Designing the nursery in preparation for your baby's arrival can be a fun and productive way to channel those inevitable nesting instincts. With a bit of planning on your part, you can make your little one's nursery a comfortable, functional, and safe space. Read on to discover the dos and don'ts of designing a nursery.
What To Do
- Pick A Specific Theme Or Style
In designing your little one's nursery room, you want to pick out a specific theme and color palette so that you know how to get started. You don't have to go with the traditional pink or blue – explore other neutral colors that will not clash with your home's overall theme.
- Incorporate A Sanitation Station
For the sake of your baby's health, make sure that the nursery is free of pathogens by creating a fully stocked sanitation station. You want to have a tray on the changing table that has paper towels and antibacterial gel for disinfecting surfaces regularly. You should also have a hamper for heavily soiled clothes as well as a diaper disposal system for dirty diapers.
Nursing can be quite an adjustment, and if you are unprepared, you may have a hard time feeding your little one. To make nursing a stress-free, bonding experience, consider buying a practical nursing chair that will for easy positioning during feeding. You also want to invest in a high-quality nursing pillow which you can also use to prop up the baby or for tummy time.
- Consider Decorating The Ceiling
Babies spend most of their time lying on their backs. Give your little one something comforting to look at by painting the nursery ceiling a neutral soothing color, or take it a step further by adding a mural or decals to the nursery theme.
- Remember To Allow Room For Growth
You want to think of long term plans when picking out furniture for the nursery. Remember that your little one is growing at a rapid pace, and planning will allow you to save a lot of money and space. For example, while a stand-alone changing table may be useful now, a dresser makes more sense in the long run. With a dresser, you can place a changing pad atop and also use it to store toys and clothes for years to come.
What To Avoid
- Avoid Using Harsh Lighting
You must install lighting that won't affect your little one when they are on. Avoid intense overhead lighting fixtures, choosing dimmer light which you can adjust as you see fit instead. You will also need a nightlight that you can use for bed-time reading and nursing time.
- Don't Put Off Baby Proofing
Don't wait to baby-proof your nursery – tuck away cords, anchor down furniture, keep all medicines out of reach, and cover electrical outlets, even if your little one is yet to start moving about.
- Don't Forget To Stock Up On The Necessities
You want to have clothing, diapers, lotions, and wipes within your reach in the nursery well ahead of your little one's arrival.
Final Thoughts
Decorating and organizing the nursery for your little one doesn't have to be hard. With the tips and tricks outlined here, it will be an easy and fun process for everyone involved. Just remember to steer clear of things like using harsh lighting or waiting until the last minute to start your nursery project. Good luck!
