If you’re expecting a baby, you are definitely looking forward to the day you can welcome your new baby to your home. As the months of your pregnancy pass, and you feel your new child growing inside you, those feelings can inspire you to prepare a nursery for your expected baby. If a surrogate mother is carrying your expected baby, you’ll be just as anxious to prepare a unique nursery for your coming child. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare the nursery that will be perfect for your new baby:
1. Start With a Concept
Whether your new baby will be sleeping in their room or taking over part of your bedroom, planning the nursery can’t begin until you look at its intended space. Using what you know about the available room, you can draw a few versions of what you’d like the room to look like. Be sure the space you’ll use will have insulated walls and adequate lighting. Having a room color and decorative theme in mind from the beginning can help you plan what your nursery will look like.
2. Plan for Three Zones
According to the Spruce, a nursery should have three primary zones: sleeping, changing, and playing. During the early months, the area for playing can be used for nursing and rocking the baby. How strict you must be about which furniture and supplies will be and which part of the room can evolve. Remember that your life will change radically when the baby arrives – and it’s OK if the nursery changes.
3. Buy the Baby Basics
No matter where the baby will sleep, there are some essential pieces of furniture that the baby will need. A place for them to sleep is the most critical piece of furniture to get. Whether you’re buying a new crib or repurposing a new one, consider a crib that has a built-in drawer or one that can be converted into a toddler’s bed when that time comes. A vintage dresser can be converted into a changing table.
4. Promote the Family Spirit
According to Forbes, it’s a good idea to pick a baby-focused decorative theme for the nursery. However, it’s good to tie the theme of the nursery to a theme that unifies the home. For example, each room might use a distinct shade of blue or feature a rustic, colonial, or metallic style. If there are family heirlooms like quilts or other crafts, placing these items in each room will emphasize the unity of the family.
5. Anticipate Your Baby’s Future Growth
Looking forward to the day you will first hold your baby may help the time pass as you purchase furniture and decorate the nursery. Being able to envision your baby’s first year could help make the waiting time pass more pleasantly. According to WebMD, by their third month, babies can smile, grasp things with their hands, and track objects with their eyes. Once your baby is born, their brain and body will develop quickly, between the third and 12 months of life.
6. Working With a Surrogate Agency
If you’re expecting a baby via a surrogate birth, stay in touch with the agency. Although you may wish to know the total surrogacy costs upfront, the costs will vary. Factors affecting your costs will include whether an egg donor is needed and whether more than one baby is expected. The surrogate’s medical expenses will also be covered, which will vary.
As the months pass and your baby’s birth draws closer, you’ll begin to accumulate nursery furniture and other necessities. According to What to Expect, 75% of expecting parents will establish a baby registry. You can put any supplies you will still need on that list, so everyone will know what you still need. In the meantime, congrats to you on your upcoming blessed event!
