nkluedke's Profile

I disagree with the used crib advice. With the constant recalls and changes in regulations, that, to me, was a must-have NEW item. Our local children's consignment shop will not even consider accepting a used crib.

It should also be noted that carseats should never be purchased used, as well, unless they're from a trusted source and you can check recall status and that it's never been in an accident.

Bouncers, swings, high chairs, bassinet - yes, definitely. I'm a little on the fence about the stroller thing. They get used so so much and can really take a beating. Obviously, if budget does not allow for a new one, you do what you have to do, but it's another thing that, to me, is ideally new.

This couple and the apartment are beautiful. Julia, you make me want to be pregnant again! It looks good on you!

However, as the mother of a newly mobile 10 mo old boy, the first thing I spotted in the living room were all the things the baby will be trying to climb/eat/pull down on themselves. It makes the newborn stage seem easy! Good luck!

I freakin love this bedroom. Gorgeous.

the poster is great, but CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT BOOK STORE?!! Holy amazing. I mean, that place looks like heaven. I want to go to there.

Our boy, now almost 6 months, slept in our room in a pack and play until he was about 4 months old and we hardly stepped foot in the nursery. Now, that he's in there, though, here's our essentials:
1. a good crib - when you find your baby gnawing on crib bars, you'll be happy if you go with a quality, organic crib. it's challenging to find one in the budget, but for me, this was of utmost importance. we went with the giggle better basics harper crib.

2. a good crib mattress - again, went organic here. just made mama feel good to know baby was laying his head in a safe, healthy place.

3. A few crib sheets - and that's all we have for bedding.

4. Changing pad - we put ours on top of a craigslist dresser. there is no way i could've survived diapering on the floor only. my back was killing me from the pack and play diaper changes, and that wasn't even that much shorter than me!

5. A nightlight or lamp on a dimmer - sets the bedtime tone. We found a globe light that has 3 settings at a consignment shop. Cute and functional!

6. CD player or Ipod speaker or white noise maker - we had both, Jack seems to prefer the lullabies, so we rotate Rockabye Baby cds (tonight it was lullabies set to the music of Journey!)

7. A comfy chair for book reading and 3am feedings. We have a simple arm chair now, but used a wooden rocker when he was teeny tiny.

8. Blackout curtains - a newer addition to our nursery - what were we waiting for?!

9. Art or decor that makes you happy! When I go in Jack's nursery, I feel relaxed and happy. I love how it looks. Design it for both of you!

10. We also have the constellation turtle - it's part of the bedtime routine and Jack does seem to enjoy checking out the stars on the wall.

11. A soft rug - for your feet in the middle of the night and eventually for baby to play!

12. Humidifier - we have the Crane cool mist. I can really tell the difference when we're not running it, especially in the winter.

13. Good bedtime books to read in your comfy chair.

14. Burp clothes galor - we use the pre-folds, as well.

I didn't comment on other baby gear I love, just stuck to what we're using in our nursery.

What we haven't found we needed: bassinet (he hated it), diaper pail (we just take them to the trash and now cloth diaper 80% of the time), footstool, a monitor (turns out we can hear him anywhere in the house), wipe warmer, or baby gear IN the nursery (we are in the living room most of the day, so he doesn't really need a place to camp out there now. What I realized, most importantly those first few months? Babies don't really need much, but some of the stuff I mentioned will definitely make the nursery more cozy and functional - you'll find your own way though!

'm currently in the midst of trying to work on all of this in our new house. The floors are done and make a world of a difference - marble tile in both baths, beautiful refinished wide plank flooring in the living areas, and a newly laid tile floor in the kitchen in a herringbone pattern. MUCH better than the peel and stick tile that was in the kitchen and baths when we moved in!

I'm finding lighting to be most challenging...not just to find the right fixtures, which is tough, but to know how to set the mood that I know I want. I can picture what I want the room to look like, but not sure how to achieve it. We installed two recessed and two eyeball lights in the living room and it still wasn't right. Added a lamp and a dimmer and we're getting there...

The doors are the next project, but dang, we need a lot and it's expensive and a lot of work. I wish I was rich and could just hire someone to paint and throw them up for us!

anyone know what that hot air balloon is in the first picture? a light? a model? love it.

Try to do it once every 2 weeks. And usually then I don't even feel that they're "dirty," just that it's the right thing to do. I guess I'm not too stressed about it. Nothing bad has come from it yet!