Decorating the Nursery
Choosing a nursery for an unborn child can be a joyful and loving experience for expecting parents to share. You will be creating a room designed out of love and anticipation for this new life that you are bringing into the world. In the months of planning and selecting, you will be crafting the very first environment that your child will be surrounded by. His first steps may be taken or her first words may be uttered in this sacred place. It is your job as a parent to create a safe environment filled with love, comfort, and imagination for your newborn to begin his or her exploration of the world.
There are several key steps in planning a nursery that will help keep you organized while allowing the process to be fun and creative.
Step One: Research Products and Take Measurements
Although this is the most tedious of all the planning steps, it is one of the most crucial elements. With modern technology, such as the Internet, expecting parents have more resources than ever before to thoroughly research baby products. Doing your own investigative work will make you an informed consumer before your shopping begins. Websites, such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA.org), will help new parents learn about safety guidelines/requirements they should know when purchasing items such as cribs. Once you know what safety features are most important to you, then you can begin measuring your nursery to see what items you can actually fit and what pieces will go where. Take your measurements when shopping to help you plan better.
Step Two: Decide on the look and feel of the nursery
The nursery can be the one room in the house where the "normal" rules of decorating may not apply. Imagination, personal taste, and creativity should guide parents in creating the nursery's unique style. Parents can be inventive by using themes or color schemas that have personal meaning for the family.
Step Three: Shopping!
Once you have researched baby products, such as furniture, and you have measured your space and decided on the nursery's style, you are off to the stores. Head to your local baby store to begin selecting the items that will fill the nursery, such as the crib, changing table, and, of course, the all important glider. When selecting furniture, safety comes first. Asking a knowledgeable salesperson to demonstrate the crib and changing table features, such as side rail systems, and ask questions to help you choose the right product!
Starting a family can be a costly venture, so consider budget wisely. Investing in high quality furniture that can grow with your child's needs may be a great way to save money in the future. Most high-end crib manufacturers offer cribs that will actually grow with your child to become day beds, toddler beds, and even full size beds. Many of these collections also have changing tables that can convert to bookcases or dressers.
Step Four: The Fun Stuff!
Selecting crib linens, lamps, paint, carpet, and accessories are what really brings the nursery to life. Adding these touches gives the nursery a unique style you can create on your own. Custom bedding or hand painted accessories is a personal way you can create the nursery of your dreams. Use your imagination and choose items that compliment your vision of the room, in terms of style, comfort, and practicality.
Beyond the crucial four steps of planning there are several other key factors to keep in mind while preparing the nursery. Timing is crucial when shopping for your nursery. Many stores require a 2-4 month lead time when ordering furniture, so be sure to leave yourself enough time to get the furniture you want, when you need it. Also, once you find the product you like, be sure to find a knowledgeable salesperson to guide you through this process.
Make the planning of your nursery a special event by including loved ones in the process. Grandparents, soon to be aunt and uncles, and even best friends will help make creating a nursery an experience to remember.