Although you might have to get through morning sickness and an aching back, there are also a lot of fun, exciting aspects of expecting a baby! Designing their nursery is one of them, and if you’re expecting a little girl, your mind is probably swirling with baby girl nursery ideas.
Imagining what your daughter will be like and dreaming of having her here becomes even more real when you start setting up and decorating the nursery. At Newton Baby, that gets us excited!
No matter your style, we’ve got some ideas for your little girl’s nursery.
But when it comes to a nursery, both design and function are important! So before we jump into rugs, rockers, and roses, let’s go over a few tips on how to set up a nursery that keeps your baby safe and makes your parenting life as easy as possible.
Table Of Contents
- How To Set Up A Functional Baby Girl Nursery
- 20 Baby Girl Nursery Ideas
- Baby Girl Nursery Ideas: Safety First!
How To Set Up A Functional Baby Girl Nursery
As adorable as your baby's room is, you won’t want to spend much time in there if it's not set up well. Thankfully, you can create a beautiful and functional room with just a few simple tips.
Let’s take a look.
Invest In A Standard-Sized Crib If Possible
In case no one has told you yet, babies sleep a lot!
Your little one will spend tons of time snoozing in their crib, so it’s important to invest in a good-quality crib that’s safe for your baby. Plus, your daughter will possibly sleep in her crib for years to come.
If you’re tight on space, you might consider a mini crib, which your baby will most likely grow out of within one or two years. But if you have the room, think about purchasing a standard-sized crib.
This crib will fit your little one for quite a bit longer — and a standard-sized mattress can be used in a toddler bed for even more years of sound sleep!
Choose A Safe Crib Mattress And Bedding
Your baby’s crib mattress and bedding play a big role in safe sleep.
While fuzzy blankets and colorful pillows are cute, they aren’t safe for your little one to sleep with. To provide your baby girl with the safest possible rest, keep all toys, pillows, blankets, and crib bumpers out of the crib and make sure the bedding is not too loose.
The crib mattress is another big player when it comes to safe sleep. Opt for a firm crib mattress that bounces right back when you press on it. But firm doesn’t have to mean hard and uncomfortable.
The Newton Baby Crib Mattress is firm enough to keep your baby safe and comfortable enough for night after night of sound sleep.
Plus, both the mattress and the mattress cover are 100% breathable, which helps regulate your baby’s body temperature. And, if your new daughter rolls onto her stomach at night, a breathable mattress will help reduce the risk of suffocation.
As if that’s not enough, Newton Baby’s mattresses are also 100% washable. Say “goodbye” to mold, bacteria, and allergens!
Consider Convenience
When thinking of baby girl nursery ideas and choosing furniture placement, don’t forget to make things convenient for bedtime, diaper changing, breastfeeding, and late-night feedings.
Consider putting a table next to the rocking chair where you can place your coffee mug, phone, or baby bottle without disturbing your little girl.
Also, make sure you’ll have all the diapering necessities within reach of the changing table. You don’t want to leave your baby alone for even a second in case they decide they’re ready to roll over...and off the changing table!
Make It Easy To Clean
Babies are cute, but they sure can be messy! When choosing rugs, curtains, wallpaper, bedding, and the like, save yourself future headaches by choosing items that are easy to clean.
To protect the crib mattress, go for a waterproof, washable mattress pad, like Newton Baby’s Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad (available for cribs as well as twin beds!).
And if you have a Newton Baby Crib Mattress or are planning on purchasing one, keep an extra Crib Mattress Cover on hand. Easily zip off the dirty cover and throw it in the wash without skipping a beat (or a nap!).
As far as the rest of the nursery goes, washable wallpaper is your friend, as are rugs that are easy to vacuum! When buying furniture, choose pieces that will be easy to wipe off or have a removable, washable cover.
Hang Blackout Curtains
To help your baby fall asleep on evenings when the sun hasn’t gone down yet, you may want to hang blackout curtains. They’ll darken the room (and help your baby girl start to distinguish nighttime from daytime) without cramping your style!
Blackout curtains come in various colors and patterns. Or, if you prefer, you can simply add blackout liners to curtains you already have.
Plan For Storage
Storage is essential when you have a little one! But adequate storage space doesn’t have to mean sacrificing design.
Think ahead about the things you’ll need to store and organize (diapers, toys, clothes, books, etc.) and choose storage options that fit with your decor. That way, your room won’t be overrun with clutter. Instead, it’ll stay nicely organized.
Add A Comfortable Chair
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the nursery, so you’ll want a comfortable place to sit. A glider or rocker is ideal, and many models even come with ottomans so you can put your feet up.
If you’re planning on breastfeeding, choose a chair with arms to prop yourself up and plenty of back support. You might even consider getting a nursing pillow to make things a little easier, especially in those first few weeks when you’re still recovering from labor and delivery.
Think Dual Purpose Furniture
If you don't have a lot of space, you need to get creative with your selected furniture. Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose so that you can get the most use out of them.
