Nesting and Nurseries

"Nesting" is an overwhelming urge experienced by some women in the late stages of pregnancy to make their home ready for the new arrival.

It may manifest itself through something as sensible as creating a nursery for a new-born or more extravagant behaviour, such as an urge to bin and replace perfectly good bed-sheets or strip wallpaper, so everything is pristine for the imminent arrival.

Your child's nusery: Nursery decorating ideas

However your nesting instinct shows itself, there’s little doubt your home will have to undergo some changes to prepare for its new occupant.

“Nesting is the feeling that you want to get everything ready for the baby,” says Miroslava Vodilova, assistant eCommerce manager for Boots.com's baby site. “It’s definitely important for women to get into that whole experience of what it’s going to be like to become a mum.”

Your baby's nursery: Decorating tips and bedding

These days, many mums choose to find out from their scans whether the newcomer will require pink or blue décor in their bedroom.

"Boots stocks ranges to cover every eventuality," says Miroslava. "We stock a range for little girls called Bed-e-Byes Purfect and one for boys called Kidsline Come fly with me . On top of that, we do plenty of neutral ranges for parents who want to be surprised! We do one from Kidsline called Counting Sheep , one from Bed-e-Byes called Bramble and Smudge and more traditional ranges including Baby Joule.

If you’re buying a new cot, check that it has the British Standard mark BSEN 716. All cots sold in Boots meet that standard.

Boots’ top nursery bestsellers:

Clair de Lune White Waffle Moses Basket Why we like it: "A great value Moses basket which comes complete with a mattress,” says Miroslava. “The fresh white material will compliment all interiors and the matching stand (available separately) lets you rock your little one into a gentle snooze.”

Mamas & Papas Willow Cot Why we like it: "A beautifully designed cot, with practical features including teething rails for baby and a three position bed base for you to adjust to suit your child's changing needs,” says Miroslava.	Mamas & Papas Willow Dresser Why we like it: "Co-ordinating perfectly with the Willow Cot this dresser has three handy drawers to store all of your essential items and, when the safety rail is in place, it converts easily into a changer,” says Miroslava.

Bed-e-Byes Zippy Zebra Sleep Bag 0-6 Why we like it: "The Zippy Zebra range would compliment any little one's room," says Miroslava. "Like the rest of the range, the sleeping bag has detailed embroidery, whilst its 2.5 tog quilting ensures your little one stays comfortable through the night".

Bed-e-Byes Spike and Buzz Quilt Why we like it:"The Spike and Buzz range's quirky designs are fabulous," says Miroslava. "The quilt is beautifully embellished featuring intricate embroidering and will keep your child comfortable through the night".	Clair de Lune 5-Piece White Waffle Bale Set Why we like it: "For more traditional-minded parents, this Clair de Lune 5-piece set features a quilt, bumper, sheets and coordinating fleece blanket,” says Miroslava. “Its white waffle fabrics with contemporary styling offer a fresh look suitable for a little boy or a little girl".

The Beatrix Potter Pull Down Musical Mobile Why we like it: "There are some beautiful Beatrix Potter toys that offer a neutral choice for parents wanting to wait to find out the gender of their baby," says Miroslava. "The Beatrix Potter Pull Down Musical Mobile has beautiful, soft colours and features a soft Peter Rabbit to entertain little ones".

Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor Deluxe Why we like it: "This monitor lets you glimpse your little one from anywhere in the house. Practical features include two-way communication, a temperature monitor and a sound and movement monitor so you can be confident your baby is safe and comfortable as they sleep," says Miroslava.	Kidsline ABC123 Moses Basket Why we like it: "This bright and funky Kidsline range is a great addition to any nursery," says Miroslava. ?The engaging colours and animal prints help keep your little one entertained whilst the soft, snuggly fabric in this coverlet ensures they are comfortable."

Safely sleep

Many new mums are understandably concerned about cot death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This the sudden death of an apparently well baby.

To reduce the risk of cot death, the NHS recommends that your baby should sleep in a cot in the same room as you for the first six months. Also:

• Place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Do not smoke in pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
• Do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs or if you are a smoker.
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
• Do not let your baby get too hot.
• Keep your baby’s head uncovered. Their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
• Place your baby in the feet to foot position (with their feet at the end of the cot or pram).

Read more on parenting club

Baby safety

Mums' pregnancy tips

Baby names quiz

Shop our nurseries range

 

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Visit our pregnancy health information centre