [CLOSED]

• Runner up will receive:
  • Naturepedic organic crib mattress

Visit this link to enter to win! The giveaway closes on December 16, 2020, and the winner will be announced on December 18th. Good luck to all and happy, healthy designing!

Babies spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping, so one of the most important investments for your baby is a mattress! Shopping for the perfect crib mattress for you and your family is not an easy task. So don’t worry if you’ve spent hours, days, or weeks researching and looking for the best crib mattress. It’s worth it!

Safety is the first thing to consider when buying a bassinet or crib mattress.

1. You want the crib mattress to be firm.

Don’t be turned away by how firm a mattress is. A baby’s mattress needs to be extra firm to prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and allow their bones to develop while sleeping. You wouldn’t want your baby rolling onto their face on a soft cushion. Making sure a mattress is firm and flat should be the first thing to look for, regardless of whether your baby is a back or tummy sleeper.

How do you make sure it’s firm enough? Check that you are buying a mattress for an infant, not a toddler. Although, if you find a double-sided mattress with one firm side intended for infants and one slightly softer side intended for toddlers, you’ve saved yourself some money in the long run!

2. Check that it’s mold resistant.

Safety also means assuring that the mattress materials won’t allow mold growth. Mold grows in wet areas, so you may want to buy a waterproof mattress or a waterproof cover to prevent this. Make sure that if you’re purchasing a cover, it is the correct fit for the crib mattress. Buying the same brand usually makes this a simpler task. Most waterproof crib mattresses have a vinyl or polyethylene surface. If these chemical surfaces do bother you, there are organic materials, such as wool, that are naturally resistant to mold.

3. Avoid flame retardants.

That brings us to safe materials! Although many states have legislation over baby sleep products and their flammability, flame retardants can be highly toxic. These toxic flame retardants are found in couches, mattresses, pajamas, and many other products that are then absorbed by our skin. The choice is entirely yours on whether you’re aiming for flame retardant or organic materials that, in turn, are highly flammable.

4. Consider splurging for a new crib mattress.

And think twice before using a used crib mattress. You want to know its history, so you’re not introducing mold, mildew, or dust mites to your baby’s room.

5. Make sure that the crib mattress is the correct size.

While most crib mattresses are a standard size for a standard crib, there are so many mini-cribs and bassinets on the market now that may better suit your family, so make sure the crib mattress size is correct. The mattress should be a snug fit where you shouldn’t be able to squeeze more than two fingers between the crib and the mattress.

6. No bumpers or accessories are necessary.

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) suggests that you do not use crib bumpers, blankets, or any loose materials or toys that may be of suffocation or strangulation hazard. Side note: this does not include a pacifier, which is suggested to be used and may prevent SIDS.¹ Read the Newly Updated Safe Sleep Guidelines from the AAP.

If you think that was a lot of information, this second part is simpler.

There are two types of crib mattresses:

1. Foam

While foam mattresses are typically made of polyurethane, which is light, flame retardant, and amongst the cheapest mattresses, many parents opt for foam crib mattresses made of organic materials. These materials may include soy, organic cotton, bamboo, and natural latex, among others. The choice is yours.

2. Spring

Innerspring mattresses consist of steel coils and any of the previously mentioned materials. These highly structured mattresses are typically more expensive and heavier, something to consider when changing those sheets!

And remember that crib mattresses often come double-sided with a firm infant side and a softer toddler side. While the price may be slightly higher for a double-sided mattress, it will save you money in the long run.

Now that you’ve learned about safe use, materials, and types of mattresses, here’s a list of some mom-approved brands:

11 of the Best Crib Mattresses

1. Naturepedic Mattresses

Buy Here

The Naturepedic Mattresses are designed by pediatricians, chemists, engineers, and orthopedic specialists. The Naturepedic Organic Lightweight Classic Crib Mattress is a favorite. It’s made from organic cotton, a food-grade PVC vinyl waterproof surface to protect your baby from mold and mildew, and it’s double-sided! It costs about $269.00.

2. Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress

An organic foam mattress made from US-grown soybeans that do not include any toxic flame retardants. It’s also double-sided and runs for a little over $100. This was a win-win for our family!

3. SleepOvation Baby Mattress

This mattress is breathable and also made to reduce harmful pressure on baby’s head. It has a washable removable cover and is made in the USA with safe and healthy materials. This mattress is a 2-stage design with one side for infants and the other for toddlers. 

4. Newton Baby Crib Mattress

The Newton Baby crib mattress is made with breathe-thru technology that makes it 100% breathable. Another feature we love is that the cover and core are completely washable. This mattress will grow with your baby and give your baby a safe and comfortable place to sleep. 

