Designing a nursery for your newborn is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for their arrival. It’s not just about making it look cue and aesthetic, but its also about ensuring it’s functional, safe and cosy for your little one, striking a balance between practicality and comfort.
From selecting the right furniture to choosing the perfect colours, setting up a nursery requires a lot of planning and decision making. You need to consider ease of use for daily routines, your baby’s safety and create a calming environment thatt encourages both rest and bonding.
Here are some essential elements that will help you create the ideal nursery for your newborn.
Choosing The Right Furniture
The furniture in your nursery sets the tone for how functional and comfortable the space is for your baby. The cot is the most important piece of furniture you need – look for one that meets safety standards, and ensure the mattress you choose for the cot fits perfectly with no gaps that could leave your baby at risk when they move during sleep. During the first 6 months, the cot should be in the same room as you so you can monitor your little one through the night.
Storage is also highly important when choosing nursery furniture – a changing table with drawers can keep all essential items close, including spare nappies and clothing to change them into. Having multi-functional furniture on hand means you can keep an eye on your baby at all times, and have all they need ready to go when required.
Creating A Safe Environment
Safety is paramount when designing your newborns nursery. Making sure your furniture is stable, doesn’t tip over and built correctly (if you choose to use flat pack items) will help to prevent any problems. Cots should be placed away from windows, blinds and cords which pose a strangulation hazard, and crib bedding should be minimal to avoid overheating or suffocation during sleep. Shelving and décor must be securely fastened to the wall, and placed out of reach.
Consider installing a baby monitor for peace of mind. Baby monitors allow you to listen out for when your baby wakes up and needs your attention when you aren’t in the room as they begin to transition to sleeping in their own room rather than yours.
Selecting A Colour Scheme
The colours you choose for your nursery can have a significant impact on the overall mood and atmosphere of the room. Whilst it can be tempting to go with bright and bold colours, softer, calming hues and tones are better suited for newborns. Pastel and neutral colours promote relaxation and sleep.
Furnishings, like soft rugs and wall art, comfy chairs or simple patterned wallpaper can bring some character into the room without making the space too overwhelming. Personalised items can add a sentimental touch to the nursery, whether that’s art with your baby’s name, photos of family members on the wall or an area for special gifts from family and friends. Decoration can play a role in baby development, with mobiles and wall art providing a great visual development source to engage your baby’s attention.
Lighting
Using both ambient and accent lighting can make the space warm, inviting and well-lit. If your home has the capability, dimmer switches that allow you to make lighting darker signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep, and promotes healthy nighttime habits. Having soft lighting from lamps prevents you from overstimulating your baby if they wake in the night and lets you navigate their room without disturbing them.
Consider The Right Textiles
Textiles should be comfortable and safe for your baby. Opt for breathable and hypoallergenic materials for bedding, blankets and curtains to ensure a safe and comfortable sleep for your baby. When selecting cot sheets, soft organic cotton or bamboo ones are gentle on sensitive skin and help to regulate body temperature. Having several sheets on hand makes it easy to swap them out if there are any nighttime accidents or simply for general washing.
Aside from bedding, consider blackout curtains or shades to help establish a good sleep routine as they block out bright sunlight and create a sleep-friendly environment.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to designing your newborn nursery, so with all of this in mind you’ll be able to create an adorable space that maximises safety, comfort and style, as you get ready to welcome your baby into the world. Hopefully these tips will help you with your decisions when it comes to selecting the right items for your newborns room.