Designing the Nursery
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There are numerous things to consider before beginning the project of designing your baby's nursery. Of course by the time you are thinking about how to decorate the nursery, you will already have decided which room will actually be turning into that nursery. Right? You haven't? All right, there are a few things to consider then, if you have more than one room from which to choose.
Tip #1
Babies sleep a lot. You will not want the nursery to be next to a room that gets a lot of traffic and noise constantly. (Of course, this is for if you actually have a choice of rooms. If there is only one possible choice for a room either don't fret about it or do some rearranging.)
Tip #2
Be sure that your own room will be close enough that you will be able to hear the baby during the night. If this is not possible, be sure to invest in one of the better baby monitors to keep near you when you sleep so that you will be able to hear baby sounds from the nursery.
Tip #3
If the baby will be sharing your bedroom for a little while in the beginning, clear the space for the temporary nursery. Experts agree for the most part that having the baby in your room for the first month or so is acceptable, especially if the nursery is not going to be close to your own room.
Now that you have a room, it's time to begin the design process...
Colors
Choose a color scheme. Don't worry about the customary colors because "anything goes" these days. Pick up a baby or pregnancy magazine or two for ideas if you need help in deciding. Avoid too much white - studies have shown that babies need color for stimulation. At the same time, don't go too bright as this can overload baby's senses - save the bright colors for toys and accessories. It is ideal to use a non-toxic paint as the chemicals in paint can be toxic to pregnant women. Otherwise, be sure the room is well ventilated.
Now that the basics are done - walls, carpet etc. it's time for the fun stuff - furniture and accessories!
Before you buy your crib, make sure there hasn't been any recent recalls on the model. Once you have the furniture basics, fill the room up with the necessary accessories. You'll need a nightlight for those midnight changings and feedings, a diaper trash and a glider or rocking chair. Part of decorating the nursery is stocking it, too. Start buying things the baby will need at least a couple of weeks before your due date - just to be on the safe side.