When Should I Start Setting Up The Baby Nursery?

Wondering when should I start setting up the baby nursery? Then let us help with our guide on when to set up nursery so your ready for your baby’s arrival!

If you’re like me, you probably can’t wait to set up your nursery!

Afterall, who doesn’t love adorable baby furniture and all those cute little clothes. Plus it gives you a chance to ensure that you’re all organized in case your baby arrives earlier than expected.

But, there are also some things to consider before you just dive in an start setting up a baby nursery as I am going to discuss in detail below. So, keep reading to find out when to start preparing baby nursery!

when should i start setting up the baby nursery

What Is A Nursery, And Does Everyone Need One?

A nursery is simply a place where your baby is cared for. For many parents, this will be where your baby sleeps after their initial settling in period is over and they don’t require so much attention. 

For other parents, this can simply be a room for the baby where they can sleep in the day, be changed easily, and where all your baby stuff lives, allowing the rest of your home to be your own – but their baby may sleep in their own room during the night.

Not everyone will want a nursery, or necessarily have the capacity in their own house to fit one in.

You definitely don’t need a nursery, but it can be really helpful for parents so they can start to really settle into the idea of the baby being in their lives, as well as just being a good way to prepare for the baby and have everything you need once they arrive.

When Should I Start Setting Up The Baby Nursery?

When setting up a baby nursery, it’s best to start preparing as early as possible. This allows you to take your time, make decisions, and purchase items without feeling rushed.

In general, starting to set up the nursery around the 20-week mark of your pregnancy is a good time to start. This gives you enough time to set up the room and make sure everything is in place before the baby arrives.

Factors To Consider When Deciding When To Set Up Nursery

Here are a few things to consider when deciding when to start setting up the nursery:

Your Due Date

It’s a good idea to have the nursery set up at least a few weeks before your due date. This will give you time to make any necessary adjustments or changes before the baby arrives.

Your Comfort Level

Some parents prefer to have the nursery set up early, while others prefer to wait until closer to the due date. Consider your own comfort level and schedule when deciding when to start setting up the nursery.

Space Availability

If you plan to convert a room or rearrange furniture, it’s best to start early to ensure the nursery will be ready in time.

Budget

Keep in mind that setting up a nursery can be expensive, so starting early can also help you budget and make purchase decisions over a longer period of time.

Gender Of The Baby

If you plan to find out the gender of your baby, it’s a good idea to wait until you know before setting up the nursery. Parents can typically find out the gender of their baby during the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, which is usually done between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Baby Registry

If you’re planning to put together a baby registry you may want to consider adding some of your nursery items to the registry. If this is the case, then you may want to wait till after your baby shower to finalize your nursery.

However, I do recommend that you set up some of the key items like a bassinet or crib in case your baby arrives before your baby shower.

You may also like our guide on how to announce baby registry without baby shower.

How To Plan A Nursery

Planning a nursery can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are a few steps to help you plan a nursery:

1. Determine Your Budget

Decide on a budget for the nursery and allocate funds for different items such as a crib, changing table, dresser, and decor.

If your budget is tight, I highly recommend checking out our guide on how to save money on baby items!

2. Choose A Theme Or Color Scheme

Decide on a theme or color scheme for the nursery. This can be based on your personal preferences, the gender of the baby, or the overall style of your home.

This is where some parents prefer to wait until the 20 week mark so they can find out the gender of their baby to help with their decisions. But, it is definitely a personal preference!

I also recommend setting up your nursery in a gender neutral palette and then add featured décor items is a great idea, especially if you are looking to extend your family some more. That way you can easily reuse large expensive items such as bassinets, cribs, and nursery gliders regardless of the gender of your next baby. Then simply purchase your second baby must haves to cover any gaps in nursery/baby items.

3. Measure The Space

Measure the dimensions of the room and make a floor plan. This will help you determine the best layout for the furniture and décor.

I recommend cutting out small to scale footprints of your nursery room. Then doing the same with your baby furniture so you can easily move the pieces around the mock up room till you find a layout that works best.

Start with the larger pieces of furniture first and then look at smaller items.

You may also like these guides on where to put the baby monitor and where to put a humidifier in a nursery.

4. Make A List Of Necessary Items

Make a list of the items that you will need for the nursery, such as a crib, changing table, dresser, rocking chair, and storage solutions.

5. Shop Around

Look for the best deals on furniture and decor. Consider buying used items or shopping at consignment stores to save money.

6. Safety First

Keep safety in mind when selecting and placing items in the nursery. Make sure that all furniture and décor meets safety standards and that there are no potential hazards in the room.

If you are purchasing second hand furniture and baby items make sure to check that the brand and specific model have not been recalled by the manufacture for safety concerns.

7. Personalize

Add personal touches to the nursery such as family photos, artwork, special mementos, or even some heart felt new baby quotes.

While this is a personal choice, it can really add a touch of warms to your nursery.

8. Lighting

Consider the lighting in the room, having a nightlight and/or a floor lamp can be useful especially for those middle of the night feeds and diaper changes.

Here are our top recommendations for the best nightlight for baby!

9. Organization

Considering how small they are, babies have a lot of things! From diapers and diaper caddy essentials to the different types of baby clothes and baby blankets for each season to toys, you’ll need to plan for storage solutions to keep the room organized and clutter-free.

10. Consider Functionality

Consider the functionality of the room and how you will use it. Think about how you will access the room, where you will change the baby, and where you will store items such as diapers and clothes.

Remember that planning a nursery takes time and patience, but by taking it step-by-step and keeping your priorities in mind, you can create a beautiful, functional, and safe space for your baby.

Final Thoughts on When Should You Set Up Nursery

As you can see, planning a nursery is a good way to take some stress away from your mind and focus on something other than your changing body and the stress that comes with pregnancy. 

The latter stress will definitely be exacerbated in your first trimester as you deal with the throes of early pregnancy, so it is generally advised that mothers wait until the second trimester before doing anything laborious, as you will have more energy during this time.

This is also when you will have a baby shower, if that’s something you are doing, so it’s good to wait until any unexpected gifts derail your plans.

And if you love this nursery set up checklist, then make sure to check out our guides on winter baby must haves and DIY postpartum care kit.

when should you set up nursery