Setting up your baby’s nursery is very exciting! One of the most important aspects to consider is the difference between nice to haves and essentials. If your nursery is quite roomy, you might consider adding a few extras to make the first few months as easy as possible. Therefore, should you put a daybed in the nursery? Here’s the short answer.
A daybed in the nursery can make nighttime feedings and changing sessions much easier. It allows one parent to sleep in the nursery and tend to the baby while the other parent gets a full night’s rest. Alternatively, it provides a comfortable place to change your baby if you don’t have a designated changing table.
Common reasons for considering a daybed in the nursery
There are a few good reasons to consider adding a daybed to your nursery. The most common reason is to make feeding and soothing sessions so much easier. If you have a baby that is particularly fussy or sensitive to noise, soothing them elsewhere in the house could be challenging.
In most cases, one of the parents will have to get up in the morning to go to work. Not getting any sleep for several nights in a row could be stressful for both parents. Having one parent sleeping in the nursery on difficult nights could allow for the other parent to get some rest.
Pros of putting a daybed in the nursery
When you’re considering furniture for your nursery, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each item since you might be limited to space. Some of the more common benefits include the following:
1. Provides a comfortable place for feeding
A daybed provides a comfortable place for feeding and soothing. Sometimes it’s not ideal to feed your baby somewhere else in the house. A new mom will need a comfortable place to sit or rest between feedings as she might still be recovering. In addition to getting blackouts curtains for your nursery, purchasing a daybed might give you even more comfort to rest during the day or night.
2. Easy to deal with fussy babies
You might have a “good” baby who never fusses. Or, your little one might be colicky and struggles to sleep through most nights. Either way, there will be nights when it’s difficult to get your baby to sleep. A daybed allows one of the parents to stay near the little one to deal with fussing as soon as it starts.
3. Parents can alternate or sleep-in shifts
It’s very difficult for one parent to get any sleep if the other parent is getting in and out of bed every few hours. This can be very exhausting for the parent who needs to go to work in the morning. Parents can alternate for the first few weeks/months, where one parent can sleep through the night and the other parent is on “baby duty.” The daybed provides a place for the parent “on duty” to rest between sessions without disturbing the other parent.
4. Provides a place for assisting relatives to sleep
In some instances, a mother, mother-in-law or even sister might come over for a few days to help a new mom with the new baby during recovery. A day bed in the nursery provides a space for the helpful relative to sleep and be near to the baby at the same time.
5. Baby can sleep on the daybed when they grow older
A day bed isn’t one of those baby furniture items that you won’t have a use for when your baby grows. You can actually use the daybed in a toddlers room or as a guest bed when it’s no longer needed in the nursery.
Cons of putting a daybed in the nursery
While a daybed might seem like a good idea right from the start, it’s important to review the possible drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. Considering how many other expenses you’ll be budgeting for, is it really necessary to invest in an extra bed you might not be using that often? I’ve listed a few more common drawbacks worth giving some thought to.
1. The baby might not stay in the nursery
While it might be your intention to put the baby in the nursery from day one, the reality is most parents prefer to have their babies next to them in the beginning. Many parents opt to keep the baby in a crib or bassinet next to their own bed for the first few months to a year.
In this instance, the daybed would seem useless because the baby will probably be sleeping through the night by the time you move them to the nursery.
2. Daybeds aren’t necessarily comfortable
Daybeds aren’t primarily designed for continuous use as beds. Some designs are created to use in a reading corner in a sunroom or as a guest bed used occasionally. For this reason, they could be quite uncomfortable to use every night.
Some daybeds are short and have barriers on both sides, this can be very uncomfortable for taller parents (especially dad’s). It might also not be comfortable for a mom recovering after childbirth. They might be comfortable to sit on, with pillows propped up behind you, but may not be so comfy to lie on between fussing or feeding sessions.
3. Can’t be used as a spare bed in the nursery
While investing in a daybed with the intention of using it as a spare guest bed later, it can’t be used for this purpose while it’s in the nursery. You don’t really want guests in the nursery where their noise could wake the baby.
