Setting up the perfect baby nursery for the arrival of a baby into the house is a very exciting time. But it can also be confusing and stressful to many soon-to-be parents as they are also faced with so many other issues relating to child rearing.Fortunately, many parents-to-be begin planning their baby's nursery long before the birth of their child. By starting your planning early, you will give yourselves more time to search multiple sources for ideas and to organize your thoughts to create that perfect room.
Looking at other nursery designs in magazines and on the Internet can be a great source of inspiration during this pre-planning stage. And don’t forget to visit baby stores for ideas. Many stores are organized into vignettes to let you see a variety of styles and room settings.
1. Start with a plan for your room based on shape and size.
Is the basic shape of the room square or rectangular? What about the size of the room? Where is the window and how will that affect furniture placement? Where is the doorway entry and how does that affect your first perception when entering the room? These factors can affect the decisions you make on room colors, how much furniture to buy, and the ideal furniture placement.
For example, in a long narrow room, placing taller furniture, like a crib or highboy, in the far end of the room can make the room feel larger. You can make a small room appear larger by angling the crib in the corner. Choosing a light paint color and furniture finish can also open up a small room. Lighter ceiling colors will make the room appear higher and more open and inviting.
Is your home close to a busy road? If so, you should avoid placing the crib on an outside wall or next to a window if at all possible.
The important thing is to have a plan before you begin to make any major decisions or purchases.
2. Choose a nursery theme and color scheme before you buy furniture.
Keep in mind that you don't have to decorate with a theme if you don't want to. There are many modern and elegant furniture styles that will make your baby’s room special. However, nursery themes do add an element of fun to nursery designs, so if that's your idea of a nursery room, then go for it! Babies' and kids' rooms are often the only places in the home where you can let your creative juices flow.
Some parents begin by purchasing a crib set and basing the rest of the theme on this one item. If you do this, you can take your cues for paint and accessories from the color and décor of the set. Others prefer choosing a favorite paint color and searching for material and patterns that match. Whichever method you choose, picking one major item in a preferred style and working around that item is typically the easiest way to decorate any room, including your baby's nursery.
The traditional colors of blue for boys and pink for girls are still valid, but many people today opt for bright colors, like yellow, green, or even white. A neutral color will allow you to more easily change other décor items and wall hangings. Keep in mind that your baby will soon grow into different furniture needs that may require a partial or total room makeover. So if you don’t like working with wallpaper, you might want to avoid wallpaper trim that is too babyish.
3. Select the right furniture to fit the room and meet essential needs.
After you choose the furniture style you prefer, a major decision you must make is to determine what pieces of furniture are most important and will comfortably fit in your room. A crib is a must, of course. Beyond that, you must decide what you can or can’t live without based on available space. Don’t forget to consider the room’s work flow patterns and the need for certain items to be close to each other.
For example, your changing table should be near, or attached to, a dresser for easy access to diapers and clothing while changing the baby. But you also need access to a diaper pail and baby’s personal care items like wipes, diaper rash cream, baby oil and cream, and a hair brush.
At our store, we recommend that you select furniture that carries the JPMA certification seal. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association only certifies baby products that meet their safety standards. For example, you can find the safety requirements, and a list of changing tables that meet them, on the JPMA website.
Look for a changing table that has raised sides or guard rails to help keep the changing pad in place and keep the baby safe. If you want to use a bookcase or dresser as a changing table, make sure the height is comfortable for you to change the baby, and consider using a contoured pad with straps that you can attach firmly to the furniture.
Many new mothers find that a glider or rocker is an important item, but sometimes there just isn’t room in the nursery. That’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with keeping a rocker in the family room or an extra bedroom if you’re sure you need one. If space is limited, a wardrobe or armoire will provide plenty of storage and take up less floor space than a wide dresser.
Be sure to choose a furniture style that you won’t tire of easily, as you can use much of the baby furniture to grow with your child as he grows into a toddler and big kid, or for another family addition down the road.
Planning your nursery is an exciting time and sets the stage for many happy hours with your baby. Our friendly, knowledgeable associates at our store are always ready to help you in any way that we can.
