Sleeping

Creating the perfect baby nursery is an exciting (but sometimes overwhelming) task. It's a space where your baby will sleep, play, and grow, so it needs to be both beautiful and functional.  

We’ve written this post to help you design a dreamy and practical nursery and share some tips and tricks to make the process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.  

Before we get started, it’s important to note that your baby should always be in the same room as you when they’re asleep for the first six months of their life. But that doesn't mean you can’t get their own bedroom sorted ahead of time!  

What do you need in a nursery room? 

A nursery should be a safe, comfortable, and functional space for your baby.  

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 sleepbags: 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.  

Feeding 

• Rocking chair: A comfortable place for you to breastfeed 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.   

Storage 

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

Other essentials 

• 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. 

Remember, the most important thing is to create a practical space that you and your baby will love. 

What should a nursery room look like? 

A nursery should be a calming and functional space for your baby. 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. 

Nursery trends come and go. Choose a design that you love and that will stand the test of time. You can always add trendy touches with accessories that are easy to change.  

Whatever style nursey you go for, try to choose furniture and decor that can adapt as your baby grows, and remember that the nursery you create should reflect your personal style and be a space that you and your baby love. 

Design ideas for nursery rooms 

Creating a nursery is an exciting process, and the design possibilities are endless! Whether you're working with a large space or a cosy box room, there are plenty of ways to create a beautiful and functional room for your baby.  

Looking for some inspiration to help you get started? We’ve got you!  

Small nursery ideas 

• Maximise vertical space: Put up wall shelves or use hanging organisers and over-the-door storage to make the most of limited space. 
• Multifunctional furniture: Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a changing table that converts into a dresser or a cot with built-in drawers. 
• Light and bright: Keep the colour palette light and airy to make the room feel larger. Maximise natural light and use mirrors to create the illusion of more space. 
• Clever storage: Baskets, bins, and under-bed storage can help to keep everything organised and clutter-free. 

Neutral nursery ideas 

• Calming palette: Embrace a neutral colour scheme with shades of white, beige, grey, and cream.  
• Add visual interest through texture: Think chunky knit blankets, woven baskets, and natural wood accents. Introduce subtle patterns through rugs, wallpaper, or textiles to add depth to the room. 
• Greenery: Incorporate plants (real or faux) to bring a touch of nature into the space and add a pop of colour without straying from the neutral theme. Using real plants? Make sure they’re baby-safe and non-toxic.  

Unisex nursery ideas 

• Gender-neutral colours: Opt for colours that work for both boys and girls, such as yellows, greens, greys, or even a sophisticated navy. 
• Nature-inspired: Themes like animals, forests, or the sky, are a great choice for a unisex nursery. 
• Geometric patterns: Stripes, chevrons, or dots, can add a playful touch without being overly gendered. 
• Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles and patterns to create a unique and personalised space. 

Sources  

• How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby - The Lullaby Trust 
• Top 10 tips for designing your nursery | BabyCentre