Decorating a nursery (A Bedroom for Baby) can be exciting yet at the same time be a somewhat stressful process (especially if you are a perfectionist.) There are so many decisions to make, but not enough time. DO NOT STRESS - baby nursery design can be fun, if you take it one step at a time.
1. Childproof the room. Think about it all the way through the design process - safety should be your primary concern.
2. Consider your budget. It's easy to want the best for the baby, and for some parents that may include providing a beautiful, new, well-coordinated nursery, but remember that it won't matter to the baby whether the area rug matches with the curtains. Stains are a fact of life, so focus on buying things that are functional first, beautiful second. When the baby spits up and has accidents, you want to focus on the child, not on how those sheets you spent so much money on are ruined.
3. Measure the room and write the measurements on a small card you can carry in your handbag or purse. You will need these measurements when you go shopping for furniture, paint, etc. And if you happen to see something nice at a flea market you did not expect to visit, you can reach into your pocket for the measurement information.
4. Plan the layout. Ideally you should place the crib close to the entrance so that you don't have to walk around things or risk tripping over something when you come for the baby in the middle of the night. Avoid putting the crib right next to the window, where there might be drafts.
Put the changing table close to the crib. When the baby has wet accidents, you don't want to carry him or her across the room.
If there is a window, think about putting the rocking chair/glider or Arm Chair next to it so you can look outside. You could also get yourself a nice comfortable rocking recliner. Make sure to get some contrasting curtains that go with the wall colour to protect the baby from any bright light. Add a block out blind to help your baby sleep well during the day if the sun shines directly into the window.
Estimate how much storage you'll need, and create twice as much. The baby will accumulate more items than you may think. Do not place any shelving above the crib, where either the shelving or the things on the shelves might move/jiggle and fall onto the baby.
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5.Select a cot. The cot will form the focal point of your baby nursery. Take your time and choose wisely. Shape, style, finish and durability are among the factors you should consider. Be sure the slats of the crib are vertical, so the baby will be less likely to use the slats for climbing out. And be sure the slats are close enough together as not to allow the baby to get his or her head stuck. An easy guideline for this measurement: if a standard size soda can fits through the slats, they are too far apart. Newer models will incorporate both of these features, but if you using an old cot, you have to think about these things.
6. Find baby nursery furniture to complement your cot. Essential furniture items include: a Compactum/ baby changing table; a very comfortable chair; a night stand or table, a Shelf and a clock if you are planning to breastfeed.
7. Choose your near-bed-time lighting. Choose your near-bed-time lighting. It may be a good idea to switch off all lights in the room once the baby has been put in the cot. A dimmer switch, side lamp, chandelier or nightlight - they are all among your options. Choose more than one if you like. Make sure you run any necessary wiring now before you start painting.
8. Choose some flooring. Do you want it to match the rest of your home? Do you or your spouse have a history of allergies? If so, your baby might be susceptible too. Take this into account when you make your choice. Wall to wall carpet can harbour allergens, so a hardwood floor with a removable rug (which can be cleaned) might be your best bet.
9. Work out a colour scheme. This will be influenced by your nursery theme if you have chosen one. If you don't know the baby's gender, favour neutral colours like cream, yellow, beige, and pale green. Decide also whether or not you would like to decorate with a nursery theme. Anything goes, from cowboys to flowers, pirates to butterflies, or something more modern, such as blocks or stripes. Also consider how the room will be used in the future. Will you need to repaint the room once the child outgrows the theme?
10. Hang decorations. Hang decorations. It's time for that great baby nursery shopping spree you've been waiting for. Choose a mural, picture, and bedding. Buy stuff, sew stuff, glue stuff. Assemble the furniture in the nursery, if possible, so you don't have any issues with large items not fitting through the doorway. Let the room come alive. Remember to add essential equipment
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Love
The Wiggle Worm Team xxx
