When we left the nursery last time, the closet door had been painted green, but a few practical items and one final decorating decision still remained. We needed a changing pad cover, a diaper bin, a clothes hamper, and a solution for the wall behind the crib.
Update #1. We had considered a playful arrow-patterned wallpaper for the wall behind the crib, but worried it might be too busy next to the built-ins. Instead, we were surprised to find a changing pad cover in that same arrow pattern on Etsy. Teddy absolutely loves it — and has already christened it with a lot of newborn enthusiasm.
We quickly learned that newborn pee has a way of escaping even the best-laid setups. Despite tips like using a washcloth, a wipe, and a clean diaper to block the spray, moisture still pooled on the fabric cover. That meant frequent strip-and-wash cycles—more than we wanted. We’d seen the same issue with baby Clara, so for that phase we used a wipeable cover over a cloth changing pad. The ability to wipe things down instead of re-washing fabric made those early weeks much easier.
Update #2. Since we already use a vinyl pad in the car for changes on the go, I decided to make a waterproof house version from oilcloth (or similar marine vinyl). Here’s exactly how I made it:
1. I bought half a yard of “marine coat vinyl” in white at JoAnn for about $6. It wasn’t labeled oilcloth, but it behaves the same way and won’t fray. That half yard yielded two covers—one for the changing table and one we can keep downstairs for ottoman changes.
2. I traced the shape of our Skip Hop car changing pad on the back of the vinyl with a Sharpie, leaving room to cut two identical pieces.
3. I cut them out. Because vinyl doesn’t fray, there was no hemming required—just a quick cut and they were ready to use.
So far the waterproof covers have been fantastic. In fact, while taking one of these photos Teddy managed to pee through his diaper and onesie—apparently to test the cover—and the vinyl held up perfectly. We’ve cut down on laundry already, which is a small but meaningful win when sleep is scarce.
Update #3. For diaper disposal we bought a simple white step-can from Ikea. We’re using disposables while Teddy grows into the cloth diapers we used for Clara. The lid’s step-to-open mechanism keeps odors contained and offers hands-free operation, which is very convenient during late-night changes.
Update #4. Comfort items matter a lot in those early days. John’s sister gave us a navy-and-white Boppy cover as a gift, and it’s been indispensable. Some people skip a Boppy and use pillows, but a Boppy provides reliable support for nursing and holding a tiny baby. I even wished we’d brought ours to the hospital instead of improvising with blankets.
Update #5. We also picked up a charming piece at Richmond’s Spring Bada Bing craft fair. It’s an embroidery hoop that uses discontinued Ikea fabric and hand-stitched green vines. We found it at a local stall and loved the handmade quality and the idea for a simple DIY project to emulate later.
Update #6. We realized we needed a clothes hamper, so we grabbed a basket from HomeGoods and made a removable liner by sewing a simple pillowcase from soft gray ticking fabric. I sewed the liner inside-out so that when folded over the basket rim, the patterned side faces outward and the inside looks neat. It’s easy to remove and wash, and the fabric cost was inexpensive.
Update #7. Finally, our plan for the wall behind the crib has settled into a simple, sweet idea: a repeating pattern of T’s for Teddy. John mocked up a Photoshop version to visualize the concept. It’s subtle and personalized—more understated than some of the other options we considered—and feels right for the built-in-heavy side of the room.
We’re deciding whether to paint the T pattern with a stencil—similar to the raindrops we did in Clara’s room—or to apply contact-paper-style letters for a removable option. Either approach will keep the look clean and cozy.
I also finally photographed the fourth wall of the nursery. Right now it holds a floor lamp that operates on the wall switch, which is handy for turning the room on as we enter. Someday we’d like to install an overhead light on a dimmer and carve out a small play area on that wall, similar to a play wall we created in Clara’s room.
Are you finishing a mostly complete space with small, practical additions? Have you found useful baby gear at local craft fairs or Etsy shops? Small conveniences—waterproof changing pad covers, a reliable diaper can, a Boppy for feedings, and an easy-to-wash hamper liner—add up and make early parenthood much more manageable.
For a full look at our nursery progress from the start, we’ve documented the major steps along the way: repainting trim, laying new hardwood floors, choosing a rug, painting walls and ceiling, adding built-ins, selecting baby bedding, installing crown molding, filling the built-ins, adding storage and a changing area, crafting a mobile, and creating art accents like the painted closet door.