Having a baby is a time full of excitement, joy and anxiety. One thing you can do ahead of time is prepare a room for the new baby. Many parents have the newborn sleeping with them for the first few months, for easier feeding and tending. Eventually you will want to move the child into his own room. This will give you privacy and much needed rest, and will also build your child's self-confidence.
Step 1
Completely empty the room. Paint the walls with soft paint colors as they are more soothing; reserve bright colors for outside the sleeping environment.
Step 2
Replace old broadloom with wood, manufactured laminate or low-emission vinyl floor goods. These are preferred as they do not hold dust and are easy to clean. The same considerations can be applied to window coverings. Replace old fabric drapes with shutters or blinds, which can help darken the room.
Step 3
Buy a crib once the baby has outgrown the bassinet. Purchase a dresser or chest of drawers to hold clothing, bath, grooming supplies and diapers. This can be combined with a changing table surface, where dressing and diaper changing will occur. Place a diaper disposal container nearby.
A comfortable chair for midnight feedings is essential, as is a small light with a dimmer so you can see where you are going without disturbing the baby. Low shelves for book and toy storage will keep clutter to a minimum.
Step 4
Look for anything that could be unsafe. Cover electrical outlets with special covers available in baby departments. Fasten any loose wires from lamps etc. securely to the wall or edge of the floor using U-shaped clips. Window guards should be installed on upper floors of multistory homes so the window can only be opened a few inches.
Step 5
Decorate with non-adhesive wall/window decals. They are easy to remove and an inexpensive way to change the look of the room. Placed stuffed animals and toys your baby will receive on the shelves. Later these can be replaced with books as your child grows. Plug in your baby monitor.
Tips and Warnings
- Use nontoxic, fast drying, low emission paint with a washable eggshell or semi-gloss finish. If using an upholstered chair, purchase stain-resistant fabric or slipcover. Use inexpensive baby-themed items to decorate and purchase good quality classic design furniture that will "grow" with the child.
- Any room that has not been painted since 1978 may have lead in the paint. Walls and all trim should be inspected and old paint removed before repainting. If using vertical or mini blinds, be sure that the cords are fastened to the wall or tied up out of reach. Cut any loops on the blind cords to prevent a young child from getting caught in them. New mini-blinds should have a label that says "new formulation" or "non-leaded formula." Cribs should be safety certified to current standards. Do not use old cribs, which may be painted with a lead-based paint or have slats that are choking hazards. Place lamps or nightlights away from drapes or bedding where they could start a fire. Cool LED night lights are best. Loose rugs are not recommended. If you use one, be sure it has a non-slip backing. Attach low bookshelf to the wall utilizing L-shaped brackets.
Things You'll Need
- Paint
- Window covering
- Crib
- Dresser/change table
- Diaper disposal container
- Upholstered or rocking chair
- Low bookshelf
- Electrical outlet covers
- U-shaped wire clips
- Window guards
- Small lamp with dimmer
- Baby monitor
