As a two-time mother, I can tell you that it didn’t take me long after finding out I was pregnant to start visualising my children’s nursery!
Don’t worry, whether it took you very long to slowly set up or even if you chose to wait until just before your due date, I won’t judge you. But at some point, the “perfect” nursery was an image that came into your mind.
Initially, my ideas revolved around pretty zoo animals, and I could just imagine how cute the nursery would look with a tall giraffe embracing its own baby. But not long after, my mind had shifted to having a more elegant look encompassing modern day baby art and décor.
In retrospect, if I had known all that I know now, I would have rather spent my precious time and often sleepless nights researching crib mattresses and white noise machines.
At the end of the day, when it comes to nurseries, the best and only advice I will offer is…
Dark, cool, comfortable, and boring AND THAT IS IT!
As an expecting mom, I know how tempting it is to invest in those adorable yet pricey mobiles, or fluffy unicorns and custom wall art. After all, what baby wouldn’t want to drift off to sleep surrounded by an abundance of fluffy things and cuteness?
This may surprise you, but most babies couldn’t care less!
Although we often assume these are the things that would make bedtime less of a struggle, the contrary is true and, in this case, less is more.
So, let’s have a look at the ideal nursery set up that will support you in getting your little one sleeping well.
1. Darkness
Not what you’d expect, but the nursery area should be completely dark!
To ensure you’re not getting any light in, you may want to invest in some blackout blinds/ curtains or even get some garbage bags to cover the windows.
Limiting light will not only help during bedtime, but for daytime naps as well.
2. Cool
Ensure your baby’s nursery is cool. Expects suggest keeping the temperature between 21°C – 23°C.
My advice, always follow your child’s cues as some of us tend to prefer different temperatures. A warm, comfortable sleep sack will work wonders in a cooler room which will lead to better sleep for everyone involved.
3. Comfortable
As babies spend most of their time sleeping, it should be a given that their mattress provides comfort. My advice is to ensure you’re doing some proper research around the best mattress for your child.
4. Boring
Those beautiful nurseries that are featured in magazines and on TV are usually not sleep friendly!
Although beautiful, they provide numerous distractions which cause unnecessary sources of stimulation as well as become distracting at bedtime. The area should preferably be painted in a neutral tone, with only the necessities such as a changing table, chair for parents and crib.
I know this is definitely not what you may have wanted to hear but if you’re serious about helping our little one sleep well, this is the recipe for just that.
And if, after all this you’re still struggling, why not hop onto a call with me and let’s see how I can support you.
PS: as your kids get older, you will have ample opportunities to enjoy all those cute Disney characters! EVERYWHERE!