Curb flights of fancy when planning nursery

Few things in life are as exciting as having a baby on the way. When you’re ready to decorate the nursery, though, it’s a good idea to emphasize practicality over thrilling designs and fanciful color schemes. Concentrating on the needs of your infant — especially a first child — will ensure that everything is in place and looks great when your bundle of joy arrives.

STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION

It’s amazing how many supplies you need for a tiny baby! Think carefully about clothing storage, a place for diapers, baby toys and bottles, baby safety supplies, lotions and powder. If your nursery has no closet, or closet space is tight, look for baby furniture with plenty of storage.

An excellent option is a changing table with drawer space or a changing table dresser. Both put items you’ll need within easy reach for changing and dressing. For safety’s sake, avoid the temptation to put shelves over the changing table or crib; babies often try to grab at them and items could fall on the infant.

Instead, place a shelving unit next to the changing table that poses no hazards but keeps supplies in easy reach. If you need drawer space, consider adding a closet storage unit with pull-out drawers. Wire closet organizers allow you to see things quickly and easily. Also versatile, they can be useful as your baby grows.

COMFORT AND SAFETY

If you have wood floors in the nursery, an area rug will warm your feet during late-night feedings. It will also cushion your baby’s legs and hands once he/she reaches the crawling stage. A comfortable rocker or cushioned chair will make you both comfortable.

Keep the baby’s bed simple. Pediatricians prefer simple bedding in cribs instead of comforters and other fluffy blankets that could suffocate an infant.

Babies grow rapidly, so decorate with this in mind. Your little one will be a busy, active toddler in the blink of an eye, so avoid things like hanging pictures with glass over a crib. A framed picture could fall, or your child could grab at it and be injured.

Use wall decals instead. They come in styles suitable for almost any decor and can be quickly applied and removed or changed as your baby grows. Look online at Wallpops.com or Etsy.com for something artsy and original.

FUN DESIGN

The rules about pink and blue just don’t fit anymore. Your nursery should be a space that can grow and change with your child, so think long-term. Decorate with an eye toward how the design can be adapted for a toddler, then a young child. Make sure you have space for a standard child’s bed.

Try to finish all your decorating at least two months before baby arrives. When painting, opt for low- or no-VOC emission paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura line.These paints are easy on a baby’s developing body and don’t have strong odors.