The Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating a Beautiful (and functional) Nursery
Creating a cozy and stylish nursery is top priority for expecting parents. With an entire industry dedicated to outfitting spaces for little ones, the options for furniture and décor can feel overwhelming.
When it comes to purchasing for the home, different life events will lead to different kinds of purchases. One of the biggest life events is having a baby. Figuring out what’s essential, and what’s nice to have but not totally necessary, can be a challenge. With two beautiful babies of my own (thankfully born three years apart!), I have figured out through trial and error what was essential.
Consider these Do’s, Don’ts and Nice-to-Have’s for decorating your nursery
FURNITURE
DO: Convertible Crib
Your baby’s crib is THE MOST important item in the nursery. Not only is it the main focal point for the room, it is where your baby will spend a great deal of time sleeping (fingers crossed)
Available in a variety of finishes, they are a great investment into the growing needs of your child. They easily transform into toddler beds and full-size beds when the time comes. Many come with drawers handy for storing extra sheets and mattress pads
DON’T: Drop Side Cribs
In 2016, the federal government announced that it was prohibiting the sale, importation, manufacturing or even advertisement of drop-side cribs due to health and safety concerns
While you won’t find them available in stores, you may still be able to find them at second-hand stores, garage sales, or resale sites so buyer beware
DO: Dresser
Create a flexible, long lasting room for your child by adding a lightweight and soft change pad on top of a dresser that stores all of baby’s basics
Ensure that everything you need is within reach for diaper changes by adding a decorative basket on top to store essentials like diapers, wipes and creams
DON’T: Change Table
This is the one piece of furniture you can definitely skip. Often bulky, and definitely temporary, save yourself valuable space and money
NICE-TO-HAVE: Glider and Bookcase
Establish a bedtime routing by having an upholstered glider or rocker in the nursery to make reading and snuggling together before bed more comfortable for you and baby
Store your favourite reads like Goodnight Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar on a bookcase. Save some shelf space to have a surface for bottles, toys and decorative items
BEDDING
DO: Mattress Pads and Fitted Sheets
Protect your mattress by purchasing mattress pads. Trust me, you’ll need a few to swap out when accidents happen – and they happen. A lot.
Opt for whimsical and durable organic cotton fitted sheets, available in a multitude of colours and designs
DON’T: Bumpers, Blankets and Pillows
Admittedly adorable and hard to resist, bumpers, blankets and pillows are not advisable in cribs for safety reasons. Loose blankets in the crib can cover your baby’s face and cause breathing problems
Use that beautiful quilt to decorate the end of the crib when your baby isn’t in it and lay out on the floor for playtime
Opt for a wearable and cuddly sleep sack to replace loose blankets which can interfere with baby’s breathing – these are do’s but they relate to the don’t
NICE-TO-HAVE: Crib Skirt
Complete your nursery with a coordinated crib skirt – ruffles, tulle, stripes or tassels – a charming way to add an accent to the nursery or to disguise under crib storage
LIGHTING
DO’S: Create Light Layers
Aim for 3 sources of light – ceiling fixture (chandelier or flush mount), table top and night light
Install dimmer switches and bulbs labeled soft-white
Control natural light by installing roller shades or blackout blinds to mimic nighttime
DONT’S: Bright Lights and Floor Lamps
Avoid harsh lighting as it can be over-stimulating for baby and make them uncomfortable and anxious
Floor lamps are a tipping hazard for curious babies and toddlers
NICE-TO-HAVE: Creative Lighting
Not all lighting needs to be task lighting. Enhance your nursery’s décor by casting a magical glow with lighting that provides visual interest – twinkling fairy lights or a starry night for the ceiling.