L. Elizabeth Forry
Table of contents
Deciding on your baby’s nursery decor is perhaps one of the tasks expecting parents look forward to the most.
I know that for both of my babies, I spent endless hours looking online and in stores for unique and fun ideas that fit our tastes.
The great thing about having a baby these days is that whether you’re having a baby girl or a baby boy, nursery themes are much more creative than they used to be!
Related: How to Design a Nursery on a Budget
Your Baby Girl’s Nursery Doesn’t Have to Be Pink
The old-school idea that a baby boy's room must be blue, and a baby girl’s room must be pink is totally outdated when it comes to decorating a modern nursery. And in case you didn’t know, blue for boys and pink for girls has only been a thing for less than a century. Pink actually used to be considered a masculine color!
In 1918, the popular shopping publication “Earnshaw’s” stated, “The generally accepted rule is that pink is for boys and blue is for girls.” Still, most parents dressed their kids in white because it was inexpensive and easy to pass on to the next baby.
It wasn’t until 1940 that color publications began that color-specific clothing and baby room themes began. With the economic boom after WWII, when parents had money to spend, there was a lot of advertising for specific interests and genders.
But enough of a history lesson!
Parents today have endless options for gender-neutral nursery themes. From pastels to animals to beachy to boho, baby girl nursery themes are more creative than ever. Of course, if you want a pink nursery, there are countless creative ways to make that happen too!
From whimsical to wild, we have over twenty nursery design ideas to create the perfect space for your little girl!
What Do You Need in Your New Baby Girl’s Nursery?
Choosing the nursery theme for your little girl may dictate the furniture style you choose for your nursery, but there are some essential pieces you should have in even the most minimalist nursery.
In addition to the standard crib and changing table, you’ll likely want a glider or rocker, some type of soft toy storage, a humidifier, a soft lighting option, and a diaper pail.
Essential Nursery Furniture
Crib
If you’re going for simplicity, check out the Babyletto Lolly 3-1 Convertible Crib from Pottery Barn. It comes in black and white/neutral, but we adore this dark forest green.
It’s the perfect crib to go with a forest or wildlife theme, and it’s something a little different than your standard espresso or cherry-wood baby crib.
We also love the simplicity of this white crib from Graco for a fraction of the designer crib costs. It still meets all safety standards, is a 3-1 convertible crib, and comes from one of the most trusted names in baby gear.
You should always buy your new crib to ensure it meets JPMA safety standards. Convertible cribs are an excellent option because they save you money as it grows with your child.
You will need an extra firm mattress and a tightly fitted sheet with your crib.
If you decide to room-share with your newborn, many bassinet and side-bed options exist. While co-sleeping in the same room is recommended until your baby is six months old, bed-sharing is not advised, creating a higher risk of SIDS or suffocation.
An excellent option if you want to co-sleep with your baby next to you is the Serene Life Baby Bed.
Changing Table
Every nursery needs a changing table. Changing tables should have room to store everything you need for a diaper change within reach. In addition, most cribs have matching changing tables that complement your color scheme and give your nursery a uniform look.
A sturdy changing table can become a dresser or toy shelf once your baby outgrows the diapering years. We love the Delta Children Eclipse table because it has no drawers that will punch fingers and easily transitions to a toy shelf later.
Another great option is the Sweeby Portable Baby Changing Table, which you can move to whatever room you’re in. So if you’re working from home and want to keep it in your office or simply want to roll it out to the living room so you don’t have to go back and forth all the time.
Glider or Rocker
A glider or rocking chair is the third piece of furniture you’ll want in your baby’s room. A traditional rocking chair adds a bit of whimsy to a nursery and tends to be less expensive. However, they are also typically not as comfortable as a glider and offer less support to moms while breastfeeding.
The Nurture& Gliders are the top-of-the-line choices if you're considering a glider. They offer a lot of bells and whistles that a standard glider or rocker doesn’t have.
Other Baby Girl Nursery Essentials
Diaper Pail
You will need a diaper pail whether you choose disposable or cloth diapers. The Munchkin UV Diaper Pail is the latest development in pail technology. UV light kills 99% of bacteria, which reduces odor and germs, which is essential if you're in a small room.
This nursery diaper pail is sleek and white, so it won’t mess up your decor and will match perfectly if you decorate with white furniture!
If you’re cloth diapering or unsure which way you’re going to diaper, check out the Dekor Classic Hands-Free diaper pail. It works with both cloth and disposables, just not both simultaneously.
Humidifier
Humidifiers have come a long way since the big clunky things of the 80s and 90s. They come in various colors and cute designs, so no matter your color palette, there will be one that matches.
Check out this adorable elephant humidifier and oil diffuser, the perfect addition to any girl's nursery decor.
Humidifiers are a great nursery addition because they add moisture to the room, making it easier for babies to breathe if they develop a cold or are prone to croup.
Nightlight
If your baby’s nursery doesn’t have a dimmer switch, you’ll want to invest in a light fixture that provides soft lighting for those middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
Babies sleep best when it is dark with a little bit of light, and you’ll want to avoid turning the lights on at night because that will stimulate your baby and wake them up.