5. Nook Sleep Crib Mattress

Nook Sleep Crib Mattresses are some of the most organic crib mattresses on the market. Every inch of their mattresses is organic, responsibly sourced, and supremely breathable from core to cover. The cover is removable and machine washable making it easy to clean.

6. Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress

Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress is a favorite lightweight and cheap mattress at a little over 7 lbs and only $88.20. It has a waterproof surface to protect your baby from mold and mildew. This mattress is GREENGUARD certified and fits standard crib sizes.

7. Lullaby Earth Crib Mattress

An organic mattress that has a breathable mattress protector. It has two-stage firmness that is firmer on one side for infants and medium-firm on the opposite side for toddlers. It’s lightweight and fits most standard-size cribs. 

8. Colgate Crib Mattress

This breathable crib mattress is hypoallergenic and has multiple side vents for optimal airflow. The cover is waterproof, triple-layered, and tear-resistant. It has dual-firmness that makes it supportive for infants and comfortable for toddlers. 

9. Avocado Eco Organic Crib Mattress

A GOTS-certified organic mattress made without toxic chemicals, off-gassing, chemical flame retardants, fiberglass, or polyurethane foams. It’s made with organic cotton, hemp, and wool and a coconut husk pad to deliver breathable and safe comfort for your little one. It’s also made in the United States. 

10. Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Crib Mattress

This mattress has a waterproof removable cover and is lightweight. It’s dual-sided, with a supportive firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. It’s also breathable and hypoallergenic. 

11. Moonlight Baby Crib Mattress

Dual-sided with a high-density foam on one side to support infants and a plush foam on the other side for toddlers. It’s waterproof and durable to last for as long as you need it to. The reinforced seams help to protect your mattress. 

Also, check out Dream On Me, which carries innerspring and foam mattresses of many sizes to fit your bassinet, crib, or toddler bed.

Now you know what to consider, the different types, and the best crib mattresses. I hope this article gives you peace of mind when buying your baby’s first important investment. Best wishes!

Although they may be adorable and small, newborn babies come with a lot of “stuff.” Among the little clothes, diapers, and furniture, there is much to consider when decorating, arranging, and organizing a nursery. Naturally, you want to ensure the nursery looks as cute as your baby! Here are a few tips for a functional, well-organized, and beautiful nursery.

1. Arranging the Furniture for Function

Many soon-to-be moms and dads have the walls painted and pick out bedding, mobiles, and perfect outfits before considering buying and arranging the furniture. Cribs, changing tables, dressers, and gliders take up a lot of space. You want them to look great, but placing them in practical spots in the room is even more important.

To help create flow in the room, functionality should be considered a top priority in a nursery.

The function of the room depends on the activity. In this case, think about sleeping, feeding, playing, changing diapers and clothes, and so on. Ask yourself what you will be doing the most often. If you lack space, consider placing furniture against the walls and in the corners. Check out this tiny nursery reveal for more inspiration.

Optimal spacing and safety are important when locating key furniture pieces for a comfortable and convenient nursery. The crib is one of the focal pieces (and most used pieces) of furniture. After rocking or feeding the baby, the transition to the crib should be as smooth as possible. Keep a small nightstand or side table near the rocker and place a dim lamp on it. This item can be ideal for bedtime books and empty bottles after feedings. A small drawer in the nightstand can hold easy-to-reach cold tablets or burp cloths when needed. You also want to keep the crib away from the door so that you don’t wake them when you peek in to check on the baby. Lastly, the crib should be located away from a drafty window and away from curtains and draperies where the baby can easily reach to avoid choking or other hazards. The glider can be placed near the window so mom can look out while feeding.

Another key piece of furniture is the changing table. When changing the baby, diapers, wipes, and a fresh, clean outfit should be easily accessible without having to walk away and leave the baby. The changing table should be close to the dresser so you can easily and quickly grab an outfit. Keep the diaper pail and hamper near the changing table as well. This way, you can discard the diaper and dirty clothes without leaving the baby’s side.

2. Organizing a Dresser and Changing Station

There never seems to be enough storage for all the baby’s necessities, and traditional closets with just a standard bar to hang clothes are often not cut out for efficient use. If you lack a closet system, get creative by placing a small shelf inside a closet. Place a tension rod in the middle of a bookshelf and remove lower shelves for hanging clothes. Lack closet drawers? You can use baskets or crates for accessories, extra diapers, books, and toys. You can also use a shoe organizer on the back of a closet door for hats and accessories. Chances are you have purchased clothing the baby doesn’t quite fit into yet. Organize these clothes by month with clothing dividers.

