If you have a baby on the way, or he or she has already arrived, but you haven’t quite gotten around to giving them a space of their own, then the spare room is probably in need of a bit of a transformation once, you’ve removed the laundry and all of your old hobby gear that you’ve been storing in there, of course. 

Turning the spare room in your home into a nursery is an exciting time in your life, but it is also one that can get a little bit overwhelming because, obviously, you want to make it the perfect space for your little one to rest in, right? Well, try not to worry because, below, I’ve put together some quick tips to help you get it right without all of the usual headaches of indecision and wrong decisions…

1. Clear Out the Clutter (Yes, All of It)

Before you can start envisioning color schemes and crib placement, you need to actually see the floor. That means getting rid of everything that doesn’t belong in a nursery.

Sort items into three piles: keep, donate, and “what even is this?” You’ll be amazed how much stuff you’ve been hanging onto for no reason. That “ab machine” from 2008? Gone. The random stack of mismatched curtains? Out.

This is also a great time to do a deep clean. Think vacuuming under baseboards, wiping walls, and maybe even shampooing the carpet.  Babies may be tiny, but they come with a surprising ability to find dust bunnies.

2. Pick a Theme (or Don’t)

Some people love a good theme: woodland creatures, outer space, “vintage circus.” Others prefer a more neutral look with soft colors and minimal decor. There’s no wrong choice here; your baby won’t judge you for not having matching art prints.

If you’re going themed, choose something that makes you happy to be in the room. You’re going to spend a lot of time here rocking, feeding, and convincing a small human that sleep is, in fact, amazing. If you want to skip a ull theme, you can stick with a soothing color palette and add personality with art, rugs, and bedding.

3. Choose the Right Crib

A crib is the centerpiece of any nursery. You’ll want one that’s safe, sturdy, and meets all current safety standards. Adjustable mattress heights are a plus, as you can lower the mattress as your baby grows.

Eventually, you’ll notice signs a baby is ready to sleep in a crib – things like rolling over more confidently, outgrowing the bassinet, or needing more space to stretch out. Having the crib already set up will make the transition much smoother.

Pro tip: Skip the drop-side cribs from your aunt’s attic. Safety standards have changed, and that “vintage” charm isn’t worth the risk.

4. Think About Storage (Babies Have a Lot of Stuff)

You might think babies just need clothes, diapers, and a few toys. Wrong. They need so much stuff. Onesies in every size, swaddles, burp cloths, diapers, wipes, creams, tiny hats, and blankets… oh, and more diapers.

Built-in shelving, a dresser, and some cute storage baskets will be your new best friends. Keep everyday essentials within arm’s reach of the changing table so you’re not rummaging through drawers with one hand while holding a wriggling baby with the other.

5. Pick the Right Chair

This is one of those purchases you won’t fully appreciate until you’ve sat in it at 3 a.m. for the third night in a row.  A comfy rocker or glider with good back support is worth every penny. Add a small side table to hold bottles, snacks, or the phone you’ll scroll on while your baby dozes.

And yes, a footrest is a game-changer.

6. Lighting Matters

Overhead lighting is fine for daytime, but at night, you’ll want softer, adjustable light so you can see what you’re doing without fully waking your baby. A dimmable lamp or a small nightlight can make nighttime feeds much gentler on everyone’s eyes.

If you’re feeling fancy, try a light that changes color. For example, warm amber tones are soothing for bedtime.

7. Keep Safety in Mind

Before you get too deep into decorating, double-check that the room is safe. Anchor heavy furniture to the walls to prevent tipping. Keep cords for blinds out of reach, and avoid placing the crib near windows or shelves.

Outlet covers are cheap and easy to install, and they’ll save you a headache when your baby starts crawling around.

8. Add Soft Touches

A nursery should be cozy, but not cluttered. Think a plush rug for tummy time, breathable curtains, and maybe a few throw pillows (for you, not the crib).

Skip thick blankets, bumper pads, and stuffed animals in the crib itself. Why? Because safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping the sleeping area bare. You can still make the space feel warm and inviting without filling it with hazards.

9. Make It Functional for You, Too

You’re going to spend a lot of time in this room, so make sure it works for you as well as your baby. Keep a small stash of snacks, water, and burp cloths handy.  Bluetooth speaker for white noise or gentle music can also be a lifesaver.

If space allows, add a small changing station with storage underneath so you’re not running back and forth during diaper duty.

10. Consider Growth

Your baby won’t be a newborn forever. So, you are going to want to choose urniture and decor that can grow with them. A convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed, a dresser that can double as a changing table, and neutral paint colors will save you time and money down the road.

You can always swap out art, rugs, and bedding as your child’s personality starts to show.

11. Personalize It

Even if you’re going for a minimalist look, add a few personal touches. Framed family photos, a custom name sign, or a bookshelf filled with your favorite childhood stories can make the room feel special.

This is your baby’s first space in the world, so make it meaningful.

12. Have Fun With It

Sure, there are safety rules and practical considerations, but designing a nursery is one of the more fun parts of preparing for a baby.  Let yourself enjoy it. Whether that means painting a mural, picking the fluffiest rug you can find, or splurging on an adorable mobile, go for it.

Your baby won’t care about the decor, but you’ll remember these moments every time you step into the room.

Creating a space where your baby feels safe and loved is one of those important milestones in life, so take time to savor the journey as you paint the walls and primp the accessories!