Whether you are pregnant, expecting your first child, or an experienced mother, preparing and decorating a baby nursery is an exciting time, and full of anticipation.
The most important aspect that you must consider is safety. Nothing is more important when decorating a baby room, than the safety and happiness of your baby.
Choose all your nursery furniture carefully. Any cot or crib you purchase, new or second hand, should meet certain safety requirements:
The slats should be close together, so that there is no danger of baby getting stuck in between them.
The cot or crib should have no dangerous corner posts.
The cot or crib should be finished in a non-toxic finish, and with lead-free paint.
Make sure all screws, nuts and bolts are well tightened and secure.
Check that the mattress fits snugly in the cot, with no gaps.
Never position a cot or crib near a window, where a child may be at risk of climbing up and falling.
Fit window locks or safety catches to windows in the nursery.
Don't fit shelves above the cot.
Also keep your cot out of the reach of pull-cords for blinds, and other hangings, including baby-mobiles.
Make sure all electrical items, wires and sockets are well out of reach.
Fit socket covers to any electrical sockets, to keep out tiny fingers.
Always make sure you fit a smoke detector in your baby's room.
Use a baby monitor, for extra peace of mind.
Look for a changing table with a small rail around, which will stop your baby from rolling off. Try converting a dresser or chest, by adding your own rail.
Consider buying a changing table with open shelving, rather than cupboard doors. From a practical point of view, it will be far easier for you to reach for nappy-changing supplies.
Keep nappy-changing supplies in easy reach for yourself, but well out of reach of your baby.
More factors to consider when decorating a baby room:
A cradle or bassinet will really only be suitable for baby's first few months. If you choose to use one, make sure that it is very sturdy. Put baby into a sturdy cot, as soon as s/he starts moving about.
Choose between a drop-side crib and a convertible crib.
One side of the drop-side crib quite literally drops - to make it easier to get baby in and out. But, will you be able to use this feature easily, while holding your baby?
A convertible crib converts into a toddler bed. This is a sensible, longer-term option for decorating a baby room, and will last quite a few years.
Remember to remove any surplus quilts, comforters, pillows and cuddly toys from the cot, while your baby is still new-born. They could be a suffocation hazard.
As you baby learns to stand up, remove cot bumpers from the cot, as your baby could stand on them, and climb up.
Move your child into a proper toddler bed as soon as there is any chance they may be able to climb out of the cot.
When planning a layout for decorating a baby room, ensure that all baby supplies are within easy reach, so you will not have to move too far away from your baby when changing.
Try to include a linen basket - babies get through lots of sets of clothes.
It is nice to include an easy chair or rocking chair, for nursing and late night feeds. You may even choose a day-bed, for you to rest on, which can convert into a full-time bed for your child as s/he gets older.
Include a toy-box if you like - but make sure that the lid will not be too heavy for your child to lift, or so that it will fall down on them. From a practical point of view, you will probably find open storage a lot more convenient.
When decorating a baby nursery take the opportunity to get creative and have some fun!
Planning and decorating a baby room is a lovely, exciting time. But, in many ways, you will be decorating it for yourselves, first and foremost.
A baby cannot see details, or subtle color differences, until nearly two months old. Until then, they can see strong contrasts, like black and white, or bold patterns, well.
A black and white nursery would be very unusual, unlikely to appeal as the baby develops a little more, and really isn't necessary for baby's visual development. Instead, try sticking to the more usual bright colors and cheery tones, which they will adore as they learn to see more colors, and turn into little toddlers.
Paint is a more usual choice for decorating a baby nursery than wallpaper. Such bright colors need plain, flat surfaces to look effective. Paint can also be wiped down easily, which is a distinct advantage in a baby's room.
Children are naturally drawn towards yellow, so this is always a good choice for decorating a baby room. Greens and blues are also great favourites, and are suitable for either boys or girls. Although very pale, pastel pink and blue are seen as typical baby colors, they really will only be suitable for the first few baby months. Clear and bright colors are much better suited to children's color tastes - so steer clear of any muted or dark tones, and keep it cheerful.
Watch the video to help you choose a color for decorating a baby room.
Paint furniture in matching or complementary colors to get the colorful, cheery feel. (Learn how to put together great decorating color schemes here.) That way, you are sure of a scheme that goes. You can acquire furniture second hand, or from various sources, and still be sure that it will all match.
Get creative, and add fun stencils, transfers, stickers or murals to the walls, and even to furniture. Baby will love to study the colors, patterns, characters and shapes as s/he gets older.
Include a play-mat, making sure any rugs have slip-proof pads, for when baby starts to crawl and toddle.
Your baby will soon get loads of bright and colorful toys as gifts. Show them off as part of the decor, on display shelves. Or keep it all clutter-free, in open storage baskets.
Babies and toddlers will love bright and cheery colors, so keep this in mind when decorating a baby room. Above all, though, use colors that you love too. Baby will pick up on your moods and emotions - so it is important that you are happy with your decorating choices.
Watch this short video to help you decide which color you want to use in your baby nursery...
Simply click on 'Play' below to start the video player ... and enjoy!
I hope these tips have been helpful for planning and decorating your baby's room. I bet you can't wait to get started?
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