Do you still need more storage?

Cubed shelving with bins is a great solution. A large cubed shelving unit creates extra storage and shelving, while a small unit provides a tabletop for baby’s things. Bins can hold everything from extra diapers to toys and keep them out of sight. They are also transitional and versatile for when the baby becomes a toddler. Bins can be removed, and cubes can be used as shelves for books, piggy banks, and decorative items.

3. Double Duty Decorating

Now that the furniture is placed properly, it’s time to decorate. Framing favorite nursery books or pages with illustrations makes simple DIY artwork. Of course, baby’s name or monogram is a must and adds a personal touch as well. You can also add style with a rug and wall decals. But decorating with double duty in mind is a great way to combine fashion and function. Use picture ledges on a wall to hold and display books. A row of fabric-lined wicker or wire baskets can be hung on a wall vertically or horizontally for attractive toy storage. A vintage ladder against a wall can display baby blankets and quilts.

Don’t forget about shades and curtains.

Not only should they reflect your style and color scheme, but they should also be easy to draw for naptime and bedtime. Black-out shades, liners, or roman shades work well in a nursery. You can anchor them with decorative curtains, satisfying both beauty and function.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when preparing a nursery for your little one. From proper furniture placement, drawer organization, and closet set-up to double-duty decorating, the best thing to remember is that if it doesn’t work, change it. After about a dozen diaper changes or so, you can make slight changes to better fit your and your baby’s needs.

This article originally appeared on PartSelect’s Blog

Baby stuff is some of the cutest on the planet, bar none. The teensy little clothes, the adorable nursery décor, and the endless kinds of soothing toys available make my ovaries squeal for another baby. I especially love companies that wrap all those things into one adorable little package. And that’s where some of my girl’s favorite snuggly toys come in. From the plush, gorgeously soft Roly Poly Bunny Comfy Cozy to the sweet little details of her Roly Poly bunny. I’m so glad GUND has been providing families with huggable plush for 120 years now.

I’m not the “crafty” mom.

As badly as I have always wanted to be a Pinterest mama. I just don’t have enough hours in the day to do so. In order to create a less stressful “nesting period,” I wanted to find ways to combine fun and function: when it came to my little girl’s room, I wanted toys that she could play with and that would be beautiful on the bookshelf or in her chair, too. I saw tons of images just like this on Pinterest, and it seemed like GUND might be the most helpful in my “work smarter, not harder” endeavor for decorating.

GUND Saves the Day

In the effort to give her nursery some whimsical aesthetic, I didn’t want to go overboard on theme. But I knew I wanted some soft, cuddly goodness thrown in here and there. GUND has been making teddy bears and similar fuzzy friends and gifts since 1898. However, recently began making an incredible baby line.

I’m a sucker for history, and when I looked deeper and saw that GUND supports multiple charities as well? SCORE for this mama. In an effort to “create a more huggable world,” GUND donates thousands of their sweet toys to support philanthropic missions of children’s hospitals, grief centers, and more. As a military spouse, though, I was beyond thrilled to see their involvement with Operation Shower. Who “hosts joyful baby showers for military families across the country. The showers are an opportunity for military families to leave the stresses of deployment at home, come together and celebrate.”

If I wasn’t already enamored with their beautiful and soft cuddlies and amazing mission, I was totally sold when I researched more about the company to discover that GUND makes all their baby products completely safe for your little one: no detachable eyes pose a choking hazard here. As they carefully embroider each lovey and animal with baby in mind.

Designing the nursery–no small feat

We decided on a Peter Rabbit-garden theme for Baby E’s nursery. And I set to looking on GUND’s website for the perfect complements to the dreamy scene I hoped to set. I wanted to buy products that would be comfort items that could grow with her. Baby GUND made this mission possible in a big way. Their huggable baby plush line is machine washable, versatile for both play and sensory development, and the quality means my baby. A soon-to-be-toddler will enjoy the baby GUND products for years to come. I would be able to check off a lot of items from my list of “new mama purchase worries” when looking into buying from GUND.

What I didn’t anticipate, though, was the internal struggle of which of their adorable items to buy: should we go full-on bunny mania. Or select an adorable assortment of new loveys and friends that she would surely love as she grew? I chose the latter option, because a girl needs variety.

Because I’m a sucker for “orders over *this* magic number ship free”. I decided to shop around for some friends of mine who were due with babies soon, too. I rubbed my expectant belly as I clicked on Baby GUND item after item. And added more Tucker giraffes, roly polys pigs, and Luna unicorns to my cart.

