Having a baby is such a special event in life and you probably want to create the perfect nursery. If you’re a first-time parent, it can be a little overwhelming to have to create a space in your home designated just for baby. Whether you know what you’re expecting or waiting to be surprised, these tips and tricks will help you create the perfect nursery for your baby to come home to!
Start with color
Choosing a color for any room in your home can be challenging — there are so many to choose from! For baby girls, popular colors include light hues of pink, purple, and even yellow. For boys, the more masculine colors, like green and blue, reign supreme. If you’re going to be surprised or want to create a gender-neutral nursery, stick to neutrals or shades of green and yellow. More modern neutrals tend to use neutrals like cream, beige, soft grey, and white hues, but no matter what color scheme you choose, baby is sure to love it.
Add in furnishings
No nursery is complete without a crib, changing table, and rocker for mom or dad to woo baby back to sleep. If you can, invest in convertible furnishings that will grow with your baby. From a crib that converts into a twin size bed to a changing table that also functions as a dresser or vanity, you can find plenty of furniture that your child can use for many years to come. Other necessary nursery furnishings include hampers, a Diaper Genie (which will help with odor and keep your nursery sanitary!), and a closet organizer, if you have the space.
Next, consider the layout. Ideally, you want your nursery to be a functional space. To achieve this, place the crib as close to the bedroom door as possible for easy late-night access. Keep the changing table and rocker on the other side of the room if space allows, as this will prevent clutter from forming around the crib.
Settle on flooring
Hardwood flooring is ideal in any nursery. It limits the amount of allergens in the room and is extremely easy to keep clean and maintain. Plus, you can install foam mats or a decorative rug for baby to play and roll around on. Carpeting is another safe option for nurseries, as it’s plush surface will help silence mom and dad creeping away once baby has fallen asleep! The flooring you choose really comes down to your personal preference.
Dress up the windows
Curtains, blinds, or valances can amplify the theme of your child’s nursery. Room-darkening shades can also be a godsend when it comes to putting your baby down for a nap in the middle of the day. Cordless shades and blinds are a must-have — the cords can become hazardous to your baby as they learn to crawl, walk, and discover.
Incorporate accessories
Every room in your home should showcase a bit of your personal style. Whether that’s clean and simple or elaborate and exciting, your baby’s perfect nursery should showcase the life you want them to have. Want your baby girl to feel like a princess? Install a stick-on print of a castle behind her crib. Want your baby boy to be adventurous? Hang prints of jungle animals in against a lush green backdrop. These personal touches are what’s going to make your baby nursery special, so don’t forget to include them.
At the end of the day, keeping your child safe should be the ultimate priority when designing your baby’s nursery. As part of your preparation, it’s important to mount all of the furniture to the walls to prevent furniture from tipping. Thousands of children are injured each year in furniture tipping accidents – don’t become part of that statistic!