4. Could take up unnecessary space
If your nursery is already a bit crampy in terms of space, you might find it better to utilize the space for something else. Adding a mini-fridge in the nursery and a changing table or chest of drawers might be a better option.
Alternatives to having a nursery in the nursery
Obviously, a tired parent will need a place to sit when they’re feeding the little one or dealing with hours of fussing. There are some smaller, and maybe more comfortable alternatives to consider if a nursing chair is necessary.
1. Chaise lounges
Chaise lounges are more suited to other rooms in the house such as reading corners or in the master bedroom. While they look stylish, they aren’t always the most comfortable for a recovering, tired mom or a tall dad!
2. Futons
Futons are simple couches that easily fold out into single or double beds. They’re ideal for use in guest rooms, take up less space and are more budget-friendly than daybeds. While futons are sometimes more comfortable than day beds, their lack of armrests can make them uncomfortable during feeding.
3. Trundle bed
Trundle beds are beds that have smaller beds underneath. If your crib has a trundle bed, this would be the ideal solution and a great way to save space. The additional mattress under a trundle bed also provides an extra mattress should it be needed and keeps it out of sight when not used.
However, you should consider that trundle beds can often be lower than daybeds. This might make it uncomfortable for a recovering mom to get on and off.
4. Large guest bed
Ideally, a normal-sized guest bed would be perfect in terms of comfort. However, there isn’t always space for a bigger bed. Alternatively, if you have a large nursery which will later become the little one’s bedroom, a bigger bed can be an option.
If you don’t move it to a guest room, it can become the baby’s bed when they’re bigger. Alternatively, if you already have a guest bed not being used all that often, and it’ll fit in the nursery, it might be a good option to consider.
5. Rockers, gliders or recliner
Many parents agree that rocking chairs are the most comfortable seating for nursing and soothing. It provides comfort for the parent and the baby and doesn’t take up much space. Recliners that extend also provide back support a recovering mom might need.
Recliners, gliders and rockers are small enough to be used in other areas of the house when they’re no longer needed in the nursery. They’re also ideal for tall parents. Consider reading my article on nursery gliders for tall parents for a few options.
If you’re considering a glider for your baby’s nursery, watch this clip to help you choose the right one!
Best daybeds for the nursery
It’s important to give some consideration to who will be using the daybed. Many daybed options have railings on three sides which might make them uncomfortable for taller dads to sleep on when it’s their turn to look after the little one. If you’re sold on the daybed option, have a look at a few of these stylish and useful options.
- Solid Wood Clean Lines Daybed with 2 Folding Tables – With 2 folding tables on the side, this option is ideal for the nursery since it offers space for parents to place items such as phones, coffee or milk bottles when they have to deal with the baby. There’s also space underneath for storage.
- Jaxx Alon Daybed Fold-out sleeper – This two in one daybed and mattress is ideal for napping between nursing sessions. Additionally, it converts to a queen size mattress for use as a guest bed at a later stage. The adjustable bolster is a comfortable headrest or can be placed under the knees or back for pain relief. This is a great option for moms who are recovering from childbirth.
- Metal Daybed Frame Heavy Duty Sofa Bed – This daybed has a modern design with a considerable space underneath which is ideal for storage. Its modern finish makes it a suitable addition to a guest room after use in the nursery. With extra legs, the bed can be folded out into a double bed. The mattress can also fold out into a double mattress.
- DHP Daybed with Storage Drawers – Made with strong, robust wood and an upholstered linen finish, this narrow daybed can easily be put in a nursery with limited space. It can be folded out to fit two twin size mattresses which can easily be used in a guest bedroom. Two storage drawers provide additional space for extra baby clothes, toys or toiletries.
- POLY & BARK Jasper Daybed – Unlike most other daybeds, this model doesn’t have railings on the sides, making it a better option for taller parents. Made with high-density foam it’ll provide adequate cushioning between naps and feedings.
Conclusion
A daybed is a wonderful addition to a nursery if you’re going to use it and if you choose an option comfortable for both parents. You should however consider your options before you choose a daybed. One of the alternatives I’ve listed might be a much better choice for nursing and soothing a fussing little one! Consider space, actual use and comfort levels before you make the final decision!
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
