Baby Rooms and Nurseries

A set of sheets (twin size) can be transformed into window treatments, whether they are drapes, café curtains, or a roman shade. The pillow cases can be made into soft floor pillows.

If you have a collection of your own, such as stuffed animals, toy cars, mechanical robots, or dolls, display them on shelves placed about 18" below the ceiling around the room. These aren't for the child to play with, of course. They're part of the décor. If you buy unfinished or second hand furniture, be sure to use water-based finishing products that state they are non-toxic. Sand all edges and surfaces as smooth as possible, and attach all hardware very securely. Put a child-safe latch on any lower cabinets and drawers.

Storage can be a problem in some small bedrooms. And Baby will not only have lots of toys from doting family, but more clothing, diapers, receiving blankets and other miscellanea than you can possibly imagine (unless, of course, this isn't your first child!) A small armoire is very useful for hanging those cute little outfits in the top space, and blankets and bedding can go into the drawers below. A small dresser will also work for these. A set of simple-to-assemble laminate storage cubes can be stacked into low toy storage, but be sure to secure them so Baby can't pull them over upon himself when trying to stand up. You'll need a changing table or surface, which can be made or purchased.

You'll want a comfortable chair for yourself, as well. A glider, rocker, bean bag chair, a wicker armchair, director's chair, or a small upholstered chair can be found second-hand and repainted or re-covered inexpensively.

Make sure there is adequate lighting that is either dimmable or has a 3-way setting, and perhaps a nightlight as well.

Here are two outstanding web sites which will give you tons of ideas and resources for setting up your nursery:

Nine Month Club has decorating ideas, a monthly newsletter, shopping resources, and articles for the parents-to-be.

Kids' Rooms and Crafts is a wonderful source of ideas for Baby's room, as well as older children, and also has a free newsletter, all of which will make you eager to get started!

Decorating a baby's first room is among the happiest and most rewarding activities expectant parents can undertake. Let your imagination soar, without breaking your budget!

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