Top 5 Nursery Must Haves | Oakville Newborn + Maternity Photographer
Top 5 Nursery Must Haves | Oakville Newborn + Maternity Photographer
Maybe you’re thinking about the task (albit, totally fun) of getting your nursery ready. I loved putting together my son’s space, painting, purchases and planning. But it’s a lot, starting from scratch! So I’ve put together this list of top 5 nursery must-haves for you so you can check a few things off your own list. So in no particular order, here we go.
5. Swaddles
Do you like sleep? Well, good luck new parents! I kid of course. One thing that I always suggest to new parents is to purchase sleepers with zippers and velcro swaddles. AKA, nighttime life savers. No trying to get that receiving blanket wrapped just right in the middle of the night. I’ve heard they now make QUIET velcro swaddles!? I wish those existed 5 years ago. Here’s a link to a list of different types.
4. Water + Snacks
This is for YOU! I know it’s all about the baby once they arrive. Let’s face it, you’re the one taking care of a brand-new human. You need to take care of yourself to take care of them. A cute basket by your nursing/feeding chair will be a welcomed piece of self-care when doing the 3 am feeding. Fill that basket with your favourite healthy snacks and refillable water bottles. The less you have to think about in the wee hours or cluster-feeding days the better.
3. Lighting (and lack of)
I feel like this list is all about lack of sleep but I promise when you’re up at night you’ll be glad you’ve done this stuff. Low lighting is key when keeping that babe in a sleepy state and it’s great for you too! I loved using a salt lamp in our bedroom and eventually in the nursery. The warm glow is soft enough to have on while asleep and just enough light to change a diaper too. You can pick one up at Winners/Homesense in a variety of shapes and sizes.
2. Photographs
You didn’t think I’d skip this one, did you? Put your maternity photographs on display in the nursery. Whether on the wall or framed on a shelf, having those gorgeous photos as a memory of the journey you’ve been on is impactful not only for you but for your growing child as well. Seeing mommy pregnant is so special for our children. Telling them the stories of your growing family is something you can do from the very beginning. Don’t underestimate the power family photographs have on children.
1. Decor
This one is subjective of course. We all have our own styles of decor in our homes. My best advice is to keep it simple. Most of the time you get to start from scratch when putting together your child’s nursery (that was my fave part). You’re going to spend a lot of time in this space so make it feel welcoming. Adding special items from family, an heirloom from grandma or something from your own childhood really personalizes the space.
When I do in-home newborn sessions I like to have the best natural light for your photos. Keep it light (except for those black-out curtains you’ll eventually want/need) with the amount of “stuff”. Cozy blankets, a soft rug, and gentle colours make it such a dreamy space to spend time.
I hope this list was helpful and gave you some ideas for your own nursery. If you’d like more information on booking either a maternity or newborn session, click the button below to get in touch.
aster + abode photography is a family, couple, newborn, and maternity photographer located in Oakville. Serving surrounding areas of Burlington, Milton, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Toronto, and more!