If you’re here – congratulations!
Welcoming a new addition to the family is one of life’s greatest joys. It’s a moment that marks the biggest change in the lives of the parents, who, no matter how prepared they are, will still be overwhelmed when the little one arrives.
This special moment also changes the way you look at your home. From the day it’s born, it’s the parents who will be responsible for this brand-new human being, and that starts with creating a safe and calm environment for your baby. The nursery is a place where you and your newborn will spend quite some time, so it is important that it is functional, safe, as well as mentally stimulating.
While you can never be 100% prepared for all the challenges of parenting, you can, however, get ready for your baby’s first days to be filled with love, comfort, and safety.
Below are tips for setting up a safe, functional space for your newborn.
Choose Function Over Style
Many of us are guilty of making this mistake at least once. When setting up a nursery for your baby girl or baby boy, before you even decide on colors, patterns, and overall theme, think about the actual space and how it will be used. In the early days, while you’re still adjusting to the new reality, the baby room needs to be more practical, less stylish. So, whether you’re shopping for baby girl or baby boy nursery decor, don’t go overboard if you don’t want to risk tripping all over the room when you wake up for night feedings.
You also don’t need much furniture for the beginning. A quality crib that meets the safety standards, a changing table, and a rocking chair (optional) for feedings are quite enough. Of course, depending on the size of the room, you can add more details, but prioritize safety and functionality over decor. Ensure the pieces of furniture are arranged in a way that still leaves you enough space to move around.
Main points to focus on:
- Ensure you can move easily around the room through the night
- Everything you need is within reach
Opt for Calming Colors
Choosing a color palette for the nursery is more than just aesthetics. In fact, the colors we choose for the walls in our bedrooms can impact the quality of our sleep. Research indicates that hues like green, blue, and white tend to have calming effects, while others, such as red, may affect energy and mood, disrupting sleep patterns.
Some colors will keep your baby stimulated when it’s nap time, so you may want to opt for shades with a more soothing effect. Neutral colors and monochrome palettes are also recommended as having calming effects, plus, they’re very versatile, gender-neutral, and perfect for fathers who don’t want to repaint the nursery again in at least a few years.
Ensure Safe Sleep
Supporting healthy sleep and providing a safe and comfortable sleeping area is vital for your baby’s growth and development. To ensure this, pick the right nursery items: a sturdy crib with a firm mattress or an adequate bassinet. Make sure the crib is not stuffed with toys and blankets; you want to reduce all possible risks and provide your baby with enough space to move freely.
Get Adjustable Lights
Lighting has an important role in your baby’s environment. Your nursery should provide natural light, as it’s important for waking time, but it won’t fall asleep easily if the room is too bright. For your baby’s room, consider installing adjustable lighting that allows you to dim the lights and recreate nighttime any time of the day. This helps your baby fall asleep faster.
Go Organic
Since your baby’s safety is the highest priority, try to avoid detergents and fabric softeners that contain toxic chemicals to minimize the risk of rashes. Instead, use organic solutions that are safe for your baby’s sensitive skin, or start making them at home if price is a concern.
Your baby will also be most comfortable in organic cotton clothing since it avoids harsh chemicals and pesticides. To be certain your baby essentials are made from 100% organic cotton, look for labels that say GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-Text Organic Cotton.
Include a Sound Machine
Ensuring a safe and functional space for your naps can be difficult if your home is in a loud neighborhood or you have older children who play around all the time. A sound machine creates a soothing noise that mimics the womb, helping soothe a fussy baby and fall asleep faster. The consistent calming noise is also believed to help them stay asleep longer. Just keep the machine at a low volume and use it only during nap times.
Conclusion
Preparing for the arrival of your newborn is a shift that takes place and changes your life forever. Creating a safe and nurturing space that supports your baby’s growth and development starts by focusing on function over style, choosing calming colors and soothing details, and facilitating the most calming place for your baby to sleep.
