Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Baby and Mommy Retreat

I have never been rich, I probably never will be, but just because my pocket book isn't overflowing with paper bills doesn't mean I have to settle for anything less then adorable when it comes to designing my children's nursery, and neither should anyone else.

Every new parent and child should have a room that is calming and peaceful.  When you are getting up in the middle of the night 2 to 3 or even more times, you want to go into a place that is still serene.  When you have to nurse every two hours, you want a sense of calm so you and your baby can bond like nature intended. When baby starts to grow up, you should be able to have their room grow with them with just a few minor changes.


I have decorated my own nursery two times now, and each time the room has become my favorite in the house because of how I feel when I am in it.  The colour green is considered to symbolize nature and the natural world, representing tranquility, good luck and health, and is known for its calming effect, who wouldn't want their baby to be surrounded by all that?  Researchers have also found that the colour green can improve reading ability and because it is easy on the eye has been found to improve vision, could it be that this had something to do with my first child reading novel sized books before her 5th birthday? however, she does wear glasses. Touche! :) In a nutshell, this is the color you want.

The presence of soft light is also a great thing to have in your nursery, a shade pendant provides a very soft diffused look in a nursery.  I have this in my nursery and the compliments that I get on it are wonderful, it also provide a good distraction for baby to focus on when I am changing her diaper.  A chandelier can give you the same effect, if the light fixture doesn't provide a soft glow, consider installing a light dimmer in the room. 

My preference for flooring is hardwood, if your walls are light, go with a darker floor and vice versa, it provides a nice contrast.  Wood floors cut down on dust, if you have a baby with allergies, it will help.  You might want to add an area rug just to have a space for baby to play on the floor that is soft and comfortable.

Babies sleep alot, so when choosing window coverings, choose something that will keep the light out, roman shades are a great choice and you can get them in all sorts of natural materials now the options are endless, just remember to baby proof any cords that may be left hanging.  If the roman shade is not for you then consider a two rodded system, where you can can have a sheer curtain which allows light in when you want it, but the second rod holds a heavier lined curtain to close up and keep the light out.

When buying furniture, do your research and find furniture that is going to grow with your child, an investment at birth that lasts throughout childhood and even through their teens is money well spent.  Many cribs now turn into daybeds or convert to single beds.  If anything you may just have to replace the bed, but all other items should be able to transition.

Last but not least. The rocking chair.  Moms? If you are like me, this will be your favorite piece of furniture, you will fall asleep in this chair, escape to collect yourself in this chair, read your baby books, sing them lullabies or simply just stare for hours into their eyes as you rock them back and forth.  My rocking chair has never failed me to console a sick baby or to put to sleep an over stimulated baby who is now beyond tired they are so frustrated they wont stop crying.  Make sure its comfortable, a wing type chair will let you curl up on it in so many contorted positions yet still keep you comfortable.  This item is for you, so give yourself this one thing, you deserve it for all you do.

Of course, the items in the style display are all very pricey, please just use them as a guide or idea on where you want to go.  Ikea is an amazing source to find affordable items to get a look similar to the one above without breaking your bank, kids are expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't have an  enjoyable place for you and baby.  Sweet dreams to you and your little ones.


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