For example, an ottoman with storage inside can hold blankets and burp cloths while providing a place to rest your feet. A dresser with a changing pad can be used for diaper changes and storing clothes. And a bookshelf can hold both baby books and diapers!
Identify The Focal Point
Obviously, the best part of your nursery will be your daughter! But aside from her, what do you want to be the focal point of the room when considering your current baby girl nursery ideas?
Lots of parents choose to make the crib the focal point, but you could make it a reading nook or a piece of furniture that means something to your family. Pick your favorite piece or aspect of the nursery and go from there.
20 Baby Girl Nursery Ideas
Now that you have an idea of how to design a nursery that’s both cute and functional, let’s get straight to the fun part! Here are 20 baby girl nursery ideas to get your wheels turning.
1) Use Wall Decals And Stencils
A wall decal is a big (removable!) sticker that you put on the wall to add some interest and design to a room. And regardless of your theme or color scheme, you can find a wall decal to go along with it.
If wall decals aren’t your thing, think about using a wall stencil to paint a design on the wall. And if you’re super artistic, skip the stencil and add your own wall art to the nursery!
2) Feature Your Baby’s Name Or Initials
Make your baby’s nursery her own by featuring her name or initials on a wall. Stick or paint your little girl’s name on the wall with decals or stencils. Or make it 3-D by hanging letters.
3) Create A Reading Nook
Buy a comfortable rocking chair, and then go all out creating a reading nook. Make it a cozy place to snuggle and read to your baby, and include a lamp and book storage nearby.
Complete the reading nook with a reading tent or teepee, a bean bag, throw pillows, and stuffed animals. Your daughter will enjoy this space for years to come!
4) Incorporate Black And White
Baby girl nurseries don’t have to be pink. Never underestimate the design power of using black and white in your nursery.
Look for black and white floral themes, modern black and white stripes with an accent color, polka dots, or gingham. Get creative!
5) Feature A Piece Of Artwork
If you’re an art lover, you may want to pick a piece of artwork and design the rest of your baby girl’s nursery around it.
Do you have an artist-friend who would be willing to create a piece for you? This could also be a great way to decorate the nursery with something that’s meaningful to your family.
6) Hang A Chandelier
Chandeliers aren’t just for frilly, girly nurseries. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors to add a special touch to the nursery, no matter what style you’re going with.
7) Make It Modern Or Elegant
Baby themes might not be your thing. Consider skipping the baby girl colors and going for a modern or elegant nursery that fits your style. Think simple decor, clean lines, and neutral colors.
8) Embrace The Ocean Theme With Mermaids
Ships and sharks might be great for baby boys, but don’t rule out the ocean altogether for your baby girl. A mermaid theme complete with seashells, dolphins, and coral reef colors could be just the ticket!
9) Take Advantage Of Fake Plants
Don’t be afraid to use a fake plant to make your nursery pop! You’ll be able to find a plant to go with almost any theme — from rich, green gardens to sweet, soft florals and everything in-between.
10) Go Rustic
Take advantage of the characteristics of the room you’re using for a nursery. If you’ve got wood floors, make the most of them and give the nursery a rustic flare.
Choose understated, soft colors and old-fashioned pieces for this theme. Try distressed wood furniture, mason jars filled with baby essentials, and weathered wood picture frames high on the walls.
To add a touch of whimsy to the space, consider using a wagon as a changing table or toy storage. You can also add some cute animal details, like a piggy bank or a stuffed bunny.
11) Use Wallpaper For A Statement Wall
Not ready to commit to painting an entire wall or sticking up decals everywhere? Consider using wallpaper as your statement wall. This will add interest, texture, and design to the room without being too overwhelming.
Wallpaper comes in many patterns and textures, so it’s easy to find one to go with any of our girl nursery ideas!
And, nowadays, you don't have to struggle to apply it to the wall. Many companies sell self-adhesive wallpaper that you can simply peel and stick! It’s a fun project to knock out before the baby arrives!
12) Incorporate Gold And Glitter
Metallic colors are all the rage, so why not add a touch of gold or glitter to your baby girl’s nursery? You can find glittery wall decals, rose gold lamps, and bedazzled picture frames to give the room some shimmer.
13) Keep It Minimal
Sometimes, less is more. Rather than going overboard with decorations and furniture, keep it simple. Choose a few key pieces and stick to a subdued color palette. This will create a peaceful space for your baby girl (and you!) to enjoy.
14) Bring In The Outdoors With A Garden Theme
Is there anything sweeter than a baby girl’s nursery with a garden theme? There are so many possibilities with this one!
Hang flower baskets in the corner, paint a garden scene on a wall, and add pictures of ladybugs or bees. It can be as realistic or whimsical as you like.
Consider adding a safe potted plant to the room for an environmental boost. This will help purify the air and connect your little one to nature.
