Setting up the nursery is one of the most satisfying parts of getting ready for a baby — and one where safety and assembly quietly matter a lot. This checklist walks the room in the right order, so you end up with a space that's both lovely and genuinely safe.
Do it before the third trimester if you can
Assembly, painting, and off-gassing of new furniture are all easier to handle before you're exhausted and very pregnant. Aim to have the big pieces built and the room aired out weeks ahead of the due date — babies have a way of arriving early.
The furniture, in order
1. Crib
The centerpiece and the piece where correct assembly is non-negotiable. Follow the instructions exactly, tighten every bolt fully, and re-check them after a few days as the wood settles. A crib with a loose joint is a real hazard. Convertible cribs have more hardware and steps — don't rush them.
2. Dresser / changing table
Assemble the dresser (often doubling as the changing station) and — this is essential — anchor it to the wall. A changing table with a baby on top is exactly the tip-over scenario anchoring prevents. Here's how to anchor it properly. If it has a changing-top rail, secure that too.
3. Glider or rocker, shelves, and storage
Assemble the glider, and mount any floating shelves securely into studs — nothing heavy should hang over the crib or changing area.
Safety pass
Once furniture is in, do a safety sweep: anchor everything tall, secure or cut short all blind and curtain cords, cover reachable outlets, and keep the crib clear of anything a baby could pull down. Confirm the smoke and CO detectors work. For the rest of the house, our baby-proofing checklist covers it room by room.
Placement and comfort
Position the crib away from direct sun and drafts, put blackout curtains up if the room gets bright, and set up the changing station within easy reach of supplies so you're never stepping away from the baby. Think through the room at 3am, not just in daylight.
The final checklist
| Category | Done? |
|---|---|
| Crib assembled, all bolts tight, re-checked | ☐ |
| Dresser / changing table anchored to a stud | ☐ |
| Shelves mounted into studs, nothing over the crib | ☐ |
| Blind & curtain cords secured out of reach | ☐ |
| Outlets covered, detectors tested | ☐ |
| Crib bare, away from windows and cords | ☐ |
Want the assembly and anchoring handled?
If you'd rather spend the third trimester resting than wrestling a convertible crib, I assemble nursery furniture and handle the anchoring across Orange County — crib, dresser, glider, and shelves, done safely in one visit. Send your furniture list for a flat-rate quote.
Frequently asked questions
When should I set up the nursery?
Ideally before the third trimester. Assembling furniture, painting, and letting new pieces off-gas are all easier before you're exhausted, and babies sometimes arrive early. Aim to have the big pieces built and the room aired out weeks ahead of the due date.
Do I need to anchor nursery furniture?
Yes, especially the dresser or changing table. A changing table with a baby on top is exactly the tip-over scenario anchoring prevents. Anchor every tall piece into a wall stud, and secure any changing-top rail.
What's the safest way to set up a crib?
Keep it bare — a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and nothing else. No bumpers, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals for a newborn. Tighten every bolt fully, re-check them after a few days, and place the crib away from windows and blind cords.
Can someone assemble nursery furniture for me?
Yes. Nursery furniture — cribs, dressers, changing tables, gliders, and shelves — can be assembled and anchored professionally in a single visit, which is a common request for parents who'd rather rest during the third trimester.
Getting the nursery ready?
I'll assemble the crib, dresser, and glider and anchor everything safely — in one visit, at a flat rate. Serving new parents across Orange County.
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