Decorating

Having a baby is such an exciting time to say the least. One of the things people look forward to is decorating that nursery. Perhaps you have ideas, perhaps you don’t. Maybe the cost you see makes it feel overwhelming. The secret is to start early and avoid buying everything at once. But what things should you buy? What things to borrow? Where to put it all? What colors are great for babies? Well, here are my tips:

Color:

• You may not realize that babies can only see in black and white with gray shades for the first several months and it is reported that the first color they do see is red. Does that mean you should paint the nursery red? No. The softer colors are soothing. It should be a happy space that you both love to be in together.
• When choosing a color, think about the future as well. How many times do you want to redecorate? What colors are easiest for you to cover with primer and new paint? On the flipside of that, what fun are plain white walls?
• If you don’t have one theme you are sticking to, neutral colors, earthy colors are calming and soothing. A color like yellow can translate to any gender and the right shade can feel like sunshine making the room feel warm and bright. You can also mix your décor and not have to stick to a theme.
• Have a point of inspiration. Find a blanket, a little sleeper, or a piece of furniture to be your source of ideas.

Creative Décor:

• Some people prefer a more traditional look and some like a modern twist to fit with the rest of the home. One thing that is the same in either case is to be creative in your efforts.
• <a href=”http://www.megaprint.com/wallpaper.php”>Custom wallpaper</a> using your own artwork is a great way to create a focal point. What? You don’t paint? That is okay, because most photography works. Have a shot of that babbling brook in the sunshine with green ferns surrounding it? Use it! There are few better rooms than the nursery to create a natural, calm and soothing environment.
• Start a “growing wall”. Start with an ultrasound photo and add photos as the child grows older. It is inevitable that you may be moving that to your living area (not many teens like seeing all their baby pictures in their room).
• Frame your own baby photo, the father’s baby photo and your new baby’s photo and display them together.
• Use vinyl decals to create a mural and really improve the atmosphere with large scale images that will capture baby’s attention.
• Subway art is a very bold and unique way to bring your child into the room. Many pieces display the child’s name, weight, height, and date of birth.

Lighting:

• Leave your options open when it comes to lighting. There will times you require more light and times that you will want it more quiet.
• Dimmer switches make it easy to change the atmosphere with the turn of a dial. If you want to rock baby to sleep, turn down the lights. When you are playing, lights are on bright.
• Small lamps can yield a low wattage light and keeps the light soft, being diffused by a shade.
• For nighttime feedings and diaper changes, an LED nightlight can put off a lot of light.
• Create a unique lighting ensemble such as lighted paper lanterns in a corner.
• Use blinds and curtains on the window. Blinds will allow in plenty of light when open or lifted and drapes will cut out a lot of light for daytime naps. Using them in conjunction with each other gives you the best of all worlds. It not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but it functions well for your needs.

Flooring:

• There is no right and wrong flooring choice.
• Hardwood is a popular choice for cleanliness and durability. However, some parents are not sure about the comfort of it in a child’s room.
• Hardwood is easy for cleanup of spills and accidents.
• Carpet is soft for playtime yet it doesn’t have the life of hardwood and it is hard to keep dirt and allergens out of the fibers.
• Rugs are a great alternative to wall to wall carpet. You can vacuum them and take them outside to shake the dirt out.

Furnishings:

• There are staple bits of furniture you find in all nurseries. Whatever you choose, keep it neutral and able to grow with your child.
• Borrowing a crib or a swing from a friend will be more budget friendly and as long as all the pieces are present and no safety hazards pop up, you are good to go.
• Many parents prefer to have a bassinet for baby when they are brand new. This can roll anywhere in the house for convenience. Some pack and play sets have a bassinet insert that can be used when baby is very small and then removed to use the playpen. However, playpens should not be used as a crib. They are portable, temporary bedding solutions.
• Many changing tables can be converted to dressers. If you choose to not use a changing table, a bookshelf with cloth bins for drawers can be substituted for easy organization and access. Being able to grab a diaper with one hand will be a task mastered by most parents!
• Being able to play music for your child will encourage their brains to develop in great ways. Music stimulation and reading are the two best ways to prepare your baby for a lifetime of learning. An iPod docking station, CD player or a radio that plays nature sounds works well.
• Don’t forget to treat yourself either. A comfortable chair for feedings or rocking the baby to sleep is essential. The quiet time you spend together is worth every bonding moment.
• Never place pillows in your baby’s crib. It has been linked to SIDS in small babies as have bumper pads. There should always be a sheet on the plastic mattress to avoid suffocation. Blankets can move and shift until your baby is lying directly on the plastic.

Your decorating options are limitless when you browse and look at all the products and furnishings that are available in today’s world. Simple is always better, yet unique and bold can still be considered simple when done correctly. Put some thought into what you are about to do. Many themes get old after a short time. Choose well and have a lot of fun welcoming that new addition into your life!

Chris Garrett is a large format printing expert and freelance writer for the custom printed wallpaper expert Megaprint.com. He frequently blogs on the topics of design and printing.