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Invest in a convertible crib
You probably have just a couple of years before your little one scrambles up, over, and out of the crib. Then you’ll have to decide on your next purchase: a toddler bed or a twin bed. With a convertible crib the decision is made. Remove one wall and you’re toddler-bed ready. If you really do your homework you can even find a bed that converts from crib to toddler and later extends to a twin.
Include a mix of bright and sophisticated colors
Allow yourself to step outside the baby-color basics. A girl’s room can pop with accents of kelly green, and it’s totally okay to take a boy’s room beyond shades of blue. Keep the overall tone subtle and add color in ways that feel calming and fun.
Choose art with character and quirk
If the art looks good to you and could make a five-year old smile, you’re on the right track. Remember, you’re searching for prints that work now and later. Animals, the outdoors and creative color combinations are good places to start.
Hang lighting you’d use in any room
This is the best place to go for form over function—although if you’re really smart you can have both. Just out of reach for little hands, wall sconces easily bump up the beauty beauty factor of a baby room. Plus they add another dimension to your wall accessories.
Find storage that doubles as a bench
Cram toys, books, and stuffed animals in a chest for easy cleanup. Pile a few pillows on top and your little one has a comfy place to read, nap, and play pretend.
Go for a streamlined rocker
Yes, plush rockers are great for nuzzling newborns after middle of the night feedings. But! They’re also clunky and take up lots of space. Make room for play and give your kids an almost me-sized chair to climb, sit and relax in on their own.
Put up a display for the prettiest of things
Choose shelving that stands out, either for the shape or the brackets. Early on, fill it with toys too small for young babies or too fragile for rough toddlers. As time passes, you can exchange the space for favorite books and later for big collections—of dolls, dinosaurs, cars, or stuffed animals.
Lay out a rug with cush and charm
Look for a soft rug with plenty of pile, bright colors and fun shapes. The key here is to set aside a large area comfy enough for little ones learning to roll, crawl, walk and play.
Create a gallery to capture all the growth
Layer frames on the wall for holding newborn photos, toddler cuteness and all of your favorite family moments. Update the gallery regularly, rotating in your kid’s artistic creations and maybe even photos they learn to take themselves.
Add accessories that encourage kids to learn
Globes, maps, clocks, a print of the abc’s—these all add character to a room and tap into a child’s curiosity. Look for ways to inspire learning through decor. It’s an easy win win!