Preparing your baby's nursery: when should you start, and where should you begin?
Are you expecting a baby and starting to think about preparing the nursery? When should you begin? Where should you start? What should you buy now, and what can wait until later?
L’Enfant Roi, a childcare expert in Luxembourg, has brought together its expertise in a free guide to support you every step of the way. Here are the six key questions it answers.
When should you really start preparing your baby's nursery?
Start too early, and you may end up buying things you won’t need right away. Wait too long, and you could find yourself racing against the clock, especially if you’re planning renovations or ordering new furniture. There is an ideal timeline, and it mainly depends on your personal situation. Our guide shows you the best time to get started, month by month, and helps you plan ahead so you don’t have to rush at the last minute.
Where should you start without feeling overwhelmed?
Trying to do everything at once is the fastest way to feel overwhelmed. Two key areas should be your priority, while several others can wait. Following this order can make a real difference—not only for your peace of mind but also for your budget. Our guide explains the four-zone method that we use every day in L’Enfant Roi nurseries.
How can you design a nursery that grows with your baby?
A three-month-old baby doesn’t have the same needs as a nine-month-old, let alone a toddler who is learning to walk. The nursery should be able to adapt as your child grows, without requiring a complete redesign at every stage. This is the principle of the prepared environment, inspired by the Montessori approach.
What style should you choose for your baby's nursery, and what should you avoid?
Too many colours, too many patterns, too many decorative items—what may seem cheerful to us can actually overwhelm a newborn and make it harder for them to settle and sleep. There are a few simple principles to help you strike the right balance between stimulation and calm, as well as certain materials that are best avoided to protect your baby’s respiratory health.
What are the most common mistakes when setting up a baby's nursery?
Buying too much, planning too far ahead, decorating for Instagram, or creating an overly stimulating environment—these are common mistakes, whether it’s your first child or not. Avoiding them doesn’t require expert knowledge, just a clear approach. Our guide highlights the most common pitfalls we see among expectant parents and explains the best way to think about each one.
How can you make sure you don't forget anything?
There is no such thing as the perfect nursery, but having a checklist of the essentials for each area before your baby arrives can make all the difference. No unnecessary clutter, no gimmicks—just the items you’ll truly need.
Want to learn more?
Download our free guide
The four-zone method, an essential checklist for every area of the nursery, age-appropriate Montessori toys, recommended materials, and common mistakes to avoid—everything is brought together in a free guide created by our teams to help expectant parents in Luxembourg and the Greater Region.
Principles, values and commitments
Learn more about our approach and discover the Montessori pedagogy that guides our educational practices.
Frequently asked questions from expectant parents
What month of pregnancy should you start preparing your baby's nursery?
There is no universal rule. Most parents start preparing the nursery between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy, but the right timing depends on your situation—whether you’re planning renovations, ordering furniture, or using items passed down by family. The L’Enfant Roi guide explains the ideal timeline for every situation.
What is the ideal temperature for a baby's nursery?
Aim for a room temperature between 18°C and 20°C (64–68°F). This is the recommended range for healthy sleep and proper temperature regulation. A nursery thermometer is a simple but worthwhile investment from your baby’s very first weeks.
Do you need a Montessori bed to follow the Montessori approach?
No. A Montessori bed (a floor bed without bars) is just one possible option—it is not a requirement. The Montessori approach is reflected in the overall design of the nursery, not in a single piece of furniture. Our guide explains how to create a Montessori-inspired environment, whatever type of bed you choose.
Should you choose new or second-hand furniture for your baby's nursery?
Both are good options. New furniture should ideally be purchased several weeks in advance to allow time for it to air out before your baby arrives. Second-hand furniture is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact, provided it meets current safety standards—especially when it comes to the cot and mattress—and is in good condition. Our guide also includes a checklist of what to look for before making your choice.
What toys should you choose for your baby's first months?
Very few—and chosen carefully. The Montessori approach encourages offering a small selection of age-appropriate toys and rotating them regularly to maintain your child’s interest. The L’Enfant Roi guide includes a curated selection of Montessori toys for every stage, from birth to 24 months.
Where can you visit an L'Enfant Roi creche in Luxembourg?
Our creches are located across Luxembourg. Book a visit online and meet our teams—we’ll be delighted to welcome you. Even if your baby hasn’t arrived yet, it’s the perfect time to secure your place.
Visit our L'Enfant Roi creches
Would you like to experience a Montessori environment in person? Meet our teams and discover how the Montessori approach is put into practice every day. Book your visit today.