When Should I Start Setting Up the Baby's Nursery?

In the Beginning

• Although you may be bursting with ideas for the baby's room, it is best to avoid purchasing items during the first trimester. This opening stage of pregnancy is a critical time for baby's development. No one likes to think about losing her baby, but the fact is that 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in early miscarriage. The chance of miscarriage goes down dramatically after the first trimester. Many mothers feel comfortable purchasing items and picking out paint colors once they are over this critical hump. The first trimester is a great time to look over your budget and determine what your spending allocation will be for the nursery, and to create a checklist of basic items you will need to purchase.

Time Frame

• Once you are past the first trimester, all those big plans in your head can begin to be realized. Many parents begin by choosing a theme for the nursery. Bedding can be a source of inspiration for paint color and furniture type.

  The first item to purchase should be paint. It is best to get the painting done while the nursery is empty. Once you start to fill the room with furniture, painting becomes more complicated and can involve moving large items around.

  For those with tight budgets, begin purchasing nursery items as soon as you can. Consider that some of the items found in the nursery include a crib, bedding, a chest of drawers, a changing area and a rocking chair. These can be found in all price ranges. Some parents like to buy an item every few weeks or as it goes on sale. Consider also that you will most likely have a baby shower. Register for items that you won't or can't purchase on your own and see if you receive them as gifts.

  Plan on having your shopping done about six weeks before your due date. Give yourself about two weeks past that point to get everything put together in the nursery and have it stocked with essentials like diapers, wipes, baby powder, petroleum jelly and baby shampoo. Have the nursery entirely set up a month before your due date, just in case baby decides to make an early entry into the world.

Safety

• Another important consideration is the safety of mom and baby. The mother-to-be should not be moving furniture or painting in enclosed areas. Be sure that your plans include a helper. Painting on ladders and moving furniture should be avoided. If you and your significant other or helper have busy schedules, be sure to set aside days to do these activities together.

  Paint companies offer versions of their paints that are low in volatile organic compound (VOC) usually called "zero VOC" or "low-VOC." They usually come in all the colors the manufacturer offers. Many doctors approve painting with these nontoxic paints..