Designing the perfect nursery for your little one can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also seem a little daunting especially if you don't know where to begin. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Take a moment to arm yourself with these helpful nursery dos and don'ts, and you'll be ready to create your furniture with us in no time. #wink
Nursery Do's:
Do choose a specific style or theme - Although it's not absolutely necessary to limit yourself to a single concept, settling on a specific idea will help you to narrow your focus and create a more cohesive design. For instance, I settled for the French inspired nursery with the standard contemporary style and my girls love it, they hardly leave their room.
Do identify a focal point - Most nurseries are centered on the crib, but there are many other options to choose from. A large window or alcove or even a signature piece, such as an over-sized toy or a painted dresser, can also draw focus.
Do choose furniture/textiles before paint. There is nothing worse than finally finding the perfect curtains or the baby bedding of your dreams only to discover the colour scheme clashes with your paint job. I learnt this very late because I painted my babies' walls before I picked their bedding and blinds but it still turned out alright because I was working with only two colours (white and pink). when you are incorporating more colours in your nursery, I suggest you pick your furniture, beddings etc before the paint job. Given the astounding array of available paint colours and the prevalence of colour-match technology, it's definitely easier to choose your furniture/textiles first and then buy paint to match.
Do use a low-odour, VOC-Free, interior paint to prevent exposing baby to dangerous fumes.
Do decorate the ceiling - Babies spend much of their time on their backs. Why not give your little one something to contemplate? Consider painting the ceiling a soothing colour or enhancing your nursery's theme with a mural or decals.
Do leave room to grow - When choosing your nursery furniture, think long term. Baby's small, bassinet-style crib may look darling now, but have you left enough room to exchange it for a toddler-sized bed later? See where I discussed this issue in http://custardandmustardcraft.blogspot.com.ng/2016/01/choosing-nursery-furniture.html
Do create a sanitation station - Keep your nursery germ free by having sanitation supplies ready. Set up a tray on or near your changing table with antibacterial gel and paper towels to prevent contamination. You should also have a plan for dirty diapers and heavily soiled clothing, such as a diaper disposal system and a separate hamper.
Do develop a system for sorting clothes - Keeping up with baby's changing wardrobe is a never-ending challenge. Organize clothes by size, and put them away until your baby needs them (very important - if not you might just let your baby grow out of clothes without even knowing). It also helps to keep an easily accessible box for clothes that you have officially deemed too small. When the box is full, wash the clothes and store them away. Keeping outgrown items separate prevents them from creeping back into baby's closet, saving you the hassle of an extra trying-on session.
Do get creative with storage - Baby clothes take up less room than adult clothes, leaving lots of room for extra shelving or a second rail. Create additional storage by adding a decorative bed skirt to your crib and storing toys and clothing in boxes underneath. This was helpful for me until I had to move their bed one step down, then I lost all that storage.
Do install a ceiling fan - A study published in The Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine reported that infants who sleep under a ceiling fan reduce their risk of SIDS by 72%. Even putting your baby to be on their stomach reduces the risk of SIDS but the reason for suggesting this is mums in Nigeria.
Do install blackout curtains or heavy blinds - This will prevent the room from becoming too hot during the day, decreasing the risk of SIDS, and allowing baby to sleep longer and more comfortably. My blinds in the nursery is not heavy enough, I usually have to use a blanket over it to prevent the sun from coming in at times but I have resolved to do right with the next baby. #wink
Nursery Don'ts:
Don't use harsh lighting. Install a dimmer on any intense overhead lighting fixtures, especially if they are located directly over the crib. It's also a good idea to purchase a small accent lamp for a cozy, story-time glow.
Don't forget a nightlight - Nightlights provide both safety and comfort, especially during late-night feedings. They can also be downright adorable, giving your nursery a chic look!
Don't forget to stock necessities - Purchase all necessary diapers, wipes, lotions and ointments well ahead of baby's arrival and put them away, ensuring that everything you need remains in arm's reach, so you are never tempted to take a hand off baby.
Don't forget to make safety a priority -Take care to cover electrical outlets and tuck away cords. Anchor down any furniture that could pose a threat, and secure rugs to the floor to prevent slips. That's why you have to create your nursery furniture with us :) You should also be wary of potential choking hazards, and be sure that all medicines, ointments, etc. are securely stowed out of baby's reach.
Don't make these potentially dangerous nursery-decorating mistakes.
Don't wait until the last minute (like me) lol - Be sure to get your nursery underway early, so there will be plenty of time to air out new furniture (from custard&mustard craft) and freshly painted spaces. Getting a head start will also prevent stress and ensure that you will have enough energy to finish the job.
