What's in My Nursery
When ‘nesting’ mode began during my pregnancy around the 35 weeks mark, I went about setting up the nursery for bub’s arrival. I wanted a neutral palette of white, cream and beige to create a calming, gender-neutral space. I didn’t want to buy many baby-specific things that I would later have to move on once they grew up. For example a chest of drawers with in-built change table or a rocking nursing chair. Instead I used furniture pieces I already owned.
The few baby-specific furniture pieces I couldn’t avoid were the cot and baby change table. The cot is from Pottery Barn Kids which I purchased second-hand and it converts later into a toddler bed. The baby change table came free with the cot.
Lots of parents are divided on whether a change table is necessary. But in my 3 weeks of experience so far I think it’s worth having. It has saved both my husband's and my back as it’s the right height, rather than bending over the bed or doing it on the floor and it has extra space for storage. No doubt we’ll pass it on once we’re done with it, but it’s made life easier for changing which is a plus. I recommend picking up one second-hand, people flog them for cheap as chips or you might even find one for free!
Then I set about searching for other things in the nursery. The play mat was the next item. It was difficult finding one that wasn’t brightly coloured or had busy patterns on it. Then I stumbled across Warren Hill 100% French Flax linen play mats on Instagram. They’re quilted, classic and chic, machine washable and for every play mat sold they plant 10 trees which is an element I absolutely love. I chose the Natural colour. They also come in three other neutral tones - Oat, Olive and Aqua. I emailed Warren Hill to see if they wanted to collaborate, a play mat in exchange for images and was excited to hear back from them that they did!
For the cot sheets I bought Pottery Barn Kids fitted cot sheets with safari and elephant prints. Also from Pottery Barn Kids I purchased a hooded Racoon towel and a mobile arm to hold the elephant mobile from Country Road.
For the dresser I’m using my old chest of drawers from West Elm which I bought second-hand a few years ago. On the dresser I have a ceramic mood lamp as a night light from Endota. It omits a beautiful calming glow, perfect for night-time changes. It was a gift from my bestie and I love it. It will be a beautiful lamp for another room in the house once the baby no longer needs it.
On the floor I have the Marigold hemp rug from Armadillo & Co, which I won in an Instagram competition five years ago if you’d believe it. Similar styles here and here. I have assorted baskets to hold toys, blankets and dirty clothes. I also have a few indoor plants which will probably have to go once he starts crawling but for now they’re fine.
Toys include JellyCat, Flatout Bear and a colourful handmade sock toy my mum brought back from Italy.
For artwork I have my mother’s Sleeping Tiger and Monkey print as well as illustrator Ann James’ Little Humpty snuggled up against Big Humpty print.
As a keepsake I have the Truly Amor Baby Keepsake book which I have loved filling out, recording everything from my pregnancy journey and my birth story to the first few weeks of Harrison’s life. I have been taking photos and videos every day on my camera and phone but I also purchased a Fuji Instax camera so I would have instant polaroids to stick in this book.
Well that’s my nursery. What must-haves do you have in your nursery?
Lei xx