We’re officially down to the double digits—about 86 days until le bébé makes his grand entrance—and let’s just say the nursery situation is still very much a work in progress. To be fair, it’s not procrastination. It’s the challenge of carving out space for a new tiny human in a very not-so-tiny-human-sized Brooklyn apartment.
For years, I’ve perfected the art of optimizing our little home for my essentials—clothes, shoes, bags (yes, the priorities were clear). But now, with less than three months left, my brain has switched into full-on organization mode. The walk-in closet, which once doubled as my personal boutique, is being reborn as the nursery. That means rehousing over 100 pairs of shoes, three racks of clothes, a shared 63-inch dresser, and three Ikea Billy bookshelves. New York living at its finest!
So far, I’ve only managed to relocate my bags, which feels like a small miracle, but the rest of the project is still looming large.
The Space Shuffle
At one point, we considered throwing in the towel on the closet conversion and transforming our second office/bedroom into the nursery instead. But since my mom will be staying with us for a couple of months after the baby arrives, that room needs to remain a proper guest space. Back to Plan A: reclaiming the walk-in.
To get things moving, I sketched out nursery plans and began sourcing decor pieces to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and comforting for le bébé. We’re aiming for a gender-neutral, earthy, organic theme—think natural wood tones, soft sandy shades, and a little mix of modern minimalism. And the centerpiece of this vision? The crib.
The Crib Debate: Mini vs. Standard
The great crib debate has consumed more hours than I care to admit. Mini cribs, at under 40 inches, are major space savers compared to their standard 55-inch cousins. Most even convert to toddler beds, which is a plus. But the looming question: will le bébé outgrow it too quickly, forcing us to buy a larger crib later?
After endless scrolling, bookmarking, and debating, we’ve narrowed it down to three contenders:
- Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Available in four finishes, with the natural walnut and gold feet completely stealing our hearts.
- Matching dresser included (yes, organization dreams!).
- Comes in both mini and standard sizes.
- Namesake Eloise Eco-Weave 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
- Color: Honey, with a gorgeous earthy vibe.
- Matching dresser for a cohesive look.
- The eco-weave detail adds texture while staying classic.
- Nestig 3-in-1 Cloud Crib
- Sleek and versatile, with a mix of white and dark wood that ties beautifully with our nursery theme.
- Bonus points for its ability to transition as the baby grows.
Health First: Why GREENGUARD Gold Certification Matters
No matter how pretty a crib looks, what really matters is the air our baby will breathe. Every crib we’ve shortlisted is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning they’ve been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and meet the strictest safety standards. In a world where so many things are outside our control, choosing a healthier crib feels like a small but powerful way to protect le bébé’s environment.
We explored options from Pottery Barn Kids, Target, West Elm, Walmart, Nestig, Babyletto, and Namesake—all of which offered GREENGUARD-certified pieces. It was reassuring to know that whether we spent $150 at Walmart (hello, Delta Children!) or splurged $1000 at Pottery Barn, safety doesn’t have to be compromised.
The Price Spectrum
Speaking of price, the crib market runs the full gamut:
- Budget-friendly: Delta Children at Walmart for under $150.
- Mid-range: Target and Amazon finds, often under $500, with stylish yet practical designs.
- High-end: Pottery Barn and West Elm, with cribs that start around $1000 and up, designed to be heirloom-worthy.
Our finalists sit in the mid-to-upper range, striking that balance of design, safety, and longevity.
Where We Stand Now
After what feels like a research marathon, we’ve officially exhausted the hunt. The plans are drawn, the decor is envisioned, and the crib shortlist is set. Now comes the hardest part—choosing the one.
Whether it ends up being the Babyletto Gelato, the Namesake Eloise, or the Nestig Cloud, I know we’ll create a nursery that feels both calming for the baby and meaningful for us.
So for now, the closet-turned-nursery remains in its in-between state: part storage room, part design project, and part dream. But soon enough, it will transform into a cozy little haven for the newest member of our family.
