Getting the nursery just right is a high priority for many parents-to-be, hoping to make it a special haven for that precious bundle of joy to grow up in.

The room needs to be carefully thought out and prepared well before junior comes home from the hospital. But where do you begin? How do you know just what you need and how do you put it all together without breaking the bank?

“When setting up the nursery, you first need to think colour scheme or theme,” suggests Paula Clarke, chief merchandising officer for Gibbons Company.

Parents that know the sex of their child may choose something appropriate for a boy or a girl, especially taking colour into consideration, whereas those who do not want to find out until the actual day will often pick a more generic colour or theme. Generic choices can also be re-used for future babies.

Mrs. Clarke concedes new trends tend to work around colours, but the same themes are often revisited by nursery room designers. However, she suggests, you not limit yourself to purchasing ready-made linens.

“People get excited on the craft side. You can always create your own design,” Mrs. Clarke says.

“Baby furniture tends to come in a choice of white, natural or dark woods, but, natural woods seem to be the most popular because you can do so much with it,” she adds, pointing out that the room’s layout is important: “A functional room makes it easier to move around from bed to changing table.”

Lighting is also important and window shades or curtains can help create a calming environment, making the room more peaceful for nap times and night lights make it easier to tend to the baby during the night.

She suggests that most basic furnishings that you need are a bed, a dresser or cupboard and lighting, but many parents also opt for a changing table, a rocking chair or glider and a toy box, as well as a play rug, laundry hamper and a waste bin or diaper disposal system. But that is not all. The list of necessary equipment expands to include feeding and bathing items, travel equipment and accessories.

She also adds that parents are now choosing “grow-with-me” bed systems that convert from crib to toddler bed to twin or double bed as the child grows. These systems are often more economical in the long run as all you are replacing is the mattress, as opposed to purchasing an entire bed.

For those using a second-hand crib or cot, she also recommends replacing the mattress with a new one for each child.

Baby changing tables are another item that can have a life beyond diapers in a child’s room, she points out. Changing mats can be removed and those with drawers can double as dressers.

“Ultimately, it is important to have fun when creating your child’s room,” she reminds parents.

Consider painting a mural on the wall or select brightly-coloured prints or posters. You may also want to consider creating an area where your child can draw directly on the wall, which can be specially made by using special-purpose spray chalkboard paints or high-quality washable paints designed for drawing on.

Mrs. Clarke suggests you start as early as you can and create a checklist for shopping. “Buy gradually,” she advises, which allows parents the opportunity to get everything they need. Of course, Mrs. Clarke also suggests that you take advantage of baby showers by putting your personally selected items to the side at a baby registry, so others can give you what you need and want as gifts. Most stores allow you to select items up to two weeks before your shower.