Keep Everything Clean
Everything in the nursery should be kept clean and dust-free. All surfaces, including window and floor coverings, should be washable. So should all toys that are left out. Although stuffed animals look cute around newborns (they seem to be a favorite shower gift), they tend to collect dust and may contribute to stuffy noses. Since your baby won’t actively play with them for many months, you might consider storing them until she’s ready for them.
Cool Mist Humidifiers
If the air in the nursery is extremely dry, your pediatrician may recommend using a cool mist humidifier. This also may help clear your child’s stuffy nose when she has a cold. If you do use a humidifier, clean it frequently as directed in the package instructions and empty it when not in use. Otherwise, bacteria and molds may grow in the still water. Steam vaporizers are not recommended because of the danger of scalding.
Mobiles
One object that your baby is sure to enjoy is a mobile. Look for one with bright colors (the first color she’ll see is red) and varied shapes. Some also play music. When shopping for a mobile, look at it from below so that you’ll know how it appears from your baby’s point of view. Avoid the models that look good only from the side or above—they were designed more for your enjoyment than for the infant’s. Make sure you remove the mobile at five months of age or as soon as your baby can sit up, because that’s when she’ll be able to pull it down and risk injury.
Other Useful Equipment
Other useful additions to the nursery may include a rocking chair or glider, a music box or musical toy and a tape, CD, or MP3 player. The rocking motion of the chair will increase the soothing effect your baby feels when you hold her. Playing soft music for your baby will comfort her when you’re not nearby and will help her fall asleep.
Lighting
You will want to keep the lights in the nursery soft once your newborn has arrived and leave a night-light on after dark. The night-light will allow you to check on the baby more easily, and as she gets older, it will reassure her when she awakens at night. Make sure all lights and cords are kept safely out of the baby’s reach.
Last Updated 11/12/2009
Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 6th Edition (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
