Baby Nursery

From LoveToKnow Baby

Have you seen pictures a darling baby nursery and wished you could create a room like that for your baby? Maybe those nurseries seem to be way out of your budget, or maybe you just don't have the room to be that extravagant. Maybe you simply doubt your own ability, but think again! You can create a lovely baby nursery, even if you have only limited space. After all, how much room does baby really need?

Space Challenged?

Well, you've just discovered that your household is increasing by one more (unless of course you're having a multiple birth!). Your house only has so many bedrooms, and they are all spoken for. Where in the world will you put your new little one? Believe it or not, you can find a space even if your house is a little space challenged. You may need to rearrange and even redecorate a little, but you'll discover that your baby really prefers to be with you all of the time anyway, so what's a little family closeness?

Sharing with Siblings

If you already have at least one other child, you might want to consider letting your new little one become your older child's roomie. After all, once the baby has grown into a toddler, he and your other child will become playmates and spend a lot of time together.

While your older child may not relish the idea of giving up part of his space to the new baby, you can help him adjust by making sure there are designated areas in his room that he can call his own. Let him help you plan where to put the baby crib, changing table, etc. You may need to let the new infant sleep in your room or the living room in a bassinet for the first few weeks, until she is sleeping better and to ensure that your older child gets a good night's rest. Eventually though, your two children should be able to adjust to sleeping together.

Sharing with Mom and Dad

You might as well face the fact that for the next few weeks and months, you may not get a lot of uninterrupted sleep at night. Some parents actually choose to have their infant sleep in the room with them, even if that baby has his own room. If you really don't have a choice, you don't have to let the baby and all of his necessary supplies take over your bedroom completely, however.

If you can free up a corner of your bedroom, you might want to purchase a decorative screen that can serve as a divider. You can place the crib and changing table (if you have room) behind the divider. This will keep baby from seeing you once he is old enough to look over the railing of his bed. If you only have room for the crib, look for another place to place the changing table, such as a hallway or bathroom. Clear off a couple of shelves either in your bedroom closet or the bath or hall closet, and place baby's clothing and accessories there.

Baby Nursery Decorating Disaster?

Are you worried that your baby's nursery will be a decorating disaster? You really shouldn't be concerned. With all of the wonderful baby items available, such as comforter sets and window treatments, you can almost certainly find something to fit your budget and your taste.

If you don't know what color to paint the room, take one of your baby's blankets or bumper pads to a home supply store and have the employees color match one of the colors to the paint. To embellish the room even more, you can add a pretty wallpaper border or peel-and-stick decorative stickers to create a lovely and easy mural for one or two walls.

Baby Nursery Furniture Finds

You don't have to spend a lot of money to furnish your child's nursery. In fact, all she really needs is a baby bed, changing area, and clothing storage. If you can afford a beautiful armoire or dresser, then that's great! However, there are lots of inexpensive storage options, so visit your local department and building supply stores to see the various selections that are available. Remember, make sure your baby's crib meets all of the safety standards. In fact, don't buy a used crib unless you know it will pass these safety standards.

Nothing is Permanent!

Finally, remember that you don't have to keep the nursery exactly the way you first decorated it. If you decide you don't like something, go ahead and change it. After all, before you know it, your adorable baby will be an active toddler and then a precocious preschooler. Change is inevitable, and your child's room will continue to evolve as he grows and matures!