When we last updated the nursery, we had painted the closet door green, but there were still a few practical items to add (a changing pad cover, a hamper, and a bin for dirty diapers) and we were still deciding what to do with the wall behind the crib.
Update #1. Earlier we considered a playful arrow wallpaper for that wall but worried it might be too busy next to the built-ins. Instead we were surprised to find a changing pad cover in that same pattern on Etsy, and Teddy loves it. He’s already managed to pee on it a few times—apparently he’s eager to test fabrics.
We tried the usual tricks to stop the spray—using a washcloth, positioning a wipe, and making quick diaper changes—but the wetness still ran down and pooled on the cover. That forced us to strip and launder the cover more often than we wanted in those first hectic days home from the hospital. We’d had the same issue with Clara, so for her we used a wipeable pad over the cloth changing pad until the heavy-spraying phase passed. It made life so much easier than constantly washing fabric covers.
Update #2. Since we already use a vinyl pad in the car for on-the-go changes, I decided to make a similar waterproof cover for the house out of oilcloth. Here’s what I did:
1. I bought half a yard of marine coat vinyl (white) from JoAnn for about $6. From that half yard I cut two covers, so we can keep a spare or use one downstairs on the ottoman.
2. I laid our existing Skip Hop car pad on the vinyl, traced its shape twice on the back with a marker, and then cut out both shapes.
3. Because vinyl doesn’t fray, there was no need to hem the edges; simple cutting was enough.
So far it’s worked brilliantly. Teddy “modeled” the waterproof cover and even managed to wet both his diaper and onesie while we were taking pictures—perfect timing to test the pad. The vinyl held up and saved us from extra loads of laundry, which has been a small but welcome relief.
Update #3. For diaper disposal we picked a simple white trash can from Ikea and are using disposable diapers for now. The lid has a step-to-open mechanism that keeps odors contained and allows hands-free opening, which is incredibly convenient during sleepy nights.
Update #4. A thoughtful gift from John’s sister arrived: a navy-and-white Boppy cover. I know some people skip a Boppy and use pillows instead, but I find it indispensable during the early nursing days when the baby is small and feeds frequently. I debated bringing it to the hospital but thought it would be unnecessary—afterwards I wished I had brought it, since it was far more comfortable than improvised piles of blankets and pillows.
Please ignore my messy nails and focus on the adorable baby.
Update #5. We also picked up a handmade embroidery hoop at a local spring craft fair. It features discontinued Ikea fabric with hand-stitched green vines, created by a small maker. It’s charming and a nice reminder of supporting local artisans; it also sparked some DIY inspiration for us.
Update #6. We needed a laundry hamper, so I bought a basket from HomeGoods roughly the same size as the one in Clara’s room and sewed a removable liner from half a yard of gray ticking fabric I found at JoAnn. I made the liner inside out so that when folded over the basket’s rim the patterned side faces outward and the clean inner surface is easy to remove and wash.
Update #7. As for the wall behind the crib, we haven’t installed anything yet, but we’re leaning toward a repeating “T” pattern as a subtle nod to Teddy. John mocked up a concept in Photoshop—while the digital sample doesn’t look lifelike, we like the idea’s simple, sweet look. Now we’re deciding whether to make a stencil and paint the T’s (similar to a previous raindrop project), use contact paper, or try another application method. We’ll share how it turns out.
Finally, I snapped a photo of the fourth wall of the room, which briefly appeared in an earlier video but hadn’t been photographed from that angle. For now it holds a floor lamp that works from the wall switch, but eventually we’d like to add an overhead light on a dimmer and create a little play area there once Teddy is older, similar to the play wall we made for Clara.
Are you finding yourself adding a flurry of small finishing touches to a nearly finished space? Buying handmade items at craft shows or online? Or testing new gear in unexpected ways?
To follow along with all the nursery updates from the beginning, the project has included painting trim, installing hardwood floors, adding a rug, painting walls and ceiling, building built-ins, assembling baby bedding, installing extra-thick crown molding, filling the built-ins with books and toys, adding a storage cabinet/changing table, creating a mobile, and making art and updates like painting the closet door green.