Sharing the love at showers

My secret formula to giving a great baby shower gift is a pack of diapers, (not newborn!) a singular outfit that is seasonally appropriate, and a keepsake item. In the past, I’ve gotten stumped with what felt like boring options, because after all: how many picture frames does a person need?

Enter GUND. It’s become my go-to for adorable, baby-friendly gifts that are as fun to give as they are to receive. It doesn’t hurt that this line of goodies is baby-safe, machine-washable, and just really stinking cute. I received stuffed animals and loveys for my baby shower, too: but none stack up in terms of adorable durability and safety quite like GUND. Which is why I trust giving it to friends and my daughter alike.

I’m no longer anti-stuffed animals.

I had promised myself I wouldn’t let my baby become a stuffed animal hoarder like I was when I was little. I collected every cheaply made and potentially hazardous friend I came across: from claw machines at the arcade to the ever-popular bean-filled animals of the 90’s. (Which I once cut open and nearly ate the beads until stopped by my dad!). My room had no semblance of theme, order, or safety.

GUND’s quality and overall integrity as a philanthropic company has convinced me that the sweet little pieces that provide my girl with security and comfort aren’t simply friends for her. But provide a warmth and added charm to her room décor that I hadn’t considered before. My barrage of bears and dolls growing up were always strewn about haphazardly. (And were, quite frankly, a little ugly and creepy.) And though she isn’t quite old enough to do so yet. I won’t mind seeing her baby GUND pals laying about.

SaveSave

Whether you are currently a mom-to-be or a future mom-to-be. I bet you’ve “liked” all those social media-worthy nurseries and have “pinned” dozens of fabulous product must-haves. As a designer, I love it when clients come to us with their visual inspiration. But before you start designing your nursery and purchasing that high-end crib, take in a hand-me down glider, or brush on that vibrant wall color. Be sure you have taken into consideration these four expert pieces of advice.

4 Things You Must Know Before Designing Your Nursery

1. Know Your Budget

When having a baby the subject of how much “it” all costs may already be an overwhelming point of contention between you and your partner. Don’t let the topic of money detract from creating a special space for bonding and caring for your baby. Whether you are doing-it-yourself or getting help from a designer to complete your nursery, knowing your budget is crucial. No matter how small or big it truly doesn’t matter. There are wonderful options at every price point, for every style, and in every trend. Having a budget nailed down will help you focus on where to spend and where to save. Making all the decisions easier in comparison to shopping without one. Whether that budget you just nailed down is modest or generous. We recommend deciding which items to splurge on and which will be budget friendly.

2. Know Where to Save

Save on the crib. Yes, I said it! This is probably the #1 must-have nursery item on everyone’s shopping list, but don’t get caught up making it just an aesthetic centerpiece. It is the mattress and crib sheets that make the difference in your baby’s sleep. Especially for those with smaller budgets, the money you save on the crib will allow you to invest more in quality options that directly support healthy sleep, like organic bedding.

Key considerations for the crib:

• Safety: check for durability, design and built with non-toxic material
• Size: you may not need a full size, maybe a mini-crib is all you need
• Longevity: check for the option to buy a converter kit for a toddler or larger bed type

3. Know Where to Splurge

Splurge on that glider. You probably caught yourself daydreaming about future moments bonding with your baby during feedings or cuddling. But be forewarned that these aren’t “moments,” rather, they tend to be events that can last for an hour or more. It is also inevitable that you, your baby, or both of you will fall asleep sitting in this glider on the daily. So invest in a comfortable and functional nursery glider for you and your other main caregivers.

Key considerations for the glider:

• Measurements: check dimensions that work for your body size and room size
• Material: go with ones for easy clean up of spills
• Mobility: be sure you can swivel to reach things nearby and recline with one hand

4. Know It’s About You

If I could, I would rename the baby room the “mother room.” Back in the days of Queen Victoria, the nursery was a place where the governess cared for the children. In today’s society it is likely that parents, and even more likely that the mother will spend the most time in this room caring for her own child. This is why my design philosophy is for mom-to-be to choose the style, color palette, and decor that makes her feel calm, comfortable, and confident.

It’s also important to note that newborn babies sleep best in rooms that are not over stimulating. So while you LOVE color, we recommend starting out with a neutral palette and peppering in pops of bright, cheerful hues. As your little one grows they will develop a personality of their own with favorite colors and objects, making the transition to the big kid bedroom is an excellent opportunity to bring on those bold colors.