When Designing a Nursery Keep Mom’s Comfort in Mind

Most new parents focus on the needs of the new little one while designing the nursery. But mom (and dad) will be spending a lot of time in the nursery as well. Making wise purchases and decorating decisions will pay off in the long run, not only for baby, but for mom too.

Here are some main areas of the room that should be considered during decorating, for Mom’s comfort later.

Rocking chair: Beyond the crib, one of the biggest purchases for a nursery is the rocking chair. While shopping, take the time to try several chairs. Sit in each chair for a while and see how comfortable it is. If the back is too straight, it won’t be comfortable for those long nights. Check the rocking mechanism. Is it enclosed to avoid little fingers getting pinched?

Dressers/Changing Tables: There are many dressers that have a detachable changing table that sits on top. Check that the changing table is at a comfortable height by standing in front of it, bending your arms at a ninety-degree angle. The top of the changing area should be just below your arms. This will help reduce back strain.

Lighting: An overhead light is good to have for general daily use, but it is also wise to invest in a small lamp or night light near the changing table for late night care. This keeps the late-night disturbances at a minimum for the baby, helping everyone to get back to sleep quicker.

Blankets: In addition to baby blankets, it’s wise to have a larger afghan or blanket on hand for mom to use while snuggling with the baby.

Pillows: Once the baby starts crawling and playing on the floor, having some pillows for mom to sit on can make a world of difference for her. One of the leaning pillows with arms can also make a nice backrest for mom, too, while playing on the floor with the little one.

Small fridge: One of the handiest items you can put into a newborn baby’s nursery is a dorm-size fridge. You can keep drinks and snacks in it handy for mom. Of course, once baby reaches the crawling stage, the fridge will have to go. But in the meantime mom can rock baby, and grab a nice cold water at the same time –and that, is designing with comfort in mind.

Music: Having a CD player or radio in the nursery can be beneficial to both the baby and mom.

Creating a comfortable and safe environment for both the mom and baby will make the nursery an enjoyable place to spend time while they are getting to know each other