Create a soothing space with light tones and pastel colours.
BABY ON THE WAY?
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Nursery tips
f you have a baby on the way, creating a nursery might be a priority. While the choice of pink for girls and blue for boys is still popular, there are many other suitable colour options to build on. Consider the following tips: • A soft, neutral palette: Create a soothing space with light tones and pastel colours (other than pink or blue) such as ivory or cream, seafoam green, lavender or lemon. On the other hand, innovative parents might go with a bolder colour but use softtoned decals for contrast or, alternatively use a nursery rhyme or fairytale theme for a feature wall. Be sure to use eco-friendly paint that doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). • Druable Flooring: Strong materials such as bamboo, cork and vinyl will provide a comfortable and practical play surface for your infant. Avoid flooring with a glossy finish as it will highlight every scratch and imperfection. A soft rug makes a
42 — Design and Build South East — 2020-2021
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nice addition to the space, and there are colours and designs for every taste. An ergonomic chair: A comfortable place to feed, soothe and read to your baby is essential. Opt for a rocking chair, glider or simply one with sufficient padding. For those 3 a.m. wake-up calls, treat yourself to a rocking ottoman as well so you’ll have a place to rest your feet. A versatile changing table: An increasing number of vendors now offer multipurpose changing tables which double as a dresser or bookcase. In addition to being an attractive piece of furniture, you’ll have plenty of storage space for clothes and toys as your child gets older. What about a bookcase? Apart from a changing table and perhaps a dresser, a separate bookcase is a good idea. These days children from a young age tend to accumulate a multitude of educational and fun books to aid their development. A safe place to sleep: Before purchasing a new or second-hand bassinet, and perhaps a cot for down the track, make
sure they meet safety standards. Things to consider are having a tight-fitting mattress and bars that are no more than six centimetres apart. Ensure your bassinet is stable and won’t be easily knocked over by a boisterous dog or enthusiastic sibling. If choosing a cane bassinet ensure inner sides are lined with fabric to avoid scratches from the cane. Drop-side cots can be dangerous so, perhaps, look for an alternative. • The finishing touches: Install a roller blind or block out curtains to make nap time easier, have a baby monitor so you can keep a check on baby when you are in another room, include a table lamp or night light and add colourful and interesting additions such as a roof-hung or cotattached mobile, a music box, acitivity centre, and a baby bouncer or Jolly Jumper to hang from a door frame. Finally, a few soft toys and you’re done but don’t forget a toy basket or box to stow toys when they are done with and, therefore, avoid the possibility of a dangerous fall.
