If you are expecting your first baby, you are probably feeling a mix of emotions at the moment. Hopefully, you will be feeling happy and excited about the wonderful times ahead, but it is also completely natural to feel apprehensive or even overwhelmed by the practical aspects of caring for a baby. One of the projects that new parents face that combines all these emotions is decorating the nursery. You have the chance to create a room that is as wonderful and unique as your baby, but you need to ensure that it also functions as a space for storage and providing care for your little one.
To help you get started, here are five decorating tips to help you create the perfect nursery for your new arrival.
1. Choose your paint carefully
A big decision to make is what color to paint the walls of the room. In the past, there may have been a tradition around certain colors for boys and certain colors for girls, but many people are not so concerned about those expectations anymore. This is why an increasing number of parents are choosing wall colors that are more neutral and then adding personality and style to them by hanging art, accessories, or by using wall painting stencils. In the future, as your child develops their own interests and tastes, you can choose a more definitive style and color scheme.
2. Use second-hand furniture
Some parents prefer to buy new furniture and equipment for their baby, but it is worth considering second-hand versions of some items. This will save you a significant amount of money which will become very useful once the baby arrives and you realize why the cost of nappies is such a hot topic amongst parents. You will probably want to buy a new changing mat and mattress for the crib, but it might be worth researching second-hand cribs, chests of drawers, changing tables, and chairs.
3. Use toys and books as decorative items
Your baby’s toys and books can be used as decorative pieces in your nursery. For example, displaying books on shelves and hanging stuffed toys on the walls will look very cute, is cheaper than buying additional decorative pieces, and frees up storage space.
4. Choose multifunctional furniture
Babies grow and change quickly, so if the furniture and equipment you buy in their first months can adapt, you will save yourself the additional expense of buying new furniture over and over again. For example, you could buy a crib that will change into a small bed for a toddler or a changing table that will convert into a dresser. If you are buying a nursing chair, choose one that is neutral in design so it can be moved elsewhere in your home when it is no longer needed for nursing.
5. Maximize storage
Tiny as they are, babies come with a lot of equipment and supplies that need to be stored not only for your own sanity but also to keep your home tidy and safe for the little one as they start to explore. This is why it is vital to invest in as much storage as you can, including bins, baskets, drawers, and cupboards.