Nursery Do's:
Do choose a specific style or theme - Although it's not absolutely necessary to limit yourself to a single concept, settling on a specific idea will help you to narrow your focus and create a more cohesive design. For instance, I settled for the French inspired nursery with the standard contemporary style and my girls love it, they hardly leave their room.
Do identify a focal point - Most nurseries are centered on the crib, but there are many other options to choose from. A large window or alcove or even a signature piece, such as an over-sized toy or a painted dresser, can also draw focus.
Do choose furniture/textiles before paint. There is nothing worse than finally finding the perfect curtains or the baby bedding of your dreams only to discover the colour scheme clashes with your paint job. I learnt this very late because I painted my babies' walls before I picked their bedding and blinds but it still turned out alright because I was working with only two colours (white and pink). when you are incorporating more colours in your nursery, I suggest you pick your furniture, beddings etc before the paint job. Given the astounding array of available paint colours and the prevalence of colour-match technology, it's definitely easier to choose your furniture/textiles first and then buy paint to match.
Do use a low-odour, VOC-Free, interior paint to prevent exposing baby to dangerous fumes.
Do decorate the ceiling - Babies spend much of their time on their backs. Why not give your little one something to contemplate? Consider painting the ceiling a soothing colour or enhancing your nursery's theme with a mural or decals.
Do leave room to grow - When choosing your nursery furniture, think long term. Baby's small, bassinet-style crib may look darling now, but have you left enough room to exchange it for a toddler-sized bed later? See where I discussed this issue in http://custardandmustardcraft.blogspot.com.ng/2016/01/choosing-nursery-furniture.html
Do you have room for both a stand-alone changing table and a dresser? You'll get more use out of the dresser in the long run. Thinking ahead will ensure you get the most out of your money and your space. Custard&Mustard craft is also here to assist with making those difficult decisions.
Do create a nursing station - Nursing is a tricky business, and it can quickly turn into a juggling act if you are unprepared.Do create a sanitation station - Keep your nursery germ free by having sanitation supplies ready. Set up a tray on or near your changing table with antibacterial gel and paper towels to prevent contamination. You should also have a plan for dirty diapers and heavily soiled clothing, such as a diaper disposal system and a separate hamper.
Do develop a system for sorting clothes - Keeping up with baby's changing wardrobe is a never-ending challenge. Organize clothes by size, and put them away until your baby needs them (very important - if not you might just let your baby grow out of clothes without even knowing). It also helps to keep an easily accessible box for clothes that you have officially deemed too small. When the box is full, wash the clothes and store them away. Keeping outgrown items separate prevents them from creeping back into baby's closet, saving you the hassle of an extra trying-on session.
Do get creative with storage - Baby clothes take up less room than adult clothes, leaving lots of room for extra shelving or a second rail. Create additional storage by adding a decorative bed skirt to your crib and storing toys and clothing in boxes underneath. This was helpful for me until I had to move their bed one step down, then I lost all that storage.
Do install a ceiling fan - A study published in The Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine reported that infants who sleep under a ceiling fan reduce their risk of SIDS by 72%. Even putting your baby to be on their stomach reduces the risk of SIDS but the reason for suggesting this is mums in Nigeria.
Do install blackout curtains or heavy blinds - This will prevent the room from becoming too hot during the day, decreasing the risk of SIDS, and allowing baby to sleep longer and more comfortably. My blinds in the nursery is not heavy enough, I usually have to use a blanket over it to prevent the sun from coming in at times but I have resolved to do right with the next baby. #wink
Nursery Don'ts:
Don't use harsh lighting. Install a dimmer on any intense overhead lighting fixtures, especially if they are located directly over the crib. It's also a good idea to purchase a small accent lamp for a cozy, story-time glow.
Don't forget a nightlight - Nightlights provide both safety and comfort, especially during late-night feedings. They can also be downright adorable, giving your nursery a chic look!
Don't forget to stock necessities - Purchase all necessary diapers, wipes, lotions and ointments well ahead of baby's arrival and put them away, ensuring that everything you need remains in arm's reach, so you are never tempted to take a hand off baby.
Don't forget to make safety a priority -Take care to cover electrical outlets and tuck away cords. Anchor down any furniture that could pose a threat, and secure rugs to the floor to prevent slips. That's why you have to create your nursery furniture with us :) You should also be wary of potential choking hazards, and be sure that all medicines, ointments, etc. are securely stowed out of baby's reach.
Don't make these potentially dangerous nursery-decorating mistakes.
Don't wait until the last minute (like me) lol - Be sure to get your nursery underway early, so there will be plenty of time to air out new furniture (from custard&mustard craft) and freshly painted spaces. Getting a head start will also prevent stress and ensure that you will have enough energy to finish the job.
Comments
Post a Comment