The Perfect Nursery Setup to a Great Night’s Sleep 💤🌙

Let’s be honest, when you’re sleep-deprived and knee-deep in nappy changes, it’s easy to feel like the nursery is just another thing to get sorted. But creating a calm, safe, and sleep-friendly space for when your little one has reached the right age (6 months+) can make a big difference in how well your baby sleeps (and how much rest you get too!).

Here’s your no-fuss guide to setting up the perfect nursery, one that’s safe, soothing, and designed to encourage better, longer sleep.

1. Safety First (Always)

We know it’s not the most glamorous bit but safe sleep saves lives.

• Always place baby on their back to sleep. Their feet to the bottom of the cot. (Feet to foot)

• Cot mattresses should be firm and fit snugly.

• No loose bedding, bumpers, or soft toys in the sleep space.

• If you’re using a monitor, place cords well out of reach and mount cameras securely.

2. Layout: Simple, Safe & Sleep-Focused

Think of the nursery as a sleep sanctuary not a storage unit or a playroom. Keep it functional and uncluttered. Here’s what to focus on:

• Cot Position: Place the cot away from radiators, windows, cords, changing tables and anything your baby could reach as they grow. Ideally, one side of the cot should be against a wall for extra snugness, but not touching curtains or anything hanging.

• Keep It Clear: The safest sleeping space is a bare cot, just a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and your sleepy little one on their back. No pillows, soft toys, bumpers, or loose blankets.

3. Temperature: Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold

The magic number? 16–20°C (around 61–68°F). This is the sweet spot for safe sleep.

• Use a room thermometer to keep an eye on things, especially in older houses or during those sneaky hot/cold snaps.

• Dress your baby in lightweight layers and follow a tog guide for sleeping bags.

4. Lighting: Dim the Drama

Babies are born with no concept of night or day but we can help guide their little body clocks. Light plays a big role here.

• Use blackout blinds to keep naps and night times dark.

• At bedtime, keep lighting low and warm, think red-toned night lights if you need one.

• Avoid blue-toned or bright overhead lights after bathtime. They’re great for wake-up mode, but not for wind-down.

5. Sound: Soothing, Not Startling

You don’t need to tiptoe, but some background sound can really help settle your baby and muffle some external noises such as other children and pets.

• White noise machines are a game changer: constant, gentle and great at drowning out household chaos, it’s best to keep this on for the whole night.

• Avoid lullabies or ocean waves on loop all night (they tend to switch off and startle babies awake).

6. Ambiance: Calm, Not Cluttered

Your nursery doesn’t have to be Insta perfect but it should feel calm and restful. That means:

• Neutral, muted tones for walls and décor.

• Keep toys and bold patterns to a minimum near the cot, I also avoided mobiles as these can be overstimulating for baby when trying to go to sleep.

• Consider soft textures like a rug (great for your feet on night feeds) and a comfy chair for you.

Bonus Tips for Better Sleep:

• A consistent wind-down routine in the nursery helps signal sleep is coming.

• Avoid overstimulation in the nursery, keep it dark, save the squeaky toys and sensory play for the living room.

• Check airflow, fresh air is great, but no direct drafts.

The Bottom Line?

Your nursery doesn’t have to be Pinterest perfect but it does need to be calm, safe, and set up for sleep. Small changes can lead to big sleep wins, and if you’re ever unsure, I’m just a message away.