Bossa Design: How To Design A Baby Nursery

Decorating a baby nursery (also known as a baby's room or bedroom) can be a somewhat daunting prospect, especially if this is your first child. There are so many decisions to make, but so little time. Don't stress - baby nursery design can be fun, if you take it one step at a time.

HERE'S THE STEPS...

Childproof the room. Think about it all the way through the design process - safety should be your primary concern.
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Consider your budget. It's easy to want the best for the baby, and for some parents that may include providing a beautiful, new, well-coordinated nursery, but remember that it won't matter to the baby whether the area rug matches with the curtains. Stains are a fact of life, so focus on buying things that are functional first, beautiful second. When the baby spits up and has accidents, you want to focus on the child, not on how those sheets you spent so much money on are ruined.
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Measure the room and write the measurements on a small card you can carry in your wallet. You will need these measurements when you go shopping for furniture, paint, etc. And if you happen to see something nice at a flea market you did not expect to visit, you can reach into your pocket for the measurement information.

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Plan the layout.
- Put the crib close to the entrance so that you don't have to walk around things or risk tripping over something when you come for the baby in the middle of the night. Avoid putting the crib right next to the window, where there might be drafts.
- Put the changing table close to the crib. When the baby has wet accidents, you don't want to carry him or her across the room.
- If there is a window, think about putting the rocking chair or glider next to it so you can look outside.
  
  If there is a window, think about putting the rocking chair or glider next to it so you can look outside. You could also get yourself a nice comfortable rocking recliner. By this window, make sure to get some contrasting curtains that go with the wall color to protect the baby from any bright light. Add a block out blind to help your baby sleep well during the day if the sun shines directly into the window.
- Estimate how much storage you'll need, and create twice as much.
  
  Estimate how much storage you'll need, and create twice as much. The baby will accumulate more items than you may think. Do not place any shelving above the crib, where either the shelving or the things on the shelves might jostle and fall onto the baby.
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Select a baby crib.

Select a baby crib. The crib will form the focal point of your baby nursery. Take your time and choose wisely. Shape, style, finish and durability are among the factors you should consider. Be sure the slats of the crib are vertical, so the baby will be less likely to use the slats for climbing out. And be sure the slats are close enough together as not to allow the baby to get his or her head stuck. An easy guideline for this measurement: if a standard size soda can fits through the slats, they are too far apart. Newer models will incorporate both of these features, but if you using an old crib, you have to think about these things.
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Find baby nursery furniture to complement your crib. Essential furniture items include: a baby changing table; a very comfortable chair; a night stand or table, a nursery hamper and a clock if you are planning to breastfeed. Important safety note: Except for the chair, it is very important to secure all furniture to the wall. Your child will be old enough to pull down on an open drawer faster than you think. It is best to secure everything when you put it in the room. You can do this either with a strong nylon strap or an L bracket. First find a stud in the wall behind the piece of furniture. You can do this by taping with a hammer or by using an inexpensive stud finder. Chose a position on the upper side or top of the furniture where you can secure the strap or bracket to the stud.
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Choose your near-bed-time lighting.

Choose your near-bed-time lighting. It may be a good idea to switch off all lights in the room once the baby has been put in the crib, due to recent studies. (See link at bottom.) A dimmer switch, sconce, chandelier or nightlight - they are all among your options. Choose more than one if you like. Make sure you run any necessary wiring now before you start painting.
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Choose some flooring. Do you want it to match the rest of your home? Do you or your spouse have a history of allergies? If so, your baby might be susceptible too. Take this into account when you make your choice. Wall to wall carpet can harbor allergens, so a hardwood floor with a removable rug (which can be cleaned) might be your best bet.
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Work out a color scheme. This will be influenced by your nursery theme if you have chosen one. If you don't know the baby's gender, favor neutral colors like cream, yellow, beige, and pale green. Decide also whether or not you would like to decorate with a nursery theme. Anything goes, from cowboys to flowers, pirates to butterflies, or something more modern, such as blocks or stripes. Also consider how the room will be used in the future. Will you need to repaint the room once the child outgrows the theme?
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Hang decorations.

Hang decorations. It's time for that great baby nursery shopping spree you've been waiting for. Choose a mural, picture, and bedding. Buy stuff, sew stuff, glue stuff. Assemble the furniture in the nursery, if possible, so you don't have any issues with large items not fitting through the doorway. Let the room come alive. Remember to add essential equipment to your baby nursery:
- A baby monitor to know when your baby gets upset.
- Diapers, wipes, ointment, burp cloths, receiving blankets, backup outfits, and a toy or two in or near the changing table.
- Garbage can (or a diaper disposal system that minimizes the smell) next to the changing table.
- Beginning toys to play with, like rattles, teddy bears, or a mobile.