Decorating a Nursery: When to Start
Setting up a nursery is one of the most enjoyable parts of preparing for a new baby — but knowing when to begin, and how to do it safely during pregnancy, can feel confusing. Here is a practical guide to timing, safety, and what to prioritise.
Table of Contents
- When to Start
- Safety Considerations During Pregnancy
- What to Prioritise First
- Practical Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
When to Start
Most parents begin thinking seriously about the nursery during the second trimester — roughly weeks 14 to 27. By this point the risk of miscarriage has reduced significantly, energy levels often improve after first trimester fatigue, and you still have plenty of time to make decisions without pressure.A good general rule is to aim to have the nursery ready by around 36 weeks. Babies can arrive early, and you do not want to be surrounded by flat-pack furniture and wet paint in the last weeks of pregnancy. Starting around weeks 20–24 gives you a comfortable window to plan, order furniture (which can take weeks to arrive), and decorate gradually without rushing.
If you find out your baby's sex at the 20-week scan, some parents wait until then before finalising colours or themes — though gender-neutral nurseries are equally popular and avoid any last-minute changes.
If this is your second or subsequent baby and you are repurposing an existing room, the timeline can be shorter. If you are doing significant building or renovation work, allow extra time and ensure the space is fully ventilated and settled before the baby arrives.
Safety Considerations During Pregnancy
**Paint choices matter.** Water-based (latex) paints with low or zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are considered the safest option during pregnancy. VOCs are the chemicals that produce paint fumes; high exposure is best avoided during pregnancy. Many major UK paint brands now offer low-VOC or zero-VOC ranges. Avoid oil-based paints, solvent-based varnishes, and lead-based paints (the latter should not be in modern UK homes but can be present in older properties).Ventilation is essential. Regardless of what paint you use, open windows and doors while painting and keep the room well ventilated for at least 24–48 hours after. Do not sleep in a freshly painted room.
Get help where possible. Ideally, ask a partner, family member, or friend to do the actual painting, particularly in the first trimester when you may be most sensitive to smells. If you do paint yourself, take regular breaks, go outside for fresh air, and stop if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unwell.
Avoid heavy lifting and precarious positions. Moving furniture, climbing ladders, and carrying heavy flat-pack boxes are not ideal activities during pregnancy, particularly as your bump grows and your centre of gravity shifts. Ask for help with any heavy or awkward lifting.
Old paint in older homes. If your home was built before 1978, there is a possibility of older paint layers containing lead. Do not sand or strip old paintwork yourself during pregnancy. If you are unsure, a professional can test for lead before any renovation work begins.
What to Prioritise First
Not everything needs to be done at once. If you are working to a budget or energy is limited, focus on essentials first:- Safe sleep space — the cot, crib, or moses basket with a firm, flat mattress. This is the most important item to have ready before the baby arrives.
- Changing area — a changing mat or unit at a comfortable height.
- Storage — somewhere to organise clothing, nappies, and feeding supplies.
- Décor — paint, wallpaper, and decorative details can come later, or can be simplified. A beautifully decorated nursery is lovely, but a safe and functional one matters more.
If budget or space is tight, remember that newborns do not need a dedicated room immediately — many families keep the baby in a moses basket or bedside crib in their own room for the first six months, which is also the NHS recommendation for reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Practical Tips
- Order furniture early. Popular cots and nursery furniture can have long lead times — six to eight weeks is not unusual. - Wash all new bedding, muslin cloths, and clothing before use to remove any manufacturing residues. - Keep the nursery temperature between 16–20°C, which is the safe sleep temperature range recommended by the Lullaby Trust. - Fit a smoke alarm on the landing or outside the nursery if you do not already have one. - Consider blackout blinds from the start — they make a significant difference to daytime naps and early mornings. - If you are using second-hand furniture, check it meets current UK safety standards. Never use a second-hand mattress; always buy a new one.Frequently Asked Questions
### Is it safe to paint while pregnant?Water-based (latex) paints with low or zero VOCs are generally considered safe in pregnancy. Avoid oil-based paints and solvent-based products. The most important precautions are good ventilation, taking regular breaks, and avoiding the fumes if they make you feel unwell. Ideally, get someone else to do the painting and stay out of the room until it is fully dry and aired. If you have any concerns, speak to your midwife.
When is it too late to start decorating the nursery?
There is no fixed cut-off, but it becomes increasingly impractical after 34–36 weeks due to fatigue, your growing bump, and the risk of the baby arriving early. If you are past 36 weeks and the nursery is not ready, focus only on the essentials — a safe sleep space and a changing area — and leave anything decorative for after the birth.
Do I need to decorate a separate room for the baby?
No. The NHS recommends that babies sleep in the same room as a parent for at least the first six months. Many families use a moses basket, bedside crib, or small cot in their own bedroom and do not need a separate nursery immediately. A dedicated nursery is lovely to have but is not a necessity from day one.
Always speak to your midwife or GP if you have questions about keeping yourself safe during pregnancy.
Related articles: