6 Decorations to Include in Your Nursery

Many folks setting up a nursery are working in small living spaces and apartments. Not every space can be painted or redesigned at will. However, you can create a joyful space for your baby by breaking with some old traditions.

1) It’s More Than Pink & Blue

Consider using other pastels in the nursery. If your nursery is in an apartment, look for fabrics and banners that you can use to brighten the space without changing the wall color. Themed fabrics in large blocks of one color can add a soothing feel to help the baby sleep.

You may also have a chilly wall in your nursery. Line a pretty sheet with an old fleece blanket and a used flannel sheet to use as hanging on this wall to bump up the insulation factor. Sandwich these three fabrics at the top between two thin pieces of wood and mount hooks in the wall so you can easily take it down and apartment when you move.

2) Get Serious About Window Coverings

Learning to layer up heavy fabrics can also help you create heavy drapes to darken the baby’s room. A pretty, light filtering shade will not lead to successful naps, and the baby needs naps to grow and thrive.

Consider pairing light-blocking drapes with sheers so you can clear the windows in the morning and help the baby wake a bit more cheerily. This will also help you see when dressing them for the day.

3) Don’t Be Afraid to Use Antiques and Rustic Pieces

If you get a keepsake as a gift, mount it. You may not want to sit in the antique rocker or wrap the baby in the handmade quilt, but do use them in the space as a spot to gather stuffed animals and other toys.

Invest in wood toy plans and kits that you can work on when restless or that a handy friend can put together for you. Use these small pieces in corners and feature them on storage shelves.

4) Buy Bright Sheets

You can avoid all the hazards of bumpers and bedding by using a bright base sheet for the baby. Most babies sleep pretty hot; if you touch your baby’s hand and it’s warm, that base sheet and a sleeping sack or onesie pajamas may be all they need. If their hands and feet are cold and their skin is pale, swaddle them in another blanket.

Avoid loading the crib with too many cute blankets and cushions; the risk to the baby is too great to bear. Instead, consider using a mini crib or a baby box for the first few months to keep the baby safe and warm.

5) Make Storage Easy

Build storage along the walls. Set up a storage area right beside the changing table if you have one or beside the bed where you can store

• the changing pad
• wipes
• diapers (fresh)
• a fresh set of clothes if needed

Make sure the distance between the changing spot and the not-so-fresh diapers is very short. If possible, use a container with a foot pedal for dirty diapers or liners so you can always have one hand on the baby when changing them.

You may see many rooms featured for babies that have cute toys and themed rugs in quantity. Make no mistake; babies require a work zone layout. You need to be able to quickly get to baby in the dark, not be stumbling over giant bunnies or slipping on rugs. If your living situation is temporary, you can keep the baby beside your own bed in a bassinet or a playpen. Do not set yourself up to be staggering around in the dark while caring for your baby.

6) Budget-Friendly Ideas

Putting wall clings to work is a wonderful and budget-friendly way to change up the look of a room. Another option is to look for old children’s books at second-hand stores and moving sales; many of these images can be beautifully framed and turned into decorative wall art for your nursery.

Your baby’s space doesn’t have to be huge or expensively decorated to keep them safe and comfortable. Do your best to create easy storage near the changing area. Keep things streamlined for everyone’s safety. Never overload the crib with soft things. Make diapering and sleep the focus.

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