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Preparing a Nursery for Your Baby

A newborn does not need a fully decorated nursery immediately. Families can start with a suitable sleep space and practical arrangements for changing, feeding and storing essentials.

This UK nursery preparation guide covers cot and mattress considerations, furniture stability, blind cords, lighting and budgeting, with links to NHS and specialist safety advice.

Kidora provides general planning information and cannot certify that a room, product or installation is safe. Check official safety guidance and instructions for your specific equipment.

How to Use This Guide

Use this guide to organise nursery planning and locate authoritative safety information. It is not an individual home-safety inspection, medical assessment or product certification. Follow NHS safer-sleep guidance, applicable manufacturer instructions and qualified professional advice where needed.

For a baby who is seriously unwell, the NHS guidance on urgent medical help for children under five explains warning signs and when to call 999 or use urgent NHS care. This page cannot assess a baby’s symptoms.

Trusted UK Nursery-Safety Links

These links lead to official or established specialist organisations. They are not endorsements of Kidora. Check the source pages for updates and guidance relevant to your circumstances.

Start with Function, Not Decoration

Before buying furniture or accessories, think about how the room will actually be used.

Consider:

  • Where the baby will sleep
  • Where nappies and clothes will be stored
  • Where feeding may happen
  • How the room will be used at night
  • Whether the baby will sleep in the parents’ room at first
  • How the space may change as the baby grows

Plan for Room Sharing During the First Six Months

The NHS safer-sleep guidance recommends that babies sleep in their own cot or Moses basket in the same room as a parent for at least the first six months.

A separately decorated nursery may initially be used for changing, storage and other everyday activities. This guide does not approve individual sleep arrangements; consult NHS guidance and any care plan.

Choose a Safe Cot or Crib

Check that the sleep space:

  • Is suitable for the baby’s age and size
  • Has all required parts
  • Has no cracks, splinters or unsafe gaps
  • Assembles securely
  • Includes or has access to the correct instructions
  • Has not been modified

Use the Correct Mattress

The mattress should:

  • Fit the exact cot or crib
  • Be firm and flat
  • Fit without unsafe gaps
  • Be clean and fully dry
  • Have no sagging, tears or mould

Do not use cushions, folded blankets or foam to fill gaps.

Keep the Sleep Space Clear

NHS guidance says to keep the cot clear of anything that could cover the baby’s face or head.

Do not add pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets, soft toys, sleep positioners, pods or nests to the sleep space.

Follow the exact current NHS guidance and the manufacturer’s instructions for the cot, mattress, fitted sheet or sleeping bag.

Position the Cot Carefully

Place the cot away from:

  • Radiators
  • Portable heaters
  • Direct sunlight
  • Windows
  • Blind cords
  • Curtain cords
  • Trailing electrical cables
  • Heavy wall-mounted objects

Keep Blind and Curtain Cords Out of Reach

Blind cords and chains can create a strangulation risk.

Use suitable safety devices and keep all cords secured well away from the cot, changing area and furniture the child may later climb.

Choose Stable Furniture

Wardrobes, drawers, shelves and bookcases should be:

  • Stable
  • In good condition
  • Suitable for the room
  • Secured to the wall where appropriate
  • Positioned away from the cot

Follow the manufacturer’s fixing instructions and use suitable wall fixings for the wall type.

Anchor Tall Furniture

As babies grow into mobile toddlers, unsecured furniture can tip if climbed or pulled.

Secure items such as:

  • Drawer units
  • Wardrobes
  • Bookcases
  • Changing units
  • Freestanding shelves

Choose Practical Storage

Useful nursery storage may include:

  • Drawers
  • Wardrobe space
  • Open baskets
  • Labelled boxes
  • Under-cot storage where safe

Store frequently used items at adult waist or shoulder level so they can be reached without leaving the baby unattended.

Organise Clothes by Size

Use labelled sections for:

  • Newborn
  • 0–1 month
  • 0–3 months
  • 3–6 months
  • Outgrown clothing

Keep the next size accessible because babies can outgrow clothing quickly.

