Pregnancy and waiting for your new baby can be a very exciting process. It is also an extremely busy and stressful time that the task of decorating a room for the little one shouldn't be a new source of anxiety. Starting with decor for the nursery is full of tough decisions, but following a few tips can help the process along. In most cases, you'll have at least six months' notice before the baby is due to arrive. That's more than enough time to look for a theme, plan the design and complete all your shopping in time for the newest arrival in your family.
Sex is most often the starting point for expectant parents who are decorating a baby's room. If you're not sure about your baby's sex yet, though, you'll have to begin thinking from another perspective. Instead of going with sex-sensitive blue-or-pink themes, you could start with a more neutral theme like fairytale themes, cartoon characters and even animal patterns. You'll find a lot of decor like this in most home supply stores, and they're a welcome alternative to the typical color scheme.
Pay close attention to all the materials that will be going into your baby's room. Remember that he or she is likely to come into close contact with everything in the room, and his or her body's defenses still aren't up and running. That means everything should be as hypoallergenic and generally baby-safe as possible.
Cribs, for example, are one place where the materials question is a very big consideration. You can usually choose between wood, plastic and metal, but none of them are perfect for your baby. Wood has a tendency to splinter and plastics tend to break and form sharp edges, while metal is very cold and sterile. High-quality wood, though, is usually the best option for the baby's crib.
Beddings are also another item that you'll have to choose very carefully. Your baby will spend a lot of time exposed to the material of the bedding, so hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties are a big plus. It's also a good idea to look for fire-retardant beddings to add an extra measure of protection for your little one.
Rugs are never out of place in a baby's room, especially since you want to make every surface as soft and baby-safe as possible. There are many small rugs specifically for nurseries, but a full-sized rug is an even better idea for the baby's own area. It gives your little one a wide berth where he or she can crawl and play without your having to fear any serious bumps or scrapes. A rug also protects flooring underneath from the inevitable spills and stains in the nursery.
Your little one won't be staying little forever, so plan your nursery for your baby's development eight to ten years down the road. That means putting in a lot of storage compartments, leaving generous amounts of room and refraining from installing anything that's too permanent. You'll want the room to be able to grow and develop right along with your child.
If your new baby will be sharing the room with a brother or sister, plan a design ahead such that each child gets his or her own private space. Clearly dividing the room gives each occupant - the older one, in particular - the feeling that they still have their own room instead of just a common space. Also, try involving the older child in the decorating process so that he or she gets the feeling of a claim to a personal space.
The key to a baby's room is a relaxing and tranquil environment where the baby can grow and nurse a healthy curiosity. You'll likely be spending a lot of time there for the first several years, so make sure it's a place that's comfortable for you as well.
By:Sarah Crosset
