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By Steve Cook
So, what’s it gonna be...a boy or a girl? There’s probably
nothing more exciting than the anticipation of having the
pitter patter of little feet in the household. Whether it’s
your first or you already have some pitter-pattering going
on, this is a very special time.
Today’s expectant parents have the advantage of access to the Internet,
which is teeming with websites devoted to providing great ideas in
helping you prepare the perfect nursery. If you haven’t already done so,
it would be beneficial to create a personal checklist to ensure that you
don’t overlook any of the essentials. As you prepare your checklist, you
may wish to categorize your ideas under three primary headings: What
do you need to ensure that your nursery is FUN, FUNCTIONAL and
SAFE. We’ll examine each area individually.
CREATING A NURSERY THAT
WILL BE FUN FOR BABY AND PARENTS
Part of the fun in designing your baby’s nursery is choosing the theme.
If you choose to learn the gender of your child, it may help in choosing
the theme. But even if you’d rather wait and let him or her surprise you,
there are a number of themes that would go well regardless of your
child’s gender.
Since, especially during those formative years, your baby’s personality, its
likes and dislikes, will to a large extent be shaped by you, why not choose
a theme that both Mom and Dad enjoy? If the family vacations by the sea,
an ocean theme may be perfect. If you
grew up enjoying Sesame Street, chances
are your child will do likewise.
Another important reason to select a
theme that appeals to you, is that you’ll
probably be living with that theme for
the next several years. For a number
of reasons, it makes sense to choose a
theme that can easily accommodate the
transition from infant to toddler, to adolescence.
To add to your baby’s enjoyment, the
nursery should stimulate his or her senses.
Bright, primary colors and varying
geometrical shapes provide such stimulation.
As the baby begins to develop hand
and eye coordination, toys that produce
a sound such as a bell, or a tune, can be rewarding and enjoyable. However, don’t think you need every beeping,
whirring, flashing toy or gadget in order to stimulate your child. Nothing
provides the needed stimulation nearly as well as holding your baby close,
whispering to him or her and singing a soft lullaby. Even if you can’t carry
a tune, your voice will be oh, so beautiful to your baby.
MAKING THE NURSERY FUNCTIONAL
If you have other children, you’ve learned from experience that what
may look trendy isn’t necessarily the most functional. If you don’t have
any previous experience, here are some practical suggestions from those
who’ve been there, done that before.
Place your crib close to the door. Tip-toeing in to check on baby in the
middle of the night shouldn’t be fraught with the possibilities of tripping
over or banging into other furnishings. And, right next to the crib, should
be the changing table. A baby who needs changing isn’t a baby you want
to be carrying across the room.
Will there be a rocking chair? If so, consider placing it by the window, to
provide a view of the outside world as you rock the baby. Better yet, since
you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in that chair, why not consider
something more comfortable, such as a rocking recliner?
And don’t forget storage space. One professional designer of nurseries
suggests that you determine how much storage space you’ll need for your
baby’s supplies as well as toys, and then double it. You’ll be surprised at
how fast things can accumulate.
KEEPING THE BABY SAFE
Obviously, safety factors outweigh all
others. For starters, acquaint yourself with the
publications of the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (www.cpsc.gov) Check out their
list of publications. Much is available on such
vital topics as cribs, safe sleeping tips, and
playpens. Other helpful websites can be found
using Google. It would be wise to consult such
sites prior to purchasing anything for the baby.
And, while ensuring your child’s safety is paramount,
don’t let the much publicized warnings
you’ll discover frighten you. Sure, be safety conscious.
Anticipate potential problems, and take
necessary steps to safeguard your child.
But don’t forget to enjoy. This should be one
of the most exciting, thrilling times of your life.
Take delight in the planning and the preparation.
But most importantly, take the time to
enjoy those early formative days, weeks, and
months. Before you know it, you’ll be deciding
what to do with that extra room now that
junior has a place of his own. |
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