Many new parents are worried that they will never be able to truly relax once they have children. They will constantly be awoken in the night and never have a chance to spend some time relaxing. This is a fear that a lot of people see come true; babies (and older children) need a lot of care and attention.
However, something that can help wonderfully is designing a serene nursery for your baby. When you do this, you’ll find that your baby sleeps much better, and that means you can too. You’ll still have plenty to do, but if you’re all sleeping well, that will certainly help. With that in mind, here are some useful tips on how to design a serene nursery that will benefit everyone in the household.
Choose A Soothing Colour Palette
The colours you choose for the nursery will have a profound impact on creating a serene atmosphere. Opt for soft and soothing shades that promote relaxation and tranquillity, such as pastel hues like mint green, lavender, and baby blue. These are excellent choices as they create a sense of calmness and serenity.
In addition to pastels, neutral tones such as beige, ivory, or gentle greys can provide a calming backdrop for the nursery. These shades provide a neutral canvas that works well with various accent colours and decor choices, allowing you to experiment and add personal touches without overwhelming the space.
When choosing the colour palette, consider using paints or wallpaper with low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) to promote a healthier indoor environment for your baby. This ensures that the nursery remains a safe and serene haven, free from harmful chemicals.
Natural Light
Maximising natural light in the nursery can definitely create a serene and peaceful ambiance. One way to do this is to avoid heavy curtains or blinds that could completely block out the light, as natural sunlight has numerous benefits for both babies and adults alike. Embracing light and airy window treatments will allow soft, diffused light to come into the space, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Consider installing sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds that strike a balance between privacy and natural light. These window treatments allow sunlight to gently filter through, filling the nursery with enough natural light.
While natural light is beneficial during the day, it’s also essential to create a conducive sleeping environment for nap times and bedtime. Installing blackout curtains or blinds can help block out excessive light, ensuring that your baby can rest peacefully in a darkened room. These light-blocking window treatments can be easily drawn when it’s time for your little one to sleep, providing a calm and soothing environment that promotes deep and uninterrupted rest which is ideal.
Comfortable And Safe Furnishings
Creating a serene nursery relies heavily on selecting comfortable and safe furnishings that promote relaxation and wellbeing for your baby. Here are some examples:
- Cot and mattress: Invest in a cot that meets safety standards and offers a cosy and secure sleeping space for your little one. Choose a mattress that is comfortable and supportive, providing the right level of firmness to promote healthy sleep. Opt for a breathable design and ensure that the mattress fits properly within the cot, minimising the risk of injury.
- Glider or rocking chair: A comfortable seating option, such as a glider or rocking chair, is perfect for soothing moments with your baby. Look for a chair that provides plenty of cushioning and support for your back and arms, ensuring the most comfort during feeding, cuddling, or reading time. The gentle motion of a rocking chair can also help calm and relax your baby.
- Soft and organic bedding: Choose soft and gentle bedding made from organic and hypoallergenic materials. Organic cotton sheets and blankets are not only soothing against your baby’s delicate skin but also free from harmful chemicals.
- Baby mats: Incorporate baby mats into the nursery to create a comfortable and safe play area for your little one. These mats provide a cushioned surface for tummy time, crawling, and exploring. Look for playmats online with adequate padding and a non-slip bottom to ensure stability and prevent accidents. On top of this, consider mats with interactive features, such as sensory elements or educational designs, to engage your baby during playtime.
Remember to regularly inspect and take care of the furnishings to ensure their safety, and so they continue to work well.
Declutter And Organise
A clutter-free nursery is essential for creating a serene atmosphere that promotes calmness and tranquillity by keeping the space tidy and organised. One great way to do this is to ensure you have plenty of storage in the room. This could include baskets, shelves, or perhaps built-in cabinets where you can store baby essentials, bedding, and toys, for example.
It’s also useful to divide the nursery items into categories and give them specific storage spaces for each category. For example, you can have separate areas for nappies, wipes, creams, clothing, and toys. Use labels to identify the contents of each storage container, making it easier to find items quickly when you need them.
Even if you start off neat and tidy, things can soon get messy, which is why regular decluttering is a good idea. As your baby grows, they outgrow certain toys, clothes, or equipment. When this happens, you can donate or pass them on to someone who can benefit from them; you don’t have to hold onto them (although it can be hard to let them go).
Nature-Inspired Elements
Bringing elements of nature into the nursery is a wonderful way to create a soothing and serene environment for your baby. By incorporating natural elements, you can create an early connection with the outdoors and give the space a sense of tranquillity at the same time.
One way to do this could be to have plants in the nursery. If you do this, use plants like snake plants (Sansevieria) or peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), as they are known for their ability to remove toxins from the air. The key thing to do is make sure they are out of reach of your little one, just to be on the safe side.
Another idea is to hang nature-themed artwork on the walls to bring the beauty of the outdoors into the nursery. Choose serene and gentle artwork depicting landscapes, animals, or natural elements like trees, flowers, or clouds. Watercolor or soft pastel paintings can create a peaceful and dreamy atmosphere.
Of course, you can also choose furniture and decor made from natural materials. Consider wooden cots, dressers, or shelving units that bring warmth and earthy tones to the nursery. Natural fibres like cotton or linen for bedding and curtains can help too.
