1. Safety. This should be of primary consideration when selecting items for a baby's room. Yet, eager parents typically get distracted while choosing between Winnie the Pooh and Nemo the clownfish, and unintentionally put safety on the back burner. Here are some things to remember: keep electrical cords away from the crib and out of the way, use non-skid pads under decorative area rugs, and make sure there is a functioning smoke detector near or in the room. You can even purchase a home safety starter kit (around $25) that contains many contents to help you baby proof the room.
2. Go for practical baby furniture. A crib, rocking chair, a dresser and a change table are adequate for a nursery. Don’t crowd the nursery with unnecessary furnishings. Keep in mind that you may require ample floor space for walking to soothe your baby or for play areas later on.
3. Select a timeless theme. Stay away from babyish themes that a maturing child will outgrow too quickly. Instead, try to opt for something with an ageless appeal. This may be difficult, but remember, what starts out as a newborn nursery should conveniently adapt into a young child’s bedroom with minimal modification.
4. Choose neutral wall colours. Instead of painting walls a bright colour use neutral colours. Consider using white, cream, sand or eggshell. Here’s a tip: incorporate bright nursery colours into the room by using colourful nursery bedding, pictures, removable wall decals, bright area rugs, stuffed animals and other colourful accessories.
5. Decide on a theme (colour) and stick to it! Once you’ve settled on a theme, look for fabric or wallpaper that will reinforce this and set the tone for the entire room. Also, choose bedding that will complement both the colour scheme and theme you've selected. A good rule to follow for a co-ordinated room is to try to repeat the theme in at least three places throughout the room.
6. Use your imagination and add your own personal touch. A photo of Mommy and Daddy on the dresser nearby, his/her framed ultrasound photo or pictures of siblings are all wonderful examples of adding your own personal touch to your baby’s room.
7. Designate a focal point for the room. Once you do this, you’ll be surprised how easily everything else will fall into place. While the crib may seem like the logical point of concentration, you could try focusing on a display shelf or a painted wall mural instead. Whatever you decide, the focal point should really reinforce your theme.
8. Give your wallet a rest. A dream nursery doesn’t have to slash into your child’s college fund. Try looking for some lightly used baby furniture. Instead of the Tiffany sterling silver baby rattle, why not go with a vintage hardwood dresser, perhaps to match the bassinet your mother-in-law has so graciously handed down to you. Hand-painted vintage items are also really nice accents for baby furniture collections. At the end of the day, what you really want to create is a nifty and comfortable space for you and your baby to enjoy. Remember, the real goal is to create a room that will outlast babyhood and grow along with your child.
