Nursery Setup Timeline: When to Start, What to Do, and How to Stay Calm

Setting up a nursery setup timeline, a practical schedule for preparing a baby’s room with safety, function, and calm in mind. Also known as baby room planning, it’s not about perfection—it’s about making sure your little one has a safe, quiet place to rest while you keep your sanity. Most parents think they need to finish everything by week 28. That’s not true. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy nursery to raise a healthy baby. You need a crib that meets current safety standards, a firm mattress, and a clear space free of hazards.

Start with the basics: the nursery furniture, essential items like the crib, changing table, and glider that form the core of the baby’s room. The crib is the most important piece. In 2025, old cribs with drop sides or slats more than 2 3/8 inches apart are illegal in the UK. Check for JPMA certification. Don’t rush to buy a fancy dresser—use a sturdy dresser you already own. Just make sure it’s anchored to the wall. nursery safety, the practice of removing risks like loose cords, unsecured furniture, and unsafe bedding to protect infants isn’t about buying expensive gear. It’s about removing what’s dangerous. Skip the bumper pads, avoid soft blankets until your baby is over 12 months, and keep toys out of the crib entirely.

Then there’s the baby sleep environment, the physical and routine conditions that help a baby sleep safely and deeply, including temperature, lighting, and sound. Experts say room-sharing for the first year reduces SIDS risk. That means your baby’s crib doesn’t need to be in its own room. A corner of your bedroom works fine. You don’t need a white noise machine, but you do need consistent darkness and a cool room—around 18-20°C. Avoid clutter. A few simple items are better than a room full of decorations that collect dust and distract you when you’re half-asleep at 3 a.m.

When should you start? If you’re pregnant, begin around week 20. That’s when your energy usually peaks and before the third-trimester fatigue hits. Focus on buying the crib and mattress first. Then, set up the changing station. Wait until week 32 to hang curtains or mount shelves. You don’t need to paint the walls until after the baby arrives—unless you’re sensitive to fumes. If you’re on a budget, thrift stores are full of gently used cribs and dressers. Just check for recalls and make sure everything’s clean and safe.

Here’s what most guides leave out: you don’t need to have everything ready before the baby comes. Many parents finish the nursery after the birth. That’s okay. What matters is that the crib is assembled, the mattress fits snugly, and the floor is clear of tripping hazards. You’ll be too tired to care if the curtains match the rug. You’ll care if your baby can breathe safely while sleeping.

Below, you’ll find real advice from parents who’ve been there—what to skip, what to buy early, and how to avoid the mistakes that stress people out. No fluff. No trends. Just what actually works for families in the UK right now.