Planning your baby’s nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your little one’s arrival. But between doctor’s appointments, baby showers, and researching every baby product under the sun, it can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken it down into a simple, month-by-month nursery planning timeline to keep you on track and stress-free.
First Trimester
You get a free pass here! Focus on making it through frequent doctor appointments, morning sickness, and all the other “fun” parts of early pregnancy before worrying about the nursery and baby gear.
Second Trimester: Dream, Plan, and Start Assembling
Month 4: Gather Inspiration & Set a Budget
Now’s the time to let your imagination run wild! Start gathering inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and nursery blogs (like ours!). Whether you’re drawn to a bold, high-contrast design or a soft and serene space, collect ideas that speak to you. Then, set a realistic budget to guide your purchases.
Checklist:
- Choose a color scheme or nursery theme
- Create a nursery Pinterest board or mood board
- Set a nursery budget
Month 5: Choose Furniture Essentials
This is a great time to start selecting your nursery furniture. Begin with core pieces like a crib, dresser, changing table, and glider rocker. With longer shipping and delivery times for some items, early planning ensures you’ll have everything in place well before baby arrives.
Checklist:
- Order crib and crib mattress
- Select a dresser with a changing topper or changing table
- Choose a nursery glider rocker
Month 6: Prep the Room
Get the room ready for transformation. If you plan to paint or install wallpaper, do it now so the fumes are gone before baby arrives. This is also a great time to install blackout curtains and a ceiling fan for comfort.
Checklist:
- Paint or wallpaper the walls
- Install curtains or blinds
- Add lighting and ceiling fan if needed
Third Trimester: Final Touches & Organization
Month 7: Add Storage & Start Decorating
Start putting the nursery together! Focus on organization—think bins, baskets, and drawer dividers for the dresser, chest, and changing table. Begin adding decor pieces, like artwork, a rug, and cozy textiles.
Checklist:
- Set up storage solutions
- Decorate with wall art and rugs
- Wash and store baby clothes and linens
Month 8: Baby-Proof & Final Assembly
As you get closer to your due date, make sure the room is safe and functional. Anchor furniture to the wall, cover outlet plugs, and secure cords. Finish assembling gear and place items where they’ll be easy to access.
Checklist:
- Baby-proof the nursery
- Assemble monitor, humidifier, and diaper pail
- Stock changing area with diapers, wipes, creams
Month 9: Personalize & Prepare for Baby’s Arrival
You’re in the home stretch! Now’s the time to make the space feel warm and welcoming. Add personal touches like books, family photos, or a special stuffed animal. And most importantly—enjoy the calm before your new adventure begins.
Checklist:
- Add final personal touches
- Pack your hospital bag
- Do a final walkthrough of your nursery
Bringing Your Nursery Vision to Life
Pro Tip: Some parents prefer to start earlier, especially if they’re planning a custom nursery or navigating a busy schedule. Adjust this timeline to what feels right for your family.
At Starling, we’re here to support you at every stage of parenthood—from that first nursery sketch to sleepless nights and morning giggles. Explore our collections of commercial-grade, thoughtfully designed cribs and diaper pails to bring your vision to life.