Personalize your newborn's nursery to create exactly what you want.

Planning a nursery is one of the most fun and exciting preparations of having a baby. But let's face it, it can expensive, and consequently, a source of controversy between husband and wife. Speaking as a first-time mother embarking on the task, it's all about personal preference — certainly not the unborn's or my husband's! I'm not exactly playing by all the "expert" rules and suggestions or even being practical. As a pregnant woman, I've opted to rationalize — something most women, pregnant or not, do whenever they decorate.

Of course, it's not just about decorating. It is about creating a comfortable, and most importantly, safe environment for your little one. So whether you're practical, shabby chic, traditional or overwhelmed, the following ABCs of nursery decorating will spark creativity and prompt you to think through the process.

Money

Co-authors of Baby Bargains (Windsor Peak Press; $16.95), Denise and Alan Fields say most families spend $6,200 on baby products, minus child care, the first year. It makes you stop and think, 'budget.'

Decide on an affordable and comfortable figure, but take into account other line items such as clothes, diapers, food and equipment. Refer to different resources such as books, the Internet and friends. And consider overall spending: are you a bargain hunter? Resourceful at doing it yourself? Is your philosophy one of time equals money? Look at the prices of essentials, but consider not-so-essential items as well as time. After you have a number, add to it! Like anything, it usually costs more than you think.

After my husband and I decided on a "comfortable" number, we had a rude awakening when estimates on a glider, ottoman and window treatment alone matched the budget.

Time

With time on my side, I prioritized and did what I do best: rationalize. It's obvious a comfortable glider is more important than a fancy window treatment. The glider can be used for subsequent children or passed on which gives it long-term value. Plus, we all benefit, including the baby, who could care less what fabric adorns the window.

Although the experts and your mother will remind you that baby just needs a Moses basket, food, diapers and love, I don't care. I created a picture in my mind and will find ways to make it happen, with compromise.

Prioritizing relates to time, after all. I have window blinds that will work until I can swing for the window treatments, and I have more than three months until the baby comes, so I can order the glider now.

Think through the items on your list and how long it takes to get them versus when you'll need them. Time usually translates into money. The more time, the more you can bargain shop, paint, sew and redo secondhand items.

Space

What about the space you've selected for the nursery? What don't you like? Notice the amount of natural light.

"Putting the crib in a spot with too much sun may wake your baby," says Chuck DeLaney, editorial director of Designer Monthly, an online publication. Likewise, he says a streetlight may wake your baby.

Do windows and air vents cause drafts? If so, move the crib away from that area. Lastly, what additional furniture will you need and where will you place it? Where will you change the baby's diapers? Should the dresser be near the changing table?

Cribs

Some parents choose expensive beds that "grow" with their child. Starting as a crib, many convert to toddler- and then full-size beds. Although pricey, most justify cost in long-term value. Others, like me, prefer a simple crib that's just as safe, but costs considerably less. Long-term value is in subsequent usage, should you have more children.

Whatever your philosophy or preference, make sure it's safe. Visit Web sites such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association at jpma.org, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign at safekids.org or The Danny Foundation at dannyfoundation.org for all of the nursery safety facts you need.

Additional Furniture

If you don't have enough space or foresee using a changing table, save the money, or look for one at a spring yard sale and repaint it. Also, consider a dresser that doubles as a changing table — again, there's long-term value in a piece like this, not to mention more storage than a simple changing table.

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