When we last visited the nursery, we had painted the closet door green, but a few practical things were still missing: a washable changing pad cover, a hamper, a liner for dirty diapers, and a plan for the wall behind the crib.
Update #1. We had considered using a lively arrow wallpaper on that wall but worried it might compete with the built-ins. Serendipitously, I found a changing pad cover in the same pattern on Etsy. Teddy loves it — and has already marked it a few times. We tried the usual tricks (a washcloth shield, a wipe, a clean diaper) but the spray still ran down and pooled on the fabric cover, forcing frequent washes. With multiple spare covers we still found ourselves laundering constantly. We had the same issue with baby Clara, so during that phase we used a wipeable changing pad cover over her cloth pad. It was far easier to wipe clean than to launder covers repeatedly.
Update #2. Since we already use a vinyl pad in the car for on-the-go changes, I decided to make a wipeable version for the house from oilcloth (or similar marine vinyl). Here’s what I did:
- I bought half a yard of “marine coat vinyl” in white from JoAnn for about $6 (they didn’t have white oilcloth). That half yard yielded two covers, so we can keep one downstairs for ottoman changes.
- I traced the shape of our existing Skip Hop car pad onto the back of the vinyl with a Sharpie, duplicating the outline to make two covers.
- I cut them out. Because vinyl doesn’t fray, no hemming was necessary.
So far it’s been a game changer. Teddy actually peed through his diaper and onesie during one photo session to test it — and the waterproof cover handled it perfectly. It’s saved us a noticeable amount of laundry, which is a real help.
Update #3. We chose a simple white trash can from Ikea for diaper disposal while we’re using disposables until Teddy is ready for cloth diapers like Clara. The step-to-open lid keeps odors contained and allows hands-free access, which is especially useful when you’re low on sleep and juggling a squirming baby.
Update #4. Comfort and small conveniences have been lifesavers lately. John’s sister gave us a navy-and-white Boppy cover as a gift, and I’ve found the Boppy indispensable for newborn days when nursing is frequent. I’d dismissed taking it to the hospital at first, but after using pillows and blankets, I wished I had brought the Boppy for support and comfort.
Update #5. We picked up a sweet craft-fair piece at Richmond’s annual Spring Bada Bing event: an embroidery hoop display made by a local maker. It features discontinued Ikea fabric with hand-stitched green vines on either side. It’s charming, supports a small business, and inspired a DIY idea for us as well.
Update #6. We needed a clothes hamper, so we bought a basket from HomeGoods about the same size as the one we use in Clara’s room. I sewed a simple inside-out pillowcase to serve as a removable liner — sewing it inside-out means when you fold the edges over the basket rim the patterned side shows outward, and the liner is easy to remove and wash. I used half a yard of soft gray ticking fabric from JoAnn for about $4.
Update #7. We’ve settled on a plan for the wall behind the crib but haven’t executed it yet: John sketched a repeating T pattern (for Teddy). While our mock-up is a rough Photoshop concept, we both like the subtle, sweet look it will create.
We’re deciding whether to stencil the T pattern onto the wall — similar to how we painted Clara’s raindrops — or to apply the shapes using contact paper or another method. We’ll share updates when we decide and start the project.
Finally, I remembered to photograph the fourth wall of the room. For now it holds a floor lamp that runs on the wall switch, but eventually we’d like an overhead light on a dimmer and plan to use that wall as a play area when Teddy is older, similar to a wall we made for Clara.
Are you adding small finishing touches to a mostly complete space, discovering handmade finds at local craft shows, or inventing new ways to keep laundry manageable? We’d love to hear what small changes have made a big difference for you.