When to Start Preparing Your Nursery: A Fun, Lighthearted Guide

Preparing the nursery is one of those exciting pregnancy milestones—it’s where the reality of welcoming a little human into the world really hits home. But let’s be honest, this can also bring a bit of pressure. Should you start early or wait? What about furniture? And if you’re like me, you might already be thinking, What if the baby comes early? Spoiler alert: babies can surprise you at 36 weeks, so don’t leave things to the last minute!

The best part? You can make this a team effort with your partner. It’s a great way for both of you to start preparing mentally (and physically) for your new role as parents. Let’s dive into when and how to tackle the nursery in a way that’s fun, functional, and stress-free.

1. When to Start Setting Up the Nursery

The golden rule? Start early, but not too early. Most experts recommend getting a head start during your second trimester—that sweet spot when you’re past the fatigue and nausea of the first few months, but not yet too big to move furniture around.

Waiting until around 20 weeks also means you might know the baby’s gender if you’re planning around that, but honestly, gender-neutral themes are timeless and give you more flexibility (plus, who doesn’t love a safari-themed nursery, right?

You definitely don’t want to be building cribs or picking out paint colors at 36 weeks, waddling around, swollen ankles and all. Take it from me: Cara came at 38 weeks, and we barely had the curtains up! So, let’s keep things breezy and start earlier—at around 20 to 24 weeks.

2. Divide and Conquer with Your Partner

Here’s where things get fun: turn nursery prep into a bonding activity with your partner. Whether it’s picking out furniture or arguing (I mean, discussing) paint colors, this is where Dad can jump in and get involved. Setting up the crib or hanging those wall shelves? Total “dad” tasks. Plus, it’s a great way for him to feel connected to the process.

I had my husband help build the furniture for both Cara and Mikael’s nurseries, and let’s just say there’s nothing like a few flat-pack assembly instructions to strengthen (or test) a relationship. But jokes aside, having both parents involved makes the nursery feel like a shared space you’re both contributing to.

3. Focus on Functionality (Not Just Pinterest-Pretty)

It’s easy to get caught up in making the nursery look like something straight out of a Pinterest board. Trust me, I’ve been there! But the real focus should be on functionality. After all, this room is going to be your 2 a.m. diaper-changing, feeding, and soothing headquarters. Choose items that are practical: a good rocking chair for those midnight feeds, a sturdy crib, and clever storage solutions for all the baby gear.

A pro tip? Think multi-functional furniture. A changing table that doubles as a dresser is a great space-saver, and investing in some under-the-crib storage boxes will help you keep things organized without crowding the room.

4. Plan the Layout with a Future in Mind

You want to set up your nursery in a way that works both now and when your little one becomes more mobile. Position the crib away from windows (for safety), and ensure the room is dark enough to encourage good sleep. If you want a mobile, hang it above the changing table, not the crib—it helps keep the focus on sleep when it’s bedtime.

Also, think long-term. Can that cute dresser transition into a toddler’s room? Is the nursery chair comfy enough for all those future storytimes? By thinking ahead, you’ll save yourself time and money later.

5. Add Personal Touches and Have Fun

Don’t forget the personal touches! Whether it’s custom bedding from Cinnamon & Spice or your own DIY wall art, these little details make the room feel uniquely yours—and baby’s! And if you’re feeling crafty, get creative with colors and themes. But if time’s running out, keep it simple. Babies aren’t exactly born with strong interior design opinions.

Involving both of you in picking out little decorative items can be a fun bonding experience. Who knew picking out a throw pillow could spark so much joy (or debate!)?

6. Don’t Wait for the Last Minute—Babies Are Unpredictable!

I cannot stress this enough: babies love to show up when they’re least expected. You don’t want to be caught without a crib because you assumed you had another four weeks. Aim to have the essentials (crib, diapers, baby clothes) in place by 36 weeks, just in case your little one decides to make an early appearance.

That way, even if the nursery isn’t Instagram-ready, you’ll at least be prepared for those first few weeks.

Conclusion: Make It Fun, Make It Yours

Preparing the nursery is more than just setting up a room—it’s part of the journey of becoming a parent. By starting early and getting your partner involved, you can turn it into a fun, stress-free project. Focus on functionality, add some personal flair, and most importantly, don’t leave things to the last minute. Who knows? Your baby might decide to surprise you before you’re done!

Happy nesting!