This post is sponsored by Babyletto, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
"Nursery design is arguably one of the most fun parts of prepping for a new baby. I had a Pinterest board filled with cute baby inspo even before deciding to conceive (it really was that serious for me). And once I saw a positive on that stick it was go time. Both my kids ‘ nurseries were locked and loaded well before I reached the third trimester. As a highly visual person who loves home decor, I expressed my excitement for our babies with beautifully designed spaces that would grow well with their future interests.
Even though my littles are less than two years apart, there are still a few things I did differently with my second’s nursery. After a year of using our son’s room every day, I had a better idea of what was useful during the next go-around. And now that our first is a full-blown toddler, I’ve been able to see what nursery pieces transition well into a big kid room (and which don’t). Here are the 5 things I learned from designing two nurseries for my two kids.
1. The crib is the main character
If there is one furniture piece that needs to take priority above others, it’s 100% the crib. This shouldn’t come as a shock seeing as this is where your baby will (eventually, I promise) spend 10-12 hours a night sleeping. Our family is partial to Babyletto. We have had wonderful experiences with both our LO’s Babyletto cribs. Most of their cribs transition to toddler beds, which is incredibly convenient long term. However, their new Yuzu line goes a few steps further than that.
The Yuzu 8-in-1 Convertible Crib is innovative as it’s the first on the market to offer three unique sizes to accommodate a littles growth from the newborn stage all the way to the toddler years. It transitions from a bassinet, to a midi-sized crib (ideal for small spaces), then a full-size crib, and finally a toddler bed. The crib includes a bassinet and midi pad. And Babyletto sells GOTS Certified organic bedding that fits the crib’s unique sizes perfectly. It also comes with removable wheels in the bassinet, midi, and crib stages for easy mobility from room to room.
Graphics: Aryana Johnson
If the Yuzu Crib had been available when we were designing nurseries, it absolutely would’ve been my first purchase. Newborns should sleep next to their parents those first six months at minimum, so you would end up purchasing a bassinet, a crib, and eventually a big kid bed if the crib doesn’t transition into one. Ultimately, the Yuzu crib is cost-saving since it’s only one product that covers your little’s sleep needs from birth until age five. And did I mention it’s gorgeous? With a low profile design and three colors to choose from, it would fit seamlessly anywhere in your home.
Babyletto
The one and only crib you'll need from the moment you bring baby home until they're a big kid. It can transition into eight different sizes from bassient, to midi-crib, to midi-toddler bed, to regular sized big kid bed—and beyond. Its customizable sizing makes it a must for any sleep space.
Available in 3 non-toxic finishes: natural, white, and walnut
2. Opt for a high quality dresser that can do it all
There are multiple reasons behind this statement. Firstly, your sweet lump of a newborn will eventually learn how wiggle and roll their way into very precarious positions. When you have a naked baby doing downward dog on their changing area, you want to be sure that dresser is sturdy enough to hold them. Both of Babyletto’s Yuzu dressers are designed to prevent tip hazards and come with an anti-tip kit. The 3-drawer dresser also includes a changing table that can be removed once your LO outgrows the changing station.
Secondly, the goal is for your kiddo’s dresser to house their clothes well beyond the baby stage. It’s important for it to look timeless and be strong enough to withstand excited toddler hands. The Yuzu dressers are beautiful and spacious enough to hold all their belongings for years and years. Their drawers are also made with pre-installed, quiet ball-bearing guides, so parents can even fold clothes away during nap time (um, yes please).
This dresser beautifully compliments the Yuzu crib with its modern yet classic feel. No matter what look you're going for, this versatile dresser is a perfect statement piece in the nursery. Available in 3 non-toxic finishes: Natural with White, White, and Walnut This design combines a changing table, 3-drawer-dresser, and storage cabinet. Its slim size is perfect for smaller nursery spaces while still elevating the room. Available in 3 non-toxic finishes: Natural with White, White, and Walnut
Babyletto
Babyletto
3. Yes, gliders are superior to rocking chairs
We learned this lesson the hard way after purchasing a rocking chair for our son’s nursery. We have carpet upstairs and that rocking chair slid every time we rocked it for longer than five minutes (which was EVERY night). Combine a screaming baby that has a vendetta against sleep with a chair that hits the wall every time you rock it, and you get a very pissed off mom. I’m getting war flashbacks just thinking about it. So, take it from me and just invest in the nice glider.
We purchased a Babyletto glider for our second nursery and have loved it so much that it will be moved into our master bedroom reading corner. It's comfy and beautiful while still being slim enough to fit in the tightest spaces. Available in cozy boucle and eco-performance fabric options
Babyletto
4. The more storage, the better
Toys, books, gear, the list of kid stuff goes on and on, and their rooms can only fit so much. Adding in bookshelves, cubbies, or hanging storage on the closet doors will help organize their room much better. We added kid-level storage cubbies inside their closets to store toys and other miscellaneous items, which makes it easy for them to put their own stuff away at the end of the day.
The Tally bookshelf is a great example of a cute and functional storage solution that's low enough for toddlers to reach. It's made with poplar wood and sealed in nontoxic paint, which gives it a high quality finish.
Babyletto
5. Leave room for change
Unfortunately, no matter how much time and money you spend designing a nursery, that baby will still grow out of it. While lasting furniture pieces help with this in the long run, it’s also wise to make other areas of the nursery flexible. For instance, we opted out of big changes like bright paint or wallpapers and chose neutral furniture. When your kid’s personalities begin to show, it will be easier to add in decor that suits them rather than redesigning the entire room because they’re not into the Winnie the Pooh theme you picked (cough, cough at my own mom).
This post is sponsored by Babyletto, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend brands we genuinely love.