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A guide to creating baby’s first bedroom

baby nursery

Creating a nursery for your baby is a daunting task when it’s your first child. And in some ways, choosing a cot is the easy part.

The environment your baby sleeps in is a concern to many new parents, especially when it comes to getting the décor right. In this guide, we take a look at some common concerns parents have when creating baby’s first bedroom.

What type of paint should I use?

Decorating the nursery should be a fun experience, and choosing paint colors for the walls is an exciting time. But making sure you’re choosing the right paint involves more than scouring paint color charts.

Although there are many paints suitable for the interior of your home, some are better than others. Have you ever noticed how often a cheap commercial paint gives off a smell for quite a few days, yet others don’t? This may be down to the VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, in the paint. A move is being made towards low or zero VOCs in paints and this is what you should be looking for in a nursery paint. These are usually more expensive and can be less hard-wearing than other paints, but offer a much safer environment for your child.

What flooring should I lay?

Flooring is another area where VOCs are a concern. Most flooring options have high and low VOC products, so it can be hard to work out what to install. However, there are other environment aspects to consider too. Carpets can harbor dust, dirt and pests, whereas hard flooring won’t be as soft for baby to crawl around on. The varying cost to lay laminate flooring, install carpet or fit wood floorboards, makes it all the more confusing.

Carpets made from natural fibres and hardwood floors with a safe, low VOC finish, are generally thought of as the best options. However, the best way to make sure you get the right flooring is to ask questions before buying. Don’t be shy about asking installers where their products are sourced, what materials are used, whether products contain formaldehyde or high VOCs.

What type of lighting will work best?

Avoiding bright glaring lights is going to be kinder for your baby. And it will make the transition from light to dark, and vice versa, much easier. The most important choices are going to be based around the type of light bulb you fit. Opt for a LED bulb with a soft white glow as this gives off a warm light, making a room feel cozier. LEDs don’t get hot like conventional bulbs, so they’re safer for use in nurseries.

When used in conjunction with light shades that soften the light further, and a dimmer switch, you will be able to better control the lighting in the nursery. But don’t forget natural light of course!