your tips & to do's:

I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it... When it comes down to the absolute basics, the nursery list of must-haves is relatively short. You need a place for your baby to sleep and a place where you can store things. There are many ways to create a great nursery, even if you don't have extra space or cash to work with.

For your baby's place to sleep, cribs are standard; but you can choose anything, like a portable mini-crib or a hand-carved, custom-made piece. Beyond cribs, your options include cradles, bassinets, baby hammocks, co-sleepers, and the family bed. Keep your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences in mind as you research the various, numerous choices out there.

Your baby is going to have a lot of stuff, and you'll need somewhere to put it all. Closet shelving, dressers, baskets, and stackable bins are all great options for creating an organized, functional area. Try to group things in a way that makes them readily and easily accessible. For example, store the diapers, wipes, creams, and a few onesies within an arm’s reach of your baby's changing table.

You'll also want to find a good space for your baby's towels, blankets, burp cloths, bibs... and something as simple as a shelf in your linen closet will work as well as a special basket, bin, or piece of furniture will.

Is your space or budget more on the limited side of life?

There is no need to spend money on, or create additional space for, a nursery set of multiple, matching pieces. Any standard dresser (the shorter, wider ones) can double as a changing table if you add a changing pad to the top. In fact, here is the truth: you will use a countertop, couch, bed, or blanket spread out on the floor as a changing area at some point, because they all get the job done. And you don't need a swanky glider and ottoman. Any chair can be sat in to snuggle with your baby. Park your rump on the couch or find an old recliner and re-cover its fabric. You can even use a bouncy exercise ball, which some babies find soothing. Plus it's likely to help you work off any lingering post-delivery baby weight, too.

Do whatever will work best for you and your family. If you are in a smaller apartment, an empty closet or a corner of your bedroom can serve as a cozy space for your little one. You can put the crib and glider in the family room, make a changing area in your bathroom or at the foot of your bed. Your baby's favorite place in your house will be wherever you are.

Take a side profile pregnancy picture and write in your pregnancy journal!