Here are some tips to help you get your baby in the right spot, whether you’re pregnant or planning to have your baby run around.
15 tips to create the perfect room for your child:
1. Remember that this is your home, your nest, and you are right there as a mother.
Sorry moms, this is a partially DIY wall (on the left is the embroidery, and on the right is the picture, and the center is something I put together with fabric pictures, and my own caps.)
2. Like everything else related to parenting – advice may be welcome, but it may also annoy you, so take it only when you want it.
3. Choose a theme, but try not to make it too complicated. It can be based on something as simple as a crib mobile that you love, a color shade, or a Disney character you have always loved. If your child is older, you can buy what he likes (though keep in mind that kids outgrow toys faster than their clothes). I chose Mickey Mouse because I love Disney and I also thought it was reusable with my next baby since I only have to add a bow for a girl.
4. Your theme doesn’t have to mean just buying Mickey Mouse stuff, you can do more! But you can be creative and try to match the colors and patterns instead of increasing the value to Disney (or whoever).
5. Look for one-of-a-kind items – not necessarily at Tiffany’s, it could even be a small thing you find at a thrift store (and then thoroughly clean). These can be worked on your theme to fit it into your theme, or simply add them around the room for character.
6. Choose your bedding, curtains and wallpaper (if any). If these go with your theme, there’s no need to match anything else. For example, if you’re doing a classic theme, and choose to match your bedding, and curtains, all you need to do is add an interesting lamp or a stand-out piece on the wall.
7. Play with your baby’s name. You chose it for a reason so use it to personalize the room.
8. DIY – I know these are the most hated letters in every mom’s dictionary. However, you don’t really need to sit down and create something tedious for your child. Check out Etsy (for those in the US), or Pearson’s personalized frames, and you can make one with your baby’s shoes, clothes, foot/hand prints, hospital bracelets, or anything without doing much.
9. Think outside the box..think inside sometimes! Use clear boxes to store items around the room that may be plain, but can really brighten up your space..like, cool! Even rattles or small toys can be stored this way.
10. Collect the book. There’s no better way to get your child interested in reading than to place books at a level where he can reach them. They will naturally be curious to know what’s there and how to get to the bookshelf. However, keep in mind that for your children, board books are a better choice.
11. Make comfortable seating arrangements – for you and your little one. Be it a nursing chair, or a simple stool that your baby can sit on while reading a book, or wearing his shoes, it will add functionality and style to your room.
12. Use photos of your little one in the room – she’ll enjoy these when she’s older but you’ll always enjoy them.
13. Leave aside functionality and think about fun – what your child will really enjoy in their room.
14. Make it night-friendly – add nightlights, lamps (not sturdy floor lamps), or even glow-in-the-dark stars (don’t worry they don’t shine brightly for long at night).
15. Encourage your creativity and you may find that it will be your favorite corner in the house.
Attention parents to all the other pet creatures around: Don’t forget to add a little something for your beloved pet, even if it’s just a water bowl and a pillow to let them know they’re always welcome.