All babies are unique – so what could be more fitting for your new pride and joy than to create a unique and comforting environment in their nursery?
There are countless books on the subject – and your friends and family might queue up to give you ideas – yet ultimately your decision should be personal and about your baby.
Decorating your nursery with tips from the internet could give you food for thought on color schemes, decorations, furniture and fittings to lure baby into lullaby land. Further information on nurseries can be found at Hello Baby Direct.
While you’re investing in your home it may also be a good time to review your home insurance. There may also be the opportunity that if you do have a valid claim, the insurer could help you find approved repairers to help sort things out.
When to decorate?
You’ll probably keep baby in the room next to you in the first few months, giving you time to plan and buy the essentials to convert that dust-collecting spare room or even attic full of junk. Remember, mum and dad may need to spend the wee small hours in the nursery so it’s important for the room to be comfortable for you too!
The light fantastic…
Many color schemes work – yet light, soft colors are fine, giving your infant a sense of tranquility and comfort. In contrast, bland colors can make small rooms appear dark and dingy. Regardless of whether you buy into the ‘pink for a girl, blue for a boy’ mentality, happy colors such as light green, yellow and white give a bright and happy feel to a child’s room.
Animate
Mobiles – not mobile phones – but mobile visual displays. Young children love visual and audio stimulation, and a mobile is an ideal fixture for the crib or ceiling. For keen artistic parents, there is the chance to paint nursery rhyme images on the walls or, if art is not your bag, why not buy some paintings, posters or pictures?
Are you sitting/lying comfortably?
A twin or daybed could be an ideal investment if you want to sleep in with your little one for the first few months to keep an eye on them (or a wakeful eye!). Another important purchase could be a comfortable arm or rocking chair while you’re nursing the infant or reading him or her a bedtime story.
Change is as good as a rest
A table, chest of drawers or bed may be suitable for providing a platform for your baby to be changed – yet there are all-in-one products available with handy spaces for storing baby essentials such as clothes, toys and changing kit. When choosing a baby changing table – (for changing nappies, not the baby itself!), one thing to consider may be a rail or recessed area to prevent baby from falling off the table.
Crib for a bed…
Arguably one of the most important additions to the nursery is a crib or cot.  You’ll probably start ‘mini me’ off in a Moses Basket or other form of small bed when he/she’s knee high to a Grass Hopper – but you’ll need something bigger as baby gets bigger. There are a plethora of cots on the market – from basic versions to all singing, all-dancing models with built-in mobiles and safety systems. Above all, your infant will need to feel safe and comfortable. Parents can consider models with a bedstead which can be moved up and down to save their back when they’re continually bending down to handle the baby. Consider your comfort as well as the baby’s.
This guest post was written by Andy Moore on behalf of Money Matters, the Sainsbury’s Bank blog.Â
