New Year – New Baby

If your special gift for 2006 is going to be a new baby you may wish to take a little time to think about furnishing the nursery and there are several things to take into consideration:

• Sleep – this is obviously the main function of a nursery so it is important to ensure that the baby’s crib offers security and safety and is large enough to accommodate the child until he/she is ready to move into a bed.
• Play becomes more necessary as your baby grows so be sure to allow space for this in planning the layout.
• Cuddling is another important function and this can be easily accomplished with the addition of a comfortable rocking chair.  Add a small side table and you have a place to hold pacifiers, bottles or other necessities when you are rocking the baby.
• Storage – either a closet or chest of drawers is important but if space is at a premium why not combine a changing table with shelves and cupboards to make a functional unit.
• Nursery décor.  Many parents select the décor based on whether their child is girl or boy but if you have chosen not to be advised of your baby’s sex there is still a vast array of colours and designs that will be appropriate.  Create a room that will grow with your child by beginning with the basics and adding interesting elements that the child will appreciate as he/she develops. Keeping up with the latest trends can be expensive and exhausting so save yourself money by preparing a good foundation and adding colourful accessories as your budget permits. 
• For example, use paint instead of expensive wallpaper and create patterns such as stripes or geometric shapes to give the room a bright, cheerful feeling. 
• Choose durable flooring in a neutral colour, definitely avoiding patterned coverings that can become dated.  

Remember that when your child outgrows the original nursery décor, window treatments, area rugs, bedding and furniture paint can be changed easily and inexpensively to create a whole new look.

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