Create a Simple Changing Area

A changing table is optional.

A practical changing area should include:

  • A stable changing surface
  • A wipe-clean mat
  • Nappies
  • Wipes or cotton wool
  • Barrier cream where needed
  • Spare clothing
  • A safe disposal method

Never Leave a Baby Unattended on a Raised Surface

Babies can begin rolling unexpectedly.

Keep all changing supplies within reach and keep one hand on the baby where needed.

Use a Floor Changing Mat if Practical

A floor changing mat can:

  • Reduce fall risk
  • Save space
  • Avoid the need for a specialist changing table
  • Be moved between rooms

Create a Comfortable Feeding Space

A dedicated nursery chair is optional, but a comfortable feeding space can be useful.

Consider:

  • Back support
  • Arm support
  • A nearby table
  • Water for the parent
  • Low lighting
  • Phone charger
  • Muslin cloths

Avoid Unsafe Sleeping in Feeding Chairs

Do not plan to sleep with the baby in an armchair or sofa.

If the parent becomes drowsy, move the baby to a safe sleep space as soon as possible.

Use Soft, Practical Lighting

Useful lighting may include:

  • A main ceiling light
  • A low-level lamp
  • A dimmable night light

Keep cables and lamps out of reach and away from the cot.

Check Room Temperature

A room temperature of around 16°C to 20°C is commonly recommended for baby sleep in the UK.

Consider using a room thermometer and avoid placing the cot near direct heat sources.

Ventilation

The room should be:

  • Dry
  • Well ventilated
  • Free from mould
  • Free from cigarette smoke
  • Comfortable rather than overheated

Address damp or mould before the baby uses the room.

Check Paint and Decorating Materials

When decorating:

  • Use products suitable for indoor use
  • Follow manufacturer drying and ventilation instructions
  • Allow strong smells to clear
  • Keep paint and tools away from children
  • Do not decorate immediately before the baby will use the room if fumes remain

Keep Wall Decorations Secure

Do not hang heavy frames, mirrors or shelves directly above the cot or changing area.

Check that all wall-mounted items are properly fixed.

Flooring

Choose flooring that is:

  • Clean
  • Easy to maintain
  • Free from loose edges
  • Suitable for floor play

Secure rugs to reduce slipping and avoid thick rugs that create trip hazards.

Prepare for Night-Time Care

Keep a small night-time station with:

  • Nappies
  • Wipes or cotton wool
  • Spare vest and sleepsuit
  • Muslin cloths
  • Feeding supplies where needed
  • Low lighting

This can be in the parents’ bedroom during the first months rather than the nursery.

Do Not Overfill the Room

Too much furniture can make the nursery difficult to use safely.

Leave:

  • Clear walking routes
  • Space to open drawers
  • Room to lift the baby safely
  • Access to windows and radiators
  • Space for future floor play

What a Nursery Does Not Need Immediately

Many items can wait, including:

  • A large toy collection
  • Bookshelves full of books
  • A highchair
  • A toddler bed
  • Large decorative storage
  • Several feeding chairs
  • Complex baby-monitor systems

Choose Furniture That Can Grow with the Child

Where useful, consider:

  • A cot that converts to a toddler bed
  • A drawer unit that can later be used without a changing top
  • Neutral storage
  • Adjustable shelving

Check that conversion parts and instructions are included.

Budget for the Nursery

Separate the budget into:

  • Essential safety items
  • Furniture
  • Storage
  • Decoration
  • Optional accessories

Spend first on the safe sleep setup and stable furniture.

Reuse Existing Household Furniture

Existing furniture may work well if it is:

  • Stable
  • Secure
  • Free from damage
  • Anchored where appropriate
  • Suitable for the intended use

An ordinary chest of drawers can often provide more useful storage than specialist nursery furniture.

Buying Nursery Furniture Preloved

Preloved furniture can reduce costs and waste.

