- Plan the decor for your baby's nursery as early as you feel up to it. If you make up your mind early, you can break it into small tasks that don't tire you out. Ask friends and family to help you paint if the smell makes you nauseous, or wear a mask and leave the windows open to air the room out. You may have more energy during your first trimester, which you can use to accomplish basic tasks, such as shopping for and assembling the furniture. Keep a detailed list of things you need to do.
- Wait until you know the gender of the baby if you plan to decorate in a gender-specific theme. Ultrasound technicians can usually tell the baby's gender between your 20th and 24th week of pregnancy. Pick out any of the bigger stuff, such as the wall color or furniture, beforehand if the basics will work for either gender. For example, sky blue paint will work if you plan a garden and butterfly theme for a girl or a pirate theme for a boy.
- The nursery should be completely painted, aired out and dry before the baby's arrival. Have the nursery painted at least two months before you expect to bring your baby home. If you can have the room painted at least three months before your due date, it's even better, in case he decides to come early. Use low- or zero-VOC paint if possible to lower the chances of fumes harming you, your baby or anyone else in the home.
- Have your baby's room ready as soon as you're able. Putting furniture and other pieces together will become more difficult as you progress in your pregnancy, and you find it more difficult to move around. You may require more rest the closer you get to your due date, as well, which might make you anxious if the nursery isn't done.