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Sleeping

Creating a Baby Nursery: Our Top Tips

Article By
Anna
Published On
09 Feb, 2025
Read Time
7 minutes

Expecting a baby? Congrats! Setting up the perfect nursery is really exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. It's where your baby will sleep, play, and grow, so you want it to be both beautiful and practical. 

While your baby should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months, it's perfectly fine to prepare their own bedroom in advance. 

We've put together this post to help you design a dreamy and functional nursery, and share some handy tips and tricks to make the whole process as simple as possible.  

What do you need in a baby’s nursery? 

Your baby’s nursery should be safe, comfortable, and functional. Here's a breakdown of the essentials: 

Sleeping 

  • Cot or Moses basket: A safe place for your baby to sleep. Make sure it meets current safety standards.    
  • Mattress: A firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in the cot or Moses basket.    
  • Mattress protector and fitted sheets: To keep baby’s mattress clean and hygienic.    
  • Swaddles or sleep bags: Tommee Tippee baby sleepbags are designed to keep them safe, secure and calm. So they sleep better, and you do too. Our swaddles and sleepbags are crafted for comfort and safer sleep, without the need for loose covers. 

Nursery storage 

  • Dresser: For storing clothes and other baby essentials.    
  • Shelves, boxes or baskets: To keep toys, books, and other items organised.    

Feeding 

  • Rocking chair: A comfortable place for you to breast or bottle feed, and soothe your baby.    
  • Nursing pillow: Provides support for you and your baby when you’re feeding them. 
  • Muslin cloths: Essential for cleaning up spills, dribble and spit-up.    

Nappy changing 

  • Changing table or pad: A designated space for nappy changes.    
  • Nappy bin: To dispose of dirty nappies. Our Twist & Click nappy bins offer guaranteed protection against odours and germs*, and mean less mess, and fewer trips to the outside bin.  
  • Nappies, wipes, and nappy rash cream: All the necessary supplies for smoother nappy changes, day and night.     

*T&C bin individually twists and wraps each nappy, locking away odours and germs. Antibacterial protection is present in the film and not the other components of this product. Film is treated with Biomaster silver biocide tested to ISO 22196-2011. Please use biocides responsibly.   

Other essentials for baby’s bedroom 

  • Baby monitor: To keep an eye (and ear) on your baby when you're not in the room. 
  • Nightlight: Helps to provide comforting reassurance and also acts as a soft light for nighttime feeds and nappy changes.    
  • Sound machine: Can help soothe your baby to sleep with white noise or other calming sounds.    
  • Cot mobile: Can provide visual stimulation for your baby. 
  • Play mat: A soft surface for your baby to practice tummy time and play on.    
  • Decorations: To personalise the nursery and make it feel cosy.    
  • A day bed: Perfect for you to nap when baby naps during the day, and practical if you ever need to sleep in baby’s room with them during the night. The nursery should also be a comfortable space for you, as you'll be spending a lot of time there. 

Explore the Range

Nursery

What should a baby’s nursery look like?

A baby’s nursery should be a calming and functional space. Here's what to consider: 

Colour palette 

  • Soothing hues: Opt for soft, calming colours like light blues, greens, greys, or pastels. These create a peaceful environment for sleep. 
  • Accent colours: You can add pops of colour with decorations, artwork, or textiles, but try to keep the overall palette tranquil. 

Layout and furniture 

  • Functional flow: Arrange furniture in a way that allows for easy movement and access to all areas of the room. 
  • Focal point: The baby’s cot is often the focal point, but if you have space, you can also create a cosy reading nook or a designated play area. 

Lighting 

  • Layered lighting: Use a combination of ambient (overhead), task (lamp for reading), and accent lighting (nightlight) to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. 
  • Dimmable lights: Essential for adjusting the light levels during nighttime feeds and changes. 

Nursery decor ideas and personal touches 

  • Soft textures: Add rugs, blankets, and pillows to create a cosy and comfortable feel. Consider using natural fabrics like cotton or linen. 
  • Wall art: Choose artwork that is soothing and stimulating for your baby, such as nature scenes, animals, or simple patterns. Consider wallpaper (removable options are great for nurseries), murals, or even wall decals to add personality and visual interest. 
  • Personalisation: Adding personal touches like photos, handmade items, or family heirlooms will help to make the space unique. 