Suitable items may include:

  • Cots and cribs
  • Wardrobes
  • Drawer units
  • Changing units
  • Rocking chairs
  • Storage baskets
  • Bookshelves

Check Preloved Furniture Carefully

Before buying, check:

  • Exact brand and model
  • Instructions
  • All fixings and parts
  • Structural stability
  • Cracks or splinters
  • Paint condition
  • Repairs or modifications
  • Recall status

Avoid Modified Cots

Do not buy a cot that has been:

  • Cut down
  • Drilled
  • Repainted with unknown products
  • Fitted with non-original parts
  • Repaired in a way that affects structure

Take Extra Care with Mattresses

The NHS and The Lullaby Trust publish guidance on cot mattresses, including firmness, fit, condition and the potential risks of reusing mattresses. Their specific advice should be checked before buying a product for a baby.

Read the Lullaby Trust mattress and bedding guidance, NHS safer-sleep guidance and the manufacturer's instructions. A clean-looking second-hand mattress is not necessarily suitable.

Check UK Product Recalls

Before using nursery furniture, monitors or sleep products, check the official UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls database.

Babyproofing Before the Baby Is Mobile

Some babyproofing can be completed later, but early preparation may include:

  • Anchoring furniture
  • Securing blind cords
  • Covering or managing cables
  • Moving medicines and creams out of reach
  • Checking window safety
  • Removing unstable decorations

Review the Room as the Baby Develops

A nursery that is safe for a newborn may need changes when the baby begins:

  • Rolling
  • Sitting
  • Crawling
  • Pulling to stand
  • Climbing

Lower the cot mattress according to the manufacturer’s instructions at the appropriate stage.

Nursery Items on Kidora

Families can furnish a nursery gradually. On Kidora, UK parents may find suitable preloved wardrobes, storage furniture, changing furniture and other outgrown children's items.

Before considering used cots or safety-related furniture, check the exact model, instructions, missing parts, modifications, mattress compatibility, wall fixings and official recalls. Read GOV.UK second-hand product advice and NHS safer-sleep guidance when relevant.

Sellers pay no listing or selling fees and keep 100% of the sale price. Suitable items can also be offered at £0 as FREE, collection-only, with no Kidora Fee. Kidora and Buyer Protection do not certify furniture, mattresses or other baby equipment as safe.

A Nursery Preparation Checklist

  • Plan how the room will be used
  • Prepare a safe sleep space
  • Choose the correct mattress
  • Keep the cot clear
  • Position the cot away from cords and heat
  • Anchor tall furniture
  • Create practical storage
  • Set up a safe changing area
  • Use low, safe lighting
  • Check temperature and ventilation
  • Avoid unnecessary furniture
  • Inspect preloved items carefully

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a newborn need a complete nursery?

No. The priority is a safe sleep space and basic care supplies. Many newborns sleep in the parents’ room for the first six months.

Do I need a changing table?

No. A safe floor changing mat or stable existing surface can work well if supplies are within reach and the baby is never left unattended.

Where should the cot be placed?

Keep it away from radiators, direct sunlight, windows, blind cords, curtain cords, cables and heavy wall-mounted objects.

Can nursery furniture be bought preloved?

Yes. Check the exact model, instructions, all parts, stability, damage, repairs and recall status before use.

Should I buy a used cot mattress?

Only when it is the correct size, firm, flat, clean, dry and in excellent condition with a known history. When uncertain, buy a new mattress.

Related Kidora Parent Hub Guides

About This Guide

Prepared by: Kidora Team.

Sources: The NHS, GOV.UK, The Lullaby Trust and Child Accident Prevention Trust, with direct links above and throughout this guide.

Editorial sources checked: 15 October 2026. This was a source and editorial review, not a clinical or product-safety expert review. Guidance may change; use the linked original sources for the latest information.

Important: Kidora is not a healthcare provider, building-safety inspector or product-certification organisation. This UK page provides general room-planning ideas and external safety references, not a guarantee that a nursery or product is safe. Check current NHS and manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified professional as appropriate.