When it comes to decorating a baby girl nursery, many people automatically think of a room complete with wall-to-wall soft pink and white embellishments. Although this is a timeless choice, many parents prefer a unique style for their baby nursery basics when they are expecting a girl.

Baby Nursery Basics

The single most important item in any nursery–boy or girl–is a good solid crib. Safety is the first concern here, so purchase a quality crib that complies with current safety specifications. A white wood crib is a good choice if the nursery is decked out in pastel colors. Natural wood lends a homey touch to the room, while a dark cherry wood can create a feeling of warmth in a baby girl nursery.

Next, make sure you have enough storage space for your baby girl’s clothes, books and toys. You need a well-made dresser at minimum. If you have more space, consider investing in an armoire, toy chest and bookshelves. You may also want a changing table, although some manufacturers offer dresser/changing table combinations to help you save space. Again, these baby nursery basics must meet all current safety requirements.

Finally, you’ll need a rocking chair or a glider for late-night feedings. Choose a comfortable, padded chair with an ottoman if you have room for it. Gliders are available in a variety of colors and patterns so you can choose one to complement the rest of your baby girl decor.

Girl Nursery Bedding

Basic nursery bedding consists of a mattress cover, a crib sheet and crib bumpers. For safety reasons, these are the only items that should ever be in the crib with your baby girl. However, many parents enjoy decorating with complete girl nursery bedding sets. They simply remove the extra bedding items when the baby goes into the crib.

Girl Nursery Decor

Once you’ve selected your bedding, tie it all together with a baby girl decor theme. Popular baby girl nursery themes include:

• Characters: Whether you choose Disney® princesses or Barbie© dolls, character designs are easy to find at most retailers. Start with girl nursery bedding and tie the room together with girl nursery decor such as character lamps, mobiles, wall decorations, artwork and throw rugs.
• Flowers: A popular retro baby girl decor theme featuring lots of flower designs in bright greens, pinks, yellows and oranges on the girl nursery bedding and the walls.
• Sugar and spice: Characterized by butterflies, flowers, plants and animals. Reflect this theme in the girl nursery bedding, curtains and wallpaper or wall stencils.

A growing trend in nursery decorating is hanging the baby’s name, in painted wooden letters, on the wall.