Preparing For Your Second Child: Making Room For Two in the Nursery
An exciting time in a parent’s life is when they’re able to tell their child that they are going to be a big brother or big sister. Expanding your family also means revamping the space in your home where your children will continue to grow. It’s common for many parents to choose to have a shared nursery which helps save space and allows the new siblings to bond. When doing this, a key thing to remember is you need a space that allows you to be organized, move around easily, and is comfortable for both children. With some helpful resources and tips, you can easily make the nursery a space that works for you and your growing babies.
Plan the Layout and Theme
As you plan to update your nursery, consider the size of the room and the layout of the furniture. Having your cribs on adjacent walls with your changing station in the middle will make it easier when you need to do a diaper change. Make sure to measure the space correctly so you know what dimensions of furniture you’ll need. Since this will be a shared space, focus on neutral colors for furniture, decoration, and walls. A jungle or safari theme is a great neutral option.
Don’t forget, essentials such as diapers, wipes, and lotions should be in a common area near the changing station. Additionally, an often overlooked aspect of the nursery to consider is the lighting. Depending on your budget there are a variety of lighting options to choose from. This is an important component to consider as the right lighting will help your babies sleep better.
Do you need to make Renovations
A great way to start the nursery makeover is by taking inventory of what you have and then making a list of what you need. Consider the items you can manage having just one of. For example, you probably won’t need two sound machines or changing stations but you will need two cribs. Once you have made that list, plan a budget on what you would like to spend on the renovation.
If you are going to be changing the overall structure of the room, look into how much that will cost. Making your nursery safe and functional is a costly task, especially if you decide to make major updates. This might be a good time to refinance your mortgage. Doing so would lower your monthly payment allowing you to use the extra funds for the renovation. If you plan on making smaller changes, consider saving a certain amount of money each month to put into redoing the nursery. For items you will be purchasing new, consider shopping for sets or bundles to help you save on them overall.
Keeping It Organized
Once you have the layout and a list of what you need, it’s time to add personal touches. A bookshelf and reading section is a great addition to enjoy quality time reading together as well as hold all your children’s books. To help stay tidy, organize clothes by color and season. Items that can be shared including bibs, burp cloths, or other accessories should be kept together. You will no doubt have countless loads of laundry, so make sure to have a section for a laundry bin. Try to focus on a bin that is breathable since you will be putting burp clothes and dirty clothes in there frequently. To keep your baby healthy and care for the environment, try using a natural detergent option. Lastly, make sure you have a corner or shelf in the nursery for both children’s stuffed animals and toys.
Think Long Term
As you prepare your nursery, remember that babies grow fast. Think about investing in options that are convertible and can be used for many years. By purchasing a convertible crib you can save money down the line because the crib will grow with your baby. There are many options to choose from when searching for a convertible crib.
long with this, it’s also most beneficial to focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products in all aspects. One way to add long-lasting personal touches is by using a wood name sign over each crib. Having wooden decor and toys is a safe option for your baby and the environment. Remember to not only make sure the nursery is baby-proof but all aspects of the house are updated for safety.
We hope these tips help you with an exciting nursery makeover!
