Pamela deVries
FOR BRANT NEWS

One of the most exciting rooms you can decorate is a baby nursery.

Even if your mate doesn’t care what the rest of your home looks like, they usually take interest in this room.

Creating a nursery is one of the first big steps in parenthood.

With the help of modern technology, knowing the sex of your baby makes it even easier to create a “theme” nursery for a specific look.

Most people start with the crib. Being one of the key items in the room, choose wisely.

First, make a projected budget. This should be one of the most expensive items in the room. Second, are you hoping to have more children and if so how soon? This eliminates the need for a dual bed that converts.

It makes more sense to buy a decent crib to move through all your children than to have two or three transitional cribs that only last a few years. However, some higher end transitional cribs look fabulous as both crib and bed without the residual “baby” look lingering on.

The mattress is also an important item to spend on. Our mattress was expensive, however, it lasted two families without any sagging.

A dressing table is another necessity. Some people just use the crib and this works for a bit, but watch out for the sneak attack during diaper change.

I myself used a desk. I placed a thick change pad on top and there was plenty of room for a basket with items on top and storage drawers. Plus, it was easily convertible furniture that is still in use.

I suggest a chest of drawers. It is a great tabletop for your lamp, baby monitor and a source of music. Personally, I count music a must. Babies love soft music.

A cozy chair for feeding is another essential and should be dual parent approved. You’ll both be using it a lot.

Mobiles are decorative and keep baby amused. I prefer the ceiling-hung version, as it won’t need to be moved away from tiny hands as quickly as the crib-mounted version.

Quality window coverings ensure a dark room for sound sleeping day or night. Keep in mind the regulations on pull cords if you place your crib near the window.

A decorative area rug 
is helpful in cases where you don’t have wall-to-wall carpet. This gives a soft 
surface to place the baby on in a pinch, as well as a soft landing for early walkers like my kids, who both learned to escape the crib like acrobats before they were one.

Colour selections are unlimited. Try and incorporate them into bedding, artwork, window coverings and accessories.

Simple planning will help you enjoy your new nursery and baby.

Pamela deVries is a certified interior decorator, www.pameladevriesdesigns.com.