Many parents choose to decorate a baby's nursery in a gender-neutral theme. A systematic review by the Cochrane Collaboration found that there is no clear benefit to having a routine ultrasound during pregnancy, and many obstetricians and midwives shy away from tests to determine a baby's gender unless it is medically necessary. Some parents may know the child's sex, but they chose a gender-neutral nursery theme to avoid stereotyping the unborn baby. There are some gender-neutral themes for you to consider for decorating your child's nursery.
Primary Colors
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies learn to see red, black and white before any other colors. If you decorate your baby's room using red, blue, yellow, black and white, you will provide him with visual stimulation in addition to a fashionable decor. Choose simple, abstract wall-art with geometric shapes to give this theme a modern, edgy style.
Jungle
Many stores offer decorations involving exotic animals such as tigers, zebras, elephants and leopards. The predominant tones of a jungle-themed room include gender-neutral colors such as green and orange. For a relatively mature theme, seek realistic but brightly colored images as wall art. Alternatively, use cute cartoon-style animal imagery. A vine mural and live plants--placed away from baby's reach--can make this hip theme even more enjoyable.
Tropical Fish
Exotic tropical fish are a colorful option for decorating a unisex nursery. Use fish-themed mobiles, appliqués and bedding with blue and green nursery paint to create a fun, aquatic-themed environment for your little one. A real or simulated aquarium can enhance this theme and give your newborn an automatic nightlight and an interesting source of educational entertainment.
Farm
Use baby-friendly agricultural images, including lambs, calves and barns, to make a farm-themed nursery. Bedding, mobiles and wall-art featuring farm scenes are not specific to any gender. If you find this theme too masculine for a girl, include images of flowers or baby animals.
Nursery Rhymes
This classic theme utilizes popular imagery from nursery rhymes. Many bedding sets and appliqués display pictures of cows jumping over a moon or mice running up a clock. Nursery rhyme decor is appropriate for both genders and can be matched to almost any color scheme.
