Designing and decorating a nursery for a new baby can take up to several months, depending on the scope of your plan. To make sure that the room is ready in time for the baby's arrival, begin this project as soon as possible. Planning ahead ensures that the nursery will be fresh and ready long before the projected due date. Once the baby is born, you will likely be too busy to add those last-minute touches.
Versatile Colors
Think ahead when choosing a color scheme for your baby's nursery and you won't need to repaint the room for several years. A versatile paint color will continue to be appropriate as your baby grows into a young child. If you don't know whether you are having a boy or a girl, some gender-neutral colors include orange, green, aqua and purple. Instead of adding a cute border or animal mural, Home and Garden Television suggests adding removable wall decals to the walls, as they are easy to update to match your child's changing tastes.
Eco-Paint
Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to chemicals and fumes released from household products. In addition, Mother Earth News recommends that pregnant women should also avoid inhaling paint fumes, as the volatile organic compounds---VOCs--found in regular paints can enter the mother's bloodstream and cross the placenta. Eco-friendly paints are a good option, as they don't release VOCs into the home.
Healthy Flooring
Like paint, flooring presents similar environmental risks. If you plan to cover the existing floor of your nursery to muffle noise, consider non-toxic carpet choices. For this purpose, Martha Stewart advises purchasing natural rugs made from sisal, wool or organic cotton. Having the wall-to-wall carpet tacked down, rather than glued down with a toxic adhesive, will further reduce your baby's exposure to pollutants.
Visual Stimulation
Your overall goal while decorating the nursery may be to create a soothing environment for you and your baby. However, be sure to add some visually stimulating elements to help your infant's development. Newborn babies can see objects best that are very close to them, as well as high-contrast patterns. Look for crib mobiles that feature black and white and other bold color combinations.
