Creating a nursery is more than just picking out cute bedding and furniture; it’s about designing a space that fosters your baby’s growth and development. I remember when we were expecting our first child, my husband and I poured over design magazines and Pinterest, dreaming of the perfect nursery. We wanted to create a space that was not only beautiful but also safe, calming, and stimulating for our little one.
Contrasting Colours
At first, your baby will only perceive in black and white, but as a few months pass, they will start to see colours, fully developing their colour vision by around five months. Introducing them to a wide range of colours will aid in their visual development. If you’re creating a nursery with a neutral theme, consider adding vibrant items such as a rug or artwork. When selecting their bedding, opt for a mix of colours and patterns and include various styles that complement each other in the room.
Textures and Textiles
Consider the flooring as an illustration. A red, blue, or purple rug can provide visual stimulation against white tiles or laminate. Grey floors work well with yellow, green, and white accents. Adding diverse textures is beneficial. If your preferred baby sheets and blankets are plush and soft, ensure that items like your glider, storage baskets, and carpets offer a range of more structured textures. Wicker baskets and chunky textured throws make excellent choices.
What About Your Space?
A cosy area with a rocking chair, blackout curtains, a sound machine, and your baby’s favourite blanket can create a soothing atmosphere, allowing your baby to calm down and fall asleep more easily. If your baby becomes overstimulated and struggles to settle for naptime or bedtime, this special nook can provide them with a sense of tranquillity and set things into motion. This analogy might be odd but it’s like when you need the toilet and when you are home it’s like your body knows so the urge gets more intense. This is the same for when your baby has a safe space; their body just innately calms down and feels tired. A glider rocker, paired with (or without) an ottoman, can serve as the centrepiece of this space. Additionally, consider including a plush rug, gentle lighting, and stuffed animals to enhance the setting.
Prioritising Safety
Safety is paramount. We meticulously researched non-toxic paints and finishes, ensuring the crib met all safety standards and kept cords and small objects well out of reach. I remember vividly the anxiety that came with making sure every corner of the room was safe and secure.
There are countless tips and tricks out there to ensure the safety of your baby so be sure to baby-proof when and where you can when they reach the age of crawling.
Sensory Stimulation
We incorporated soft textures everywhere—a plush rug, a cosy sheepskin throw, and a collection of soft toys that were toxin-free and safe for teething. I remember the joy of snuggling with our little one on the soft rug, reading stories and feeling a sense of peace and contentment. If you want a tip on where to look for these sensory pieces while we collected bits along the way from friends and family, we also shopped a lot with Petite Lumiere.
We also included a mobile with gentle, rotating animals, soft music playing softly in the background, and a variety of textures for them to explore.
