A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

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Useful Tips for Decorating a Nursery

If you're expecting your first bundle of joy, decorating a nursery may seem like the biggest challenge so far. Should you start by painting the walls or looking into furniture? Maybe you should come up with a theme first? All of those questions will overwhelm you quickly, so stop thinking and check out our tips for decorating a nursery. We have all the useful tips in one place, ready to make your baby preparations a breeze.

If you're expecting your first bundle of joy, decorating a nursery may seem like the biggest challenge so far. Should you start by painting the walls or looking into furniture? Maybe