We did it! We made it to the birth of a brand-new year!
During each year’s newborn phase, we spend a lot of time looking forward and setting goals. We make plans to renew our habits, our schedules, and our spaces, because just like a newborn baby, every January feels full of possibilities!
Around here, our plans always start in the nursery. Making spaces for you and your little ones to rest comfortably, play safely, and make lasting memories is our passion, and a new year means another twelve months of sharing that passion with you.
To get us started, here are a few of our favorite ways to update the nursery in the new year based on the age of your little one. Some are simple, some take a little more time and effort, but all of them will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a beautiful space you and baby both love!
1. Have a toddler? It’s time to transition!
The new year is the perfect time to take action on turning your nursery into a safe, rough-and-tumble toddler ready haven! If your little one has reached the phase when they are standing up in your dadada Baby crib (or attempting to climb out), it’s time to order your conversion kit. With just a few simple steps (you don’t even need a new mattress - your standard crib mattress will do!), your little one will be safely cozied up into their new big kid bed.
In addition to transitioning the crib, it’s time to add some low storage, like our Muse Bookshelf, to increase toddlers’ access to toys and books. Having their favorites within reach gives them a sense of independence and agency, and can also help you teach great clean up and put away habits!
And while you’re preparing for a year of toddler exploration, it’s the perfect time to add a Toddler Tower to your toolkit. Our Toddler Tower helps little ones reach new areas, like the kitchen counter, tabletop, or bathroom sink, to learn, play, and help out safely!
2. Have a 6-12 month old? Rethink your organization strategies!
January is the perfect time to look back on what was and wasn’t working in the previous year. Where did the messes pile up in your nursery? Was it clothes that didn’t get put away, or diaper supply chaos, or toys run amok? Identify the places where things simply weren’t working well, and commit to making some simple changes to help streamline the tons of tiny tasks involved in baby care.
Maybe it’s the addition of high shelves to store clothes that can’t be worn just yet, or some cute baskets to collect toy clutter. Maybe a new deep-drawer dresser is in order to replace your single use changing table and increase your storage options! Make a commitment to solve the single problem that’s been causing you stress - you deserve a restful new year!
3. Have a newborn? Create a calming environment.
By the time your newborn has arrived, you’ve probably got most of your nursery essentials assembled. But once you’ve gotten into a rhythm of late night feedings, changing, and snuggles, it’s time to add in those little extras that make your nursery feel even cozier. Create the perfect late night feeding environment by adding a soft, warm night light that will allow you to see well enough for a quick diaper change and a cuddle without waking you and baby up all the way. Tired of scrolling your phone while you feed? Invest in a Kindle or other eReader, or download an audiobook to listen to while you get baby back to sleep. If your little one is a struggling sleeper, try a new sound machine, or increase airflow in the nursery with a fan (make sure to aim it away from the crib.) By adding a few extras, you can take your nursery from functional to fabulous, and create a space where your and baby both feel truly comfortable.
4. Expecting a baby? Commit to sustainable solutions.
If you’re just at the beginning of designing your nursery, make it your 2023 resolution to make sustainable choices for your nursery. Here are a few things to look for:
Baby-safe finishes: Make sure any furniture for baby is crafted with baby-safe paints, stains, and sealants. All of our dadada Baby cribs are GREENGUARD GOLD certified, which means we’re not only baby-safe, but also meet or exceed the industry standards for emissions. Choosing GREENGUARD Certified pieces helps make sure your nursery will be baby-friendly and clean as can be!
Lasting quality: In a world of fast fashion and throw-away construction, you can save money and do your part for the environment by investing in quality furniture that will last. Choose pieces that you can hand down to a younger sibling, or even to your grandchildren someday! By doing so, you’ll help keep furniture out of the landfills, and keep precious memories in your home for decades to come!
Multi-use items: To save space, money, AND resources, look for nursery pieces that can do double duty. One great example is the dresser - the right piece can be used as a changing table as well, increasing your storage and your square footage in one simple move! We love the new Chicago Dresser paired with the removable changing tray - a stylish and simple addition to any nursery space!
What are your hopes and dreams for your nursery in the new year? Don’t forget to share them with us using the #dadadamoments
We can’t wait to see what you dream up!