Designing a Restful Nursery for New Parents
Designing a Restful Nursery for New Parents
This may be an exciting time to bring your baby home, but sometimes it can all just feel a bit overwhelming with all the sleepless nights and new routines.
Sliding into parenthood is best done with a restful nursery—a space both for you and your little one.
A good, well-designed nursery is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about setting up the scenes for peaceful nights and calm days.
Read on for tips for designing a restful nursery for new parents.
Prioritize Comfort for Both Baby and Parents
A nursery has to be functional, but it must feel cozy and inviting to the parents who will log many hours within it.
Seating should include a comfortable chair or glider where feeding sessions can take place. That way, cuddles will abound, or a place to take a quick breather from the action.
Add in a soft throw blanket and a small side table for the essentials: bottles, snacks, or to read that special book during the late-night feedings.
And let’s not forget sleeping!
While the crib will remain your baby’s major sleeping point, adding a guest bed or a daybed to the nursery is a thoughtful idea.
This creates a nook for mom and dad during those long and sleepless nights or for those visitors who’ll want to linger close by when coming to help you.
A stop at a mattress store will quickly provide you with just the daybed or a compact mattress fitting into the space without sacrificing comfort.
Choose Soothing Colours and Décor
A correct color palette will work magic in creating a soothing tone within the nursery. Go for soft and low-toned colors, such as pastel shades or earthy tones, or classic neutrals.
These colors are considered to be restful and will not overexcite your baby.
Soft wall art, a rug for coziness, and functional furniture should be accessories added only when needed.
Leaving the room uncluttered not only gives it a peaceful environment but also makes it easy to navigate during nighttime feedings or diaper changes.
Light the Space Thoughtfully
The nursery can be a haven of rest with the help of lighting. Block out sunlight from daytime naps with blackout curtains, and dimmable lights or a nightlight for soft light at night.
A small table lamp near the feeding chair would provide just enough light for late-night tasks without waking the baby.
In this way, the room would be very soothing and would easily transition from day to night.
Make the Most of Functional Storage
Ah, yes, newborns are small, but their stuff occupies a lot! Invest in smart storage solutions to keep the nursery organized and stress-free.
Employ baskets for toys, shelves for books, and drawer dividers for baby clothes and diapers.
A neat space is not only visually soothing, but also makes it easier to find what you need in a pinch.
Don’t Forget About Yourself
It’s so easy to devote all your time and energy to the baby, but you do have to look after yourself too. Adding just a few little personal touches will help you feel a sense of ease when you’re in the nursery.
Add a family photo, perhaps a favorite candle (for times when baby’s not in the room), and/or a sound machine.
Pair it with a comfortable guest bed or daybed courtesy of a nearby mattress store to make sure you’re not sacrificing rest for the tending of your little one.
A Space to Grow Together
It’s not all about the baby gear and decor in designing a restful nursery. It’s actually creating a nurturing environment for the growing family.
With smart choices of furniture, color, and storage, you can set the stage for those early moments to go as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
When you take your baby’s comfort and your own into consideration, you’ll have a space that is truly restful.
Because, as any new parent will tell you, a peaceful start makes all the difference.
Do you have any tips for designing a restful nursery for new parents?
Let me know, til then—cheers m’deres!
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