Like humidifiers, night lights come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, so no matter what design you choose for your nursery room, there will be something that fits!
Another option that’s been trending is putting a chandelier in your baby’s room. A chandelier with gold accents like this firework dandelion light from Qamra can add a bit of glam to your little girl’s room. Just ensure you have a certified electrician install any lights requiring wiring.
Toy Storage
While your little one won’t need too many toys to play with, having somewhere to store the toys they do have will come in handy, especially as they grow.
Avoid toy boxes with heavy lids that kids could crawl inside and become stuck in or pinch their fingers when the lid closes.
Soft wicker baskets or a large rope basket work great! Their simple design lets them easily transition to a playroom or still work in the kid’s room once they transition out of the nursery decor.
Color Choices for a Baby Girl Nursery
There is no right or wrong answer when choosing a color scheme for your baby girl’s room. Some parents choose to paint the walls, while wall decals are a great option if you’re renting or don’t want to worry about painting again down the line.
Traditionally we think of pastels for babies, but a neutral nursery is a modern option many parents opt for. With neutral colors, furniture can easily be passed down to future siblings. Plus, you can add some pops of color with wall decor or an accent wall.
A modern nursery trend is to create an accent wall using wallpaper instead of paint. For example, an oversized floral print, ocean waves, or a simple geometric pattern on one nursery wall creates a unique effect without breaking the bank.
We love this pink and grey farm wallpaper from Home Depot which also comes in turquoise and beige, white and primary colors, or gray and blue.
Hanging up wall art is another way to create a beautiful nursery without spending too much money, especially if you have white walls. Pottery Barn offers some great options for wall art, and if you’ve got a future witch or wizard on your hands, consider this elegant Harry Potter print.
However, when hanging wall art or paintings, never hang them on the wall above your baby’s crib. There is a risk that the painting could fall and injure your baby. Instead, place it on the opposing wall to give your baby something to look at!
How to Choose a Baby Girl Nursery Theme
When deciding on the theme for your baby’s nursery, there are a few things to consider. Namely your tastes, budget, and whether you rent or own your home.
Personal Aesthetics and Taste
First are your personal tastes. For example, if you hate pink, you obviously won’t want to incorporate it into a room you’ll spend several hours in each day.
So what is it that you and your partner enjoy? You may love boating or gardens or want a glam look in your nursery. Spend some time browsing nursery theme ideas online to get a feel for what’s out there and what you may like.
The floral nursery has taken off, and Caden Lane has several floral options, from soft pinks to bold purples and reds to sunny yellows. In addition, their textile line has sheets, wallpaper, changing pad covers, pillows, wall art, and even PJs and swaddles for mom and baby that can all be coordinated to match.
Budget
Second, you need to consider your budget. Sure, there are fantastic magazine-ready nurseries online, complete with chandeliers, large accent pieces, and plush area rugs, but do you need all that?
Knowing what you can realistically spend before you start your nursery building will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
You can easily create a boho nursery vibe by shopping at flea markets, craft fairs, and yard sales. Vintage re-painted bookshelves or a mid-century dresser with a fresh coat of finish can help you furnish your nursery for pennies on the dime.
However, you should never buy a crib secondhand for safety purposes.
Renting or Owning
The third major consideration is whether you rent or own your home. If you’re renting, you may wish to keep things simple and use the furniture or a nice patterned rug to add pops of color or bring out your theme.
For example, this faux fur cow rug on Etsy is a unique flooring option that works for a girl or boy nursery and gives your baby a soft place to play on their back!
A white nursery doesn’t have to be boring if you can't paint or wallpaper. Instead, use colored crib sheets, wall decals, curtains, and wall art to make the room more visually appealing. If you love animals, this woodland creature wall-decal set is an excellent alternative to nursery wallpaper.
You don’t have to possess a degree in interior design to create a beautiful nursery that fits your needs and likes. With some planning, budgeting, and research, you and your partner can find or create the perfect girl nursery decor.
Nursery Safety Tips
When designing your nursery, keep these important nursery safety tips in mind.
- DO NOT use crib bumpers or hang fabric near or on your newborn’s crib.
- DO Use an extra firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
- DO NOT use a blanket in your baby’s crib.
- DO use footed pajamas, sleep sacks, or swaddles to help keep your baby warm.
- DO NOT place any toys or stuffed animals in your baby’s crib. If using a mobile, remove it once your baby can pull themselves up to a sitting position.
- DO cover all outlets with safety covers, and do not place your baby’s crib within reach of an outlet.
- DO NOT hang wall art or paintings above your baby’s crib.
- DO tie up all cord blinds using a blind hook out of reach, or better yet, get cordless blinds.
- DO NOT place your baby’s crib near or under a window.
- DO Secure all heavy furniture with anti-tipping hardware; your baby will crawl and pull themselves up before you know it!
- DO keep baby’s room should be a comfortable temperature, somewhere between 66-72 degrees.
- DO keep all hazardous items like diaper creams, medications, baby baths, and lotions out of reach.
- DO place your baby on their back to sleep.
Preparing a nursery should be one of the fun parts of prepping your home for your new baby girl. Take nursery inspiration from the ideas above and create a dream little girl nursery that you and your daughter will cherish for years to come.
