Getting A Nursery Ready For Your New Arrival
Furnishing and decorating the nursery is usually among the favorite chores an expectant parent handles. Today there are literally hundreds of options on the market, which can make a decision difficult when it is time to select furniture and accessories. However, with a little prior planning you will be able to achieve pleasing results quickly.
For those who plan to use vintage items from their own childhood or an older child, the first step is to examine what is available. Make a note of not only what you have but also the colors and patterns. For example, you might have a wall hanging of balloons in primary colors. Jot down the information so you can refer to it as needed. Then make a list of what is still needed.
It can be helpful to decide on a theme for the nursery, and there are a great many from which to choose. Many designers make every item from a bedding collection to a toy box with the same pattern. You can select from themes that include pirates, animals, butterflies, and fairies. However, you do not have to make every item in the nursery from the same collection. You can mix in some solid colors as well to add more interest to the room.
The crib is likely to be the most important item you purchase for your nursery. When shopping for baby cribs, you might want to look at styles that can be converted to youth beds. This can save having to replace the crib as quickly. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly and that there are no gaps that the baby could get wedged into. If you are using a vintage crib, be sure that it meets all the requirements, such as the maximum space allowed between the bars.
Make sure that all fabric items purchased for the nursery are flame retardant. This can be a problem when you have inherited vintage items. In general, the recommended rule of thumb to follow is that if you are unsure, do not place the item in the nursery. The same holds true with sleepwear for the baby.
Window treatments that can be easily adjusted are good choices. There may be times when baby needs to sleep during the day, so being able to darken the room may help. On the other hand, you might want to let the sunshine in for play time or when bathing the baby. You may not need blackout drapes, but a shade or blinds that can be adjusted can be a handy feature. Make sure that any cords are well out of the reach of an infant or toddler.
Look for a changing table that is solidly built. It should have safety straps to be used to help prevent falls. Since babies often begin to turn over before parents are aware of the fact, the straps should always be used. In addition, never leave baby alone on it, even for a second. The wall behind the table might be a good place to hang your diaper stacker.
Before you know it, your new arrival will be ready for a loft bed, a homework desk, and a video game system. Since time flies so quickly, make room in the nursery for visitors to rock baby to sleep or just sit and watch him or her sleep. You will be happy that you did.
In the end, there is only one thing that is absolutely critical for your nursery. That is providing a safe haven for baby. Since all else is flexible, you should create the nursery you want.