Image Credit: Room Decoratin’
Nothing is more exciting than the eager anticipation of having a baby on the way. Likewise, there are few things that cause more anxiety than the big changes which go along with a growing family.
If you’re having your first child, your sleep schedule is about to be turned upside down. But there are a few things you can do to prepare for the ever-changing cycles you and your newborn will go through together.
The first consideration, of course, is safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics says the safest place for a newborn to sleep is in your bedroom — but not in your bed.
Does your room have space for a crib or bassinet? Having your baby near your bed can make it easier for you to comfort your child during the first six months when babies typically don’t sleep more than a few hours at a time.
But somewhere after those first six months to a year, most parents want to transition their baby into a nursery room. It’s best to have that room ready to go months before your baby arrives. Having a newborn is enough work without having to tackle a disruptive home improvement project on the side.
Simple Tips for Your Growing Family
Here are some tips to avoid costly mistakes when setting up your first nursery.
1.) Have a theme or direction in mind before you start purchasing things and decorating. Many parents opt for a gender-neutral design that could work out if you have more children. The neutral design can also make it easier to transition the room as your child gets older and develops more likes and dislikes. Likewise, avoid overpowering themes that may need to be reversed if you have another child or transition the room in coming years.
2.) Put health first. If you decide to repaint the room, Consumer Reports recommends doing so at least two months before your baby is born. Look for low or zero VOC paints. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, can irritate a baby’s respiratory system. Typically, lighter color paints have fewer VOCs.
3.) Colors and lighting set the tone. A simple dimmer switch is an inexpensive way to provide lighting options, particularly when you’re trying to put your baby to sleep. But consider multiple lighting options — dimming overhead lights, a sturdy lamp and perhaps a small nightlight — to accommodate story-time and properly illuminate your changing area.
4.) It’s important the nursery has proper ventilation. That means changing your home’s air filters regularly. Some parents also choose to get a HEPA air filter, a small fan that filters allergens and other particles out of the air in just one room. The machines can provide some comforting white noise that often help babies fall asleep and masks little disruptive sounds elsewhere in the house.
5.) Parents can save some money by purchasing a crib that converts to a toddler bed. Meanwhile, a dresser top can double as a changing table if you have a portable, four-sided changing pad. Just remember, you’ll probably spend a lot of time in this room, so add design elements and furniture that also comfort you, such as a rocking chair and some family photos.