I have to be honest, when I found out that I was pregnant I was desperate to know the sex.  Not so that I could prepare for what that sex would be like.  Or so that I could buy those gorgeous baby clothes (which I did way too much).  It was so that I could start planning a baby room.  It is one of my most favourite things in the world to do and as soon as I could I started hunting around Brisbane ready to design the perfect room.  After having my son Alex’s room featured on a Houzz article I thought I would share some of the things that I feel make a great baby space because I know that every parent wants to give their children everything they can.

When it comes to designing a space for our youngest people this is the time to throw out the rule book, or at least some of it.  Open up your imagination and consider the impossible.

Wall paper on the ceiling? Absolutely.

A bright yellow bed? Why not.

But there are some basic things that you can always apply to achieve a great safe space for your beautiful little people because other than the obvious, our youngest family members have some special needs in their bedroom.

Have you ever wondered what those early baby days felt like.  For a baby everything is new (EVERYTHING …..it still blows my mind lol ) so every little sensory input helps to expand their world.  You can throw a rug or two to the floor (even if you have carpet) to provide a change in texture plus a soft space for tummy time.  Create areas to explore.  IKEA Krokig wall storage installed at their height is a fun little place for babies to play hide and seek with their toys.  Add in some sensory art on their walls like textured flowers or animals and they will have a ball. It can be home made.  I used a lady bug with furry spots and a bird with raised flowers in my daughters room.

Want to throw in something to look at?  Your baby will benefit.  Those beautiful blue baby eyes are still developing. In the first few months they will only be able to see approximately 25cm in front of them and they generally don’t develop good colour vision until five months.  So give your baby something to look at that will help them focus. Use art or wall paper but aim for something with images that aren’t too busy.  Those little eyes are going to struggle with lots of details.   Geometric shapes work well and provide learning opportunities.  For more fixed items like wallpaper aim to make choices that will still be appropriate for your four year old unless you enjoy frequent makeovers.

Contrasting colours are easier for babies to see.  For example black and white with a pop of your favourite colour.   When repainting your babies space, make sure that your paint is low VOC (volatile organic carbons).  Not only do VOCs smell really bad, studies have shown that they have detrimental effects on embryos.  Although our little people are no longer embryos, it is still important to protect those delicate, developing bodies.

When it comes to storage of babies things it doesn’t have to be expensive but keep it cheerful.  Extra nappies and wipes can be stored away in colourful IKEA Tjena boxes on a shelf.  If you are including a cabinet or drawers make sure that it is secure so that your baby cannot pull it over on themselves, but also look for opportunities for them to pull themselves up like a wall fixed ladder.  Give them an opportunity to do a little workout.

Create a safe space for your baby.  I cannot stress this enough.  No matter how fun an item looks please always remember safety first.  Read up on this baby center article for strategies to keep your little one safe in their special space – https://www.babycenter.com.au/a418/safety-in-your-babys-bedroom .

Images above are by:

A special mama- instagram.com/prarthna_vas

Fun at home with kids

Babyletto

These guys have the cactus wall mural- https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/233129663/cactus-mural-large-wall-mural-watercolor

And me 🙂

Some suppliers I love for kids:

Pottery Barn Kids

My First Room

Bright star kids

Incy Interiors

Armadillo & Co rugs

Adairs Kids

Kmart