subject: Nursery Decor : Choosing the Right Look for your Little One [print this page] Nursery Decor : Choosing the Right Look for your Little One
Is the new baby going to share a room?
While every parent would love the opportunity to shop for nursery decor and build an entire "baby wing" from scratch, the simple truth is many new arrivals will have to share a space with a sibling. But that doesn't mean you can't create a space that will keep both children (and mom) happy with their new surroundings.
The key here is not to dismiss the older child's wants in favor of nursery decor that you feel will best suit the baby. You want big brother or sister to be excited for the arrival of your family's new arrivalnot resentful of the tiny tike that stole their bedroom! Take the sibling with you on shopping trips, ask their opinion on colors and patterns, and make sure that they still have a space to call their own.
Are you going to have a central theme?
For many parents, this is one of the toughest parts of deciding on the right nursery decor. Having a theme makes it easier to decorate your newborn's space, as you can buy bedding and accessories that all match perfectly. Other parents prefer to forgo the thematic decorating altogether and instead choose to simply design their nursery dcor around a color scheme or a fun mix of prints and shapes.
If doing the theme thing sounds right for you and your bundle of joy, remember to think long term. Try to avoid designing your nursery around a movie or toy that's new or just recently gained popularity. You'll want something with staying power. Even better, consider a theme that will carry your little one past their baby years and into young childhood. Sports, animals, fairies, princesses, and nature are all themes that make for beautiful nursery decor todayand an awesome kiddie bedroom later.
What's a good place to saveand where should you splurge?
Let's face ithaving a baby is an expensive adventure. After Lamaze classes, maternity jeans, 6 months worth of diapers, and those itty bitty little baby clothes, the last thing you (or your wallet) want to think about is shelling out a paycheck or two for nursery decor.
But there are ways to soften the economic blow. A good rule to keep in mind is to spend the most money on the pieces that you want to last the longest. Furniture, for example, is not the place to skimp. You'll want solid pieces that will last well past your baby's first years. Same goes for safetyquality should come above all else on things like car seats.
Then there are the places where you can save some serious cash. Chances are good that your baby will only use a jumper, walker, or playpen for a short while. Feel free to look for these items on sale or (even better) find a friend whose little one has recently outgrown theirs and buy them for a song.