Remember, nursery trends change quickly

Pick a design you truly love and that will last. You can easily add on-trend touches with accessories that are simple to swap out later. No matter what style you choose, try to select furniture and decorations that can adapt as your little one grows. Ultimately, your nursery should reflect your style and be a space that both you and your baby will adore. 

Safety first: Nursery decorating no-nos 

Setting up your bub's nursery is exciting, but safety and practicality are key. Here's what to avoid when getting their room ready: 

  • Secure those shelves: Make sure all furniture, especially dressers, bookshelves, and change tables, is properly anchored to the wall so it can't tip over. 
  • Cord control: Keep blind and curtain cords well out of bub's reach. 
  • Safe stuff: Choose non-toxic paints and materials for all furniture and decorations. 
  • Cot placement: Keep the cot away from windows (draughts and blind cords) and heaters. 
  • Fresh air: If you're painting, do it well before bub arrives to let the fumes clear out. 
  • Keep it clean: Keep the nursery clean and dust-free. Think about hypoallergenic bedding and maybe an air purifier. 

Nursery design inspiration 

Setting up your baby's nursery is so exciting, and there are endless ways to style it. Whether you've got a huge room or a small snug, you can create a gorgeous and practical space for you and your baby. 

Need some ideas to get you going? We've got you covered! 

Ideas for smaller nursery rooms 

  • Think vertical: Use wall shelves, hanging organisers, and over-the-door storage to make the most of every bit of space. 
  • Double-duty furniture: Choose pieces that do more than one job, like a change table that turns into a dresser, or a cot with built-in drawers. 
  • Lighten up: Stick to light and airy colours to make the room feel bigger. Let in as much natural light as possible and use mirrors to create the illusion of more space. 
  • Smart storage: Baskets, tubs, and under-bed storage are your friends for keeping everything organised and clutter-free. 

Ideas for neutral nursery rooms 

  • Chill vibes: Go for a neutral colour scheme with shades of white, beige, grey, and cream. 
  • Texture is key: Think chunky knit blankets, woven baskets, and natural wood accents. Add subtle patterns with rugs, wallpaper, or fabrics to give the room some depth. 
  • Bring the outdoors in: Pop in some plants (real or fake) to add a touch of nature and a bit of colour without straying from the neutral theme. If you're using real plants, make sure they're safe for babies and non-toxic. 

Ideas for unisex nursery rooms 

  • Colour-wise: Choose colours that suit both boys and girls, like yellows, greens, greys, or even a classy navy. 
  • Embrace the wild side: Themes like animals, the bush, or the sky are great for a unisex nursery. 
  • Fun patterns: Stripes, chevrons, or dots can add a playful touch without being too girly or boyish. 
  • Mix it up: Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles and patterns to create a unique and personalised space. 

How much does it cost to make a baby nursery?

A beautiful and functional nursery can be created at any price point, and ultimately, the cost of setting up a nursery is up to you. Prioritise what's important to you and your bub, and don't feel pressured to spend more than you're comfortable with. There are plenty of ways to create a beautiful and functional nursery on any budget. 

Setting up a baby's nursery in Australia can cost anywhere from under $1000 for a bare-bones, budget-friendly approach using second-hand items and DIY decor, to upwards of $5000 or more for a high-end, designer space with luxury furniture and professional help. Most families fall somewhere in the mid-range of $2000-$5000, opting for new but reasonably priced furniture, quality bedding, and stylish decor.  

Here are our top five tips for saving money when creating your baby’s nursery: 

  1. Shop sales and discounts: Look for deals on furniture and baby items. 
  2. Buy second-hand: Consider buying used furniture and decor in good condition. 
  3. DIY: Get creative and make your own decorations or even furniture. 
  4. Borrow or rent: Borrow items like a bassinet or newborn clothes from friends or family. 
  5. Prioritise: Focus on the essentials first and add extras later. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a dedicated nursery is a matter of personal preference and individual circumstances. It's not essential to have a dedicated nursery. Many families successfully raise children without one. The main thing is making sure your little one has a safe and comfy place to sleep, whether that's in their own room or the same room as you. 

Think about what works best for your family – what you need, what you've got, and how you like to do things. You can always set up a nursery later on if things change!  

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