Week 17: Nursery Planning
Measure the room, pick a vibe, and start the big purchases
This is a great week to start turning the nursery from an idea into a plan. Measure the room, decide on furniture layout, and start researching the big three: crib, dresser/changing table, and glider. You've got time — but lead times on furniture can be 4–8 weeks.
What's happening this week
The baby is developing fat stores under the skin, which will help with temperature regulation after birth. The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger. Sweat glands are forming. Her center of gravity is shifting as the bump grows, which can affect balance.
Your checklist
0 of 5 completeMeasure wall lengths, window placement, closet dimensions, and door swing. You need this before buying furniture. Sketch a rough floor plan or use a free room planner app.
Look for JPMA-certified cribs. Convertible cribs (that become toddler beds) offer better long-term value. Avoid cribs with drop sides — they're banned for safety reasons. Budget: $150–$500 for a solid option.
Options: a dedicated changing table, a dresser with a changing pad on top (more versatile long-term), or a portable pad you move around the house. Most parents end up doing diaper changes everywhere — the dedicated table is nice but not mandatory.
Some nursery furniture takes 6–10 weeks to deliver. If you're ordering online, order by week 24 to give yourself buffer. In-stock items from Amazon, IKEA, or Target are faster.
The AAP recommends room-sharing (not bed-sharing) for at least the first 6 months. Many parents use a bassinet in the bedroom initially, then transition to the crib in the nursery. Plan for both scenarios.
Recommended products
IKEA SNIGLAR Crib
Simple, solid, and affordable. Meets all safety standards. One of the most recommended budget cribs by pediatricians and parenting sites alike.
Setting up the nursery is one of the most tangible projects dads can own during pregnancy. Week 17 is the sweet spot to start — early enough to account for furniture delivery times, but late enough that major screening results are in and the pregnancy feels firmly established.
The three essential pieces of nursery furniture are a crib, a dresser or changing area, and a comfortable chair for feeding. Beyond that, everything is optional. Resist the urge to buy every cute accessory — you'll discover what you actually need in the first few weeks after birth. Focus spending on safety-critical items (crib, mattress, monitor) and comfort items you'll use daily (glider, blackout curtains).
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