15) Create A Fairytale Nursery
Many little girls dream of being a princess. Make your little one’s dreams come true with a fairytale-inspired nursery.
Add a wall quote from one of your favorite stories and hang twinkling fairy lights around the room. Then, add some floating shelves and decorate these with a few favorite fairytale books and princess dolls.
16) Think Geometric
Have dreams of your little lady pursuing a career in math or science? Help her get a head start by filling the nursery with geometric shapes of various sizes.
For a special wall feature, cut shapes out of painted (and sanded!) plywood. Then, use finishing nails to attach it to the wall securely. It’s a simple project that can make your baby girl’s nursery truly one of a kind.
17) Incorporate Bright, Bold Colors
Not every baby girl’s nursery needs to be pastel-themed. Instead, consider using bright and bold colors if you want something with a bit of pizzazz.
You have so many options to choose from, so have fun mixing and matching!
18) Use The Alphabet As Decor
Inspire your little girl's early academic development with whimsical alphabet decor. Look for a plush alphabet to hang on the wall. Then, add a large ABC rug in the center of the room to give your baby a comfy place to play.
Some stores sell small storage containers in the shapes of letters. These are perfect for holding diapers, wipes, and other necessities. First, pick some out that spell your baby’s name. Then, once they’re full, display them on a shelf in the room for a personalized touch.
For decorations, stick with simple wooden alphabet blocks in different sizes. These will add visual interest to the room and give your girl something fun to play with as she grows.
19) Consider A Transportation Theme
Is your little girl destined to be the next Amelia Earhart? Or maybe she’ll grow up to drive a big rig? Whatever her future holds, you can encourage her dreams with a transportation-themed nursery!
With air, land, sea, and space travel to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Hang up some themed borders around the room and select framed images that showcase transportation from different eras.
Additionally, consider adding a world map to help your baby girl learn about different countries and cultures. Then, as she gets older, use this to track where she’s been and where she wants to go.
20) Fill The Room With Sunshine
Is there anything happier than a sunflower? Bring some sunshine into your baby girl’s nursery with a sunflower-themed room.
Paint it a bright yellow color and add pictures of sunflowers throughout the space. Put a vase full of faux sunflowers on the top of the dresser or a shelf. You’ll almost be guaranteed to smile whenever you walk into the room!
Baby Girl Nursery Ideas: Safety First!
Always keep safety in mind no matter how you decorate your baby girl’s nursery. Of course, you want her to have a beautiful and stylish space, but it’s more important to ensure that everything is safe and secure.
These tips can help.
Avoid Sharp Edges
Look for furniture with smooth, rounded edges. Anything with sharp angles could pose a danger to your little one, especially when she’s learning to crawl and stand.
Run your finger along wooded surfaces to ensure they’re sanded and smooth. Also, avoid decorations with small, sharp pieces that could break off and become a choking hazard.
Anchor Heavy Furniture
If you have tall dressers or bookshelves in the nursery, anchor them to the wall. This will prevent them from tipping over if your little one happens to pull on them.
Most hardware stores sell wall anchors, or you can buy them online. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package to install them properly. Otherwise, they won’t work correctly.
Choose Non-Toxic Materials
When shopping for furniture, paint, and other materials, always look for non-toxic items. These are safe for your baby to be around, and they’re also better for the environment.
Select non-toxic furniture made from sustainable materials, like bamboo, whenever possible. And remember that all Newton Baby Mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified so you won't have to worry about your little one breathing in toxic chemicals.
In addition, opt for organic sheets for your baby’s crib to keep even more chemicals away. Our Organic Cotton Sheets come in adorable patterns that’ll go well with any of our girl nursery ideas.
But they’re not just safe and cute; they’re also super comfortable. Your baby will sleep cozily on them, which means more sleep for you both!
Beware of Small Parts
Also, be on the lookout for small parts that could come loose and become choking hazards. This includes buttons, beads, and anything else that’s small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll.
Inspect all toys and decorations before putting them in the nursery. If something looks like it could come apart easily, don’t use it. After all, it won't be long, and your little newborn girl will be an active, curious toddler who wants to explore everything!
Save yourself some work, and baby-proof the space from the get-go.
Use Cordless Blinds
Unfortunately, window-covering cords have caused the death of many young children. In just a few seconds, they can get tangled up and strangled.
To avoid accidents, opt for cordless blinds instead of traditional ones. These are much safer and also easier to open and close since you won’t have to try to get knots out of a cord before pulling them up or down.
Create A Safe Space With Any Baby Girl Nursery Idea
Your baby girl’s nursery is much more than just a cute room. It’s where you’ll bond with her, feed her, play with her, read to her, and so much more.
Start with safety first. Purchase a safe, breathable mattress, like Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress, so you can have peace of mind while your daughter sleeps. Then design the rest of her room using one of our nursery ideas — or let your imagination run wild!
Before you know it, your precious new daughter will be in your home and you’ll both be enjoying the nursery you’ve created!