Eight Do’s and Don’ts When Decorating a Nursery

Photo Courtesy: Chad Kittel

Decorating a nursery is something that every parent has to do before a baby’s arrival. But, unlike any other remodeling project, this one requires a bit more attention and devotion. Choosing the room’s theme would not be enough; you would also need to sort through hundreds of infant care items to make sure the room is not only stylish and comfy but safe, as well.

Here are eight do’s and don’ts every new mom or dad should have in mind when decorating and stocking their little one’s nursery:

Do’s

 Nursery-Rocker and Changing Table – Photo Courtesy: M Sundstrom

Theme

Choose the room’s theme first. If you want the nursery’s décor to match the rest of the home’s design – go for it. However, don’t make it fussy and flouncy. Those uber-fancy décors with walls covered with pictures and all kind of stuff were trendy ages ago. Be modern and go for a cleaner and simpler look.

VOC Paint

Use no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint for the walls. The other types of paint contain toxic fumes that can be harmful for a pregnant mom and her baby. Once you have selected a safe paint, add some style by painting the lower part of the wall in different colour than the top part. Make sure the colours you have chosen match each other.

Sheets and Bedding

Choose organic sheets and bedding. They don’t contain harsh chemicals, and are gentle on baby’s skin, which is not always true about non-organic bedding.

Inspect Potential Dangers

Inspect the nursery once you are done decorating. Although, newborn’s primary job is eating and sleeping, they will soon develop stretchable arms, and the crystal vase that looked so nice on the dresser will become a potential danger for your baby’s health. Now, before your baby is able to grab anything, remove the cords on blinds, curtains, or shades, plug electric sockets, put away breakable items, and hide lamp cords.

Don’ts

Jack’s Room –  a nice Superhero Nursery. Photo Courtesy: Dani

Baby Items

Don’t buy every baby item you see or think would look nicely in your baby’s room. A crib, glider rocker, and changing table are must-have items. Anything else will only clutter the room, leaving less space for your little munchkin to explore, when he/she starts crawling. A money-saving idea is to invest into multi-services furniture, like a changing table, that comes with  built-in storage, or a crib that can convert into a toddler’s bed.

Avoid Cheap Furniture

Don’t purchase cheap furniture when it comes to nursery investments. Especially, avoid saving money on a nursery glider rocker, since you will be spending lots of time in this chair. Make sure it has a supportive frame and cushioning. This will ensure the comfort of you and your baby.

When shopping for a glider rocking chair, look for one that offers recline, swivel, and locking positions. It allows you to get in and out of the chair with ease, which can be a real bless for moms who have had a C-section, or are recovering from a difficult birth.

Baby’s Essential Stock

Don’t neglect the baby’s basic stocks. They are absolutely necessary, although it isn’t as much fun to shop for diapers, wipes, cream or lotion as that cute baby shoes you’ve had your eye on. Also, you will want to store these items in easy-to-reach place in order to make the life with your newborn easier.

Getting the Nursey Ready

Don’t wait for the very last moment to get the nursery ready. Being in the hospital a week earlier and knowing that diapers haven’t been purchased yet or the crib is still in its box, adds stress you don’t need. Get your baby’s room ready as soon as possible, so when your little one arrives you can devote completely on him or her.

Decorating a baby’s room isn’t difficult but it is vital for future parents. Use the tips above to make a nursery that is stylish, comfy, and above all, safe.

Amelia Cole is a freelance writer, who often writes guest post on green cleaning and home renovation. She is a part of the team at Rubbish Please, a London rubbish removal company providing rubbish clearance services for residential and commercial clients.