Take advantage of your nesting instincts by designing a warm and welcoming nursery for your new baby. Though most parents prefer to wait until the second trimester, some parents-to-be are eager and ready to create the nursery the moment they find out they are going to have a baby. "Most parents are so excited they like to start as soon as possible, but the unlimited choices available now can make the process a bit overwhelming," notes Roselle McConnell, owner of Infant Interiors, LLC. "I suggest that parents start by the end of the first trimester or early second so that if they make large furnishing purchases, they can have the room set up weeks in advance before the baby arrives."

Think about what kind of room you want to create: a warm and serene room with soft pastel colors for a calm environment or a fun and whimsical atmosphere with a toile or farm animal theme. Whatever style you create for your baby, it will be just as unique and special as you little one is. "I always suggest that parents browse around first to see if something jumps out at them from our floor selections or idea books," says McConnell. "It may be a color combination or a specific theme such as blue bunnies on a white background. When they see it, they know at once what they want."

Both the bedding and the crib are the most important elements of the room. "It is true that you can dress up an inexpensive crib with beautiful linens, but the reverse is not", says McConnell. "Crib linens last at least two years and even more if you purchase a toddler bed that uses your crib mattress. The investment is really minimal, as it provides the parent great joy from the moment she brings the baby home and for years to come."

A baby's nursery should be safe, comfortable and stylish. The nursery is the room where the parents spend the most time," noted McConnell. "So they should welcome their new child in a safe and beautiful place.” Take time to look at all the possibilities and make choices upon your own taste and style. This is a very exciting time of your life, and you should enjoy the anticipation by designing a warm and welcoming environment for your new family member.

Nursery Details; Featured items available from Infant Interiors: Plush, soft blankets for baby are kept in this barn inspired shelf unit from Bradshaw-Kirchofer, pg.55; When it comes to selecting bedding for the baby's crib, there are plenty of options: choose from vintage prints, stripes and soft chenille, pg.53; Sweet and Chic for Little Girls; Sferra Brothers. Hand-embroidered accent pillows, pg.65