Start With Your Bedroom, Not the Nursery
When I started building my baby registry, I felt completely lost. There were so many products, lists, and opinions that I quickly became overwhelmed. I wanted to make good choices, spend wisely, and still choose quality items, but instead of feeling excited, I felt burned out. So here is a guide that may help you.
Start With Your Bedroom, Not the Nursery
Instead of focusing only on decorating a nursery, consider preparing your bedroom first.
This is advice I rarely heard, but it would have saved me money and stress. Room sharing changes how you use your space every day, and having a practical setup makes a huge difference during those first months.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing for at least the first 6 months, ideally up to 12 months, to reduce SIDS risk by 50%.*
This tip is also helpful for grandparents or caregivers who need to create a small, functional baby space at home without major renovations.
Building a Bedroom that Works for Baby and Parents
When choosing items, I focused on:
Practical pieces for everyday use
Comfort for both baby and parents
Easy-to-clean materials
Affordable options that can be ordered online
I give preference to US brands
The goal is not perfection. The goal is functional space for a newborn.
The image above is the inspiration for this room. The idea is to create a calm environment, with fewer things, so your postpartum life can feel as relaxed as possible. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Wallpaper: https://rebelwalls.com/tree-on-the-hill-vintage | Bed: https://amzn.to/4kZp5ZT | Bedside Crib: https://amzn.to/4l3TUwS | Mattress: https://amzn.to/40zZ2PE | 3 Drawer dresser: https://amzn.to/4bjYKBJ | 3 Piece picture frame: https://amzn.to/3OGKJWX | Nursery night light: https://amzn.to/4aY9C84 | Rug: https://amzn.to/4bfvop2 | Swaddle and plush toy: https://amzn.to/4sl3EoW | Quilt set Martha Stewart: https://amzn.to/4l1RQWb | Duve cover Martha Stewart: https://amzn.to/4ckrMmM
It’s a neutral and peaceful space that works beautifully for both boys and girls. Soft natural tones, simple furniture, and cozy textures help create a calm atmosphere for both mom and baby. I love adding small personal details, like name lettering or framed photos, to make the room feel special without adding clutter. The compact dresser also works perfectly as a changing area, keeping everything practical, organized, and within reach during those early months.
There are some more basic items to consider that actually can help you:
Changing pad | Graco
Waterproof Changing Pad Cover | Konssy
Diaper trash | Genie
Crib Sheets Fitted | KeaBabies
Room Thermometer and Humidity Gauge | Tempro
Humidifiers for Bedroom | Levoit
Night Light Projector with white noise | Angelcare
Now one more item, if you planing to do a C-section or just have consider to buy an Bed Assist Bar | Mediline. I had an emergency C-section and hurt myself trying to get out of the bed, I bough this and was painless get up, easy to instal.**
* American Academy Pediatrics website: Safe Sleep
** All products on my list are suggestions — feel free to change colors or brands if you want. My criteria works for me, and each individual has their own experience.