Week 19 of Pregnancy: Your Nursery Becomes Reality – Plan Calmly Instead of Last-Minute Stress

You stand before the empty room that will soon become your baby's nursery and feel that mix of anticipation and overwhelming emotions. What does a newborn really need? What is unnecessary? And when should you actually start? The good news: You're exactly at the right moment in week 19 of your pregnancy to plan calmly—without the stress of the last weeks before the birth.

Why the 19th Week is the Ideal Starting Point

Many women experience the famous nesting instinct starting from the third trimester—suddenly everything feels urgent and has to be done right away. But that's exactly when you often feel physically limited, your belly is big, and assembling furniture becomes a challenge. Now, in the middle of your pregnancy, you still have energy, mobility, and most importantly: time to think.

A well-thought-out checklist that you create now will relieve a lot of pressure later on. You can take your time comparing prices, discovering secondhand treasures, and exchanging ideas with other moms. The preparation should bring joy, not stress.

The Benefits of Early Planning

• More time for thoughtful decisions instead of impulse buying
• Relaxed browsing for sustainable or secondhand furniture
• Physically fit enough for painting, assembling, and organizing
• Room for creative ideas and personal design
• Less financial burden through staggered purchases

The 5 Must-Haves for Your Nursery

Don't let endless shopping lists drive you crazy. A newborn initially needs surprisingly little. Focus on these five core items that truly matter—everything else can be added over time.

1. The Safe Crib – Quality Over Aesthetics

Choose a bed that meets DIN standards with the correct spacing between the bars (4.5 to 6.5 cm) and no sharp edges. The mattress should be free of harmful substances and not too soft—ideally with a removable, washable cover. If you plan to breastfeed, a co-sleeper is invaluable: It attaches directly to the parents' bed, so you can pull your baby close at night without having to get up.

Look for safety seals such as GS (Tested Safety) or the Öko-Tex label. Secondhand beds are a sustainable option—just check that all screws are tight and no parts are missing.

2. Changing Table – Back-Friendly and Practical

A changing table at the right height (about 85-92 cm) is easy on your back during the countless diaper changes. Choose a model with ample storage for diapers, wipes, bodysuits, and creams—this way, you have everything within reach. An elevated edge or changing mat with side limits provides additional safety.

Tip: Many changing tables can later be used as regular dressers without the changing attachment—a growing investment.

3. Storage – Order Creates Calm

Babies have surprisingly much stuff: clothes in various sizes, toys, care products, blankets. Open shelves, baskets, and labeled boxes will help you keep track. Choose a system that you can manage with the baby in your arms—no complicated closures or shelves that are too high.

4. Cozy Nursing Chair or Relaxation Zone

A comfortable chair will be your retreat for late-night breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or just cuddling. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should have good armrests and ideally a footrest. Many moms swear by rocking chairs—the gentle motion calms not just the baby but also you.

5. Soft Lighting – For Day and Night

A dimmable nightlight or lamp with warm light is indispensable for nighttime care. Too bright light disrupts the sleep rhythm—both yours and the baby’s. Choose a light source that you can operate quietly without waking the baby.

Safety Comes First – Don’t Forget These Points

A beautiful nursery is wonderful—but safety comes first. Check these points before your baby moves in:

• Install socket covers at reach height
• Secure furniture to the wall (tip-over protection)
• Install and test smoke detectors
• Protect heating with a guard if necessary
• No loose cables or strings within reach
• Outfit windows with childproof locks
• Use non-toxic paints and materials

Allow plenty of time for airing out when painting—preferably several weeks before the estimated due date. Your nose becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, and fresh paint can be unpleasant.

Your Practical Nursery Checklist

To help you keep track, we've put together a compact checklist for you. Print it out, hang it on the bulletin board, and check off what’s done:

Furniture & Equipment

• Crib or co-sleeper (DIN approved)
• Mattress (free of harmful substances, fitting)
• Changing table with mat
• Wardrobe or shelving system
• Nursing chair or comfortable chair
• Nightlight or dimmable lamp

Safety & Comfort

• Socket covers
• Furniture tip-over protection
• Smoke detectors
• Baby monitor (optional, depending on housing situation)
• Darkening options (curtains/roller blinds)
• Heating/thermometer for comfortable room temperature

Textiles & Decor

• 2-3 fitted sheets for the crib
• Sleeping bag (instead of a blanket – safer against overheating)
• Changing mat covers (2-3 pieces, washable)
• Comfort blanket for the chair
• Optional decor: mobile, wall art, rug

Less is often more— you can always add later if you see what you really need. Many items can also be acquired after the birth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing the Nursery

Do I need to have everything finished by week 19?
No, not at all. Use this time for planning and initial purchases. Most moms complete the nursery between weeks 28 and 35—when the nesting instinct is strongest, but you are still mobile enough.

Does my baby really need its own room?
In the first months, many babies sleep in their parents' bedroom— this facilitates nighttime breastfeeding and provides more peace for everyone. However, a nursery is still practical as a changing, play, and retreat space. You decide what works for your family.

How much should I budget for the initial setup?
This varies greatly. With secondhand furniture, gifted items, and targeted new purchases, you can manage well with 500-800 Euros. Those buying everything new can quickly exceed 2000 Euros. Set priorities: Safety and functionality before aesthetics.

What color is best for the nursery?
Soft, calming tones like beige, sage green, light blue, or soft pink are relaxing. Avoid overly bright or dark colors. More important than the color: Use non-toxic, low-solvent wall paint and ventilate thoroughly.

Can I set up the nursery sustainably?
Absolutely! Secondhand furniture, borrowed items from friends, furniture that grows with the child, and natural materials like solid wood are not only eco-friendly but often healthier and cheaper as well. Many families are happy to pass on what they no longer need.

Your Nursery, Your Journey

Preparing the nursery is more than just a to-do list—it is an emotional milestone. Every item you choose, every color you select is a piece of anticipation. Don’t let perfection stress you out. Your baby doesn’t need a glossy Instagram nursery, but a safe, loving place—and you create that with heart and common sense.

Enjoy this special phase, share the preparations with your partner or a friend, and allow yourself to pause and marvel: Soon, a little person you already love so much will reside here.