|
From cribs and rockers to layettes and bassinets, stocking and decorating the nursery is one of the important jobs you—and every mom- and dad-to-be— are charged with before baby’s arrival. In addition to choosing your dream theme, you’ll need to sort through and choose from hundreds of infant care items. And, like any new mom or dad, you’ll want to research each item to make sure it’s not only safe but also stylish and comfy. Here are 8 do’s and don’ts for decorating and stocking your little one’s nursery:
Do’s
- Do start by choosing the room’s theme. Whether you’re looking for a pink girly paradise or a true blue boy room, fussy and flouncy themes are on the “out” list. So avoid those wall-covering, uber-fancy stencils that were so en vogue just a decade ago and go for a simpler and cleaner look. Many parents try to blend the nursery’s décor with the rest of the home’s design—so if modern chic is your signature style, don’t be afraid to extend it into the baby’s room.
- Do paint the room with a low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint. The toxic fumes found in other types of paint can be unsafe for a pregnant mom and the little passenger she’s carrying. Once you choose a safe paint, add a trendy touch by painting the lower part of the wall a different color than the top part.
- Do give your baby a safe start in the sleep department by choosing organic sheets and bedding. Conventional non-organic bedding can contain harsh chemicals, which aren’t always gentle on baby’s skin. What’s more, you want the very best and safest for your little munchkin so why not let them sleep in the healthy and non-toxic nursery they deserve?
- Inspect the nursery after you have everything in place. It’s true that a newborn’s primary job is sleeping (hopefully!) and eating, but he or she will soon be reaching out to grab that delicate ceramic figurine that looked so cute in the baby store display. Now—before baby develops bionic stretchable arms—is a great time to put away breakable items, plug electrical sockets, hide lamp cords, and remove the cords on curtains, blinds, or shades. Safety experts also recommend getting down the floor and looking for hazards from baby’s perspective.
Don’ts
- Don’t overstuff the nursery with every baby item ever manufactured. Focus on the must-haves, like the crib (consider cribs from Wayfair), glider rocker, and changing table. You can save money now by investing in pieces that can be used for a long time, such as a crib that converts into a toddler bed. It’s also a smart idea to consider furniture, like a changing table, that comes with built-in storage. Remember, that little guy or girl will be crawling before you know it, so leave lots of open space in the center of the nursery, too.
- Don’t buy a nursery glider rocker on the cheap—a big no-no when it comes to nursery investments. From Grandpa cuddling with his first grandson to mom pulling an all-nighter with a colicky infant, you and everyone close to you will be spending lots of time in this chair. Invest in a glider that has a supportive frame and cushioning to make sure adult and baby are comfortable.
- There’s a wide variety of nursery chairs to choose from, including convenient models that offer recline, swivel, and locking positions. These making getting in and out of the chair a breeze—which can be super-important if you’re recovering from a difficult birth or have had a C-section. When shopping for a glider rocking chair, look for one that will look great in the nursery now and in the living room in a few years.
- Don’t forget to stock up on baby basics. Neglecting to do this can make life challenging—especially in the first exhausting weeks after baby comes home. From diapers and wipes to lotion and cream, make sure you have plenty of those supplies that make life with a newborn possible. It’s true, these definitely aren’t as much fun to shop for as that layette you’ve had your eye on, but they’re absolutely necessary. Be sure to put these items in easy reach now so they’re easy to access when you arrive home from the hospital.
- Don’t wait until the week you’re due to get the nursery ready. After all, you don’t need the added stress of giving birth a week early and knowing that the crib is still in its box or the diapers are still stacked in the back of the garage. Get ready now so when your little one arrives you can focus completely on bonding with him or her.
- Decorating and supplying a nursery isn’t hard—but it’s mission critical for parents-to-be. From choosing a crib to stocking a changing table, it’s time get your baby’s room ready. Use this list to start preparing your nursery and, before you know it, you’ll be gliding in a comfy rocker as you memorize every feature of your baby’s sweet, sleeping face.
Kimberly Aardal publishes EveryDayRockingChairs.com. Her site is filled with reviews and articles that help people choose a quality rocker, such as a baby rocker chair or a sleigh glider. Kimberly lives in southwest Colorado with her husband and her best buddy, Ginger the yellow lab. When she’s not writing about rockers, she’s exploring the mountains near her home.
Comment on this article or submit your tip to CreativeHomemaking.com.
Click here for a printer friendly version of this page.
Follow me on Pinterest.
Receive new article links via Twitter!
Follow Creative Homemaking on Facebook!
Recommend this article to a friend!
Search our article archives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
|
