There are many beautiful decorations for nurseries these days, but remember to choose something to stimulate as well as look good. Many mums choose pastel colors, but bright colors are more interesting to a baby. Make sure everything is washable (including the walls) and easy care. Be sure you don’t spend time looking after the nursery that should be spent looking after the baby. When it comes to sheets, fitted sheets are best, be sure to have waterproofing beneath them and always have two spares on hand.
As with all bedrooms, your baby needs a bed to sleep in. In Europe it is common to have a small cradle or crib for your baby at first and then move to a larger cot which in many cases can be converted to a bed once your baby is no longer a baby. It is important that you can put the baby in the crib or cot with only one hand, so you minimize the chances of waking during the transfer. It’s worth experimenting with the catches on cots before you buy, and make sure that while you can easily move the side, your baby can’t. In a surprisingly short time your tiny cuddly baby will become a bouncing booming toddler whose aim, when placed in a cot, is likely to be escape. It is your job to make this difficult and hence keep your baby safe.
You will also need drawers in which to store your baby’s clothes and supplies. There are ranges of furniture sold specifically for babies, and if you can afford this, go ahead. It looks wonderful, but the truth is a drawer is a drawer and there is no difference in functionality between a drawer for a baby and one for an adult, but it is virtually certain that a drawer for a baby will be cute and cost more. The same can be said of a wardrobe.
One piece of baby specific furniture which is useful is a changing table. Some mothers prefer to use a towel spread on the cot or bed, others find bending a little painful as they heal and prefer the special stand. Many changing tables are simply wipe clean surfaces on top of a set of drawers.
A comfortable chair is completely essential. Here you will cuddle and sing and possibly fall asleep while your baby, safe in its cot, does the same. Make sure it’s comfortable and if you can find a rocker, many find it useful in getting their baby off to sleep.
Babies hate sleeping when they think there might be something more exciting going on, so you will need to lower the light level in the room. Buy shutters or drapes with a blackout lining which exclude the light completely. If you can afford it there are programmable dimmer switches you can use at bedtime which will lower the light level slowly over time and help lull your baby to a peaceful sleep.
Lastly don’t forget toys, especially those in bright colors and interesting textures which also make noises. Some stuffed animals, pillows, cushions, a bouncy chair and musical mobiles. Your aim is to create a rich environment for your baby’s senses, but remember nighttime is not a time for feeling enriched. Ample cupboard space in the baby’s room will ensure that you can put the toys where they can’t be seen, and to a baby’s brain, out of sight is out of mind.
Everyone has a different idea of the perfect nursery; all you need to remember is that it’s not about looks. A nursery is, next to your kitchen, the hardest working room in the house. Keep it practical and comfortable as well as beautiful and you’ll create the perfect room for your new baby.
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