Having your first child is one of the most magical times in any mother’s life. Expecting women are typically over the moon with excitement. From purchasing cute baby clothes to steadily stockpiling all the essentials, every effort becomes more thrilling than the last as you count down the days until you bring your baby home. One of these vital steps includes the process of designing the nursery. Utilize these top tips for designing your nursery to create an environment in which your baby can thrive.

Designate Stations

Before you begin getting the space ready for your new arrival, you need to know where each important piece is going to go. Your baby will need separate spaces to sleep, eat, have their diapers changed, and even play once they get a little older. Having an idea of the layout ahead of time will allow you to accommodate these needs as you build the room.

Commit to a Design

Just as you should commit to a layout early in your planning process, you should also quickly decide on a look and a design. Doing so gives you the time you need to decorate before your baby arrives. This will also keep you from rushing to finish the project, saving you from additional stress. Don’t attempt anything too complex with the room, as this can eat up time and result in stress.

Go Green Where You Can

Going green in your nursery design isn’t just good for the environment—it can also have a series of positive health effects for your child. A lot of standard household products and furniture pieces release harmful chemicals, and they can have a negative impact on your baby. To protect them from these toxins, use greener cleaning products and purchase natural wood baby cribs and other furniture that hasn’t been chemically treated.

Consider Multipurpose Furniture

Consider multipurpose furniture options if you have a smaller room to work with. These pieces not only conserve space, but also fulfill two or more of your needs at the price of one item. This reduces the overall impact on your wallet and leaves you with more space to fill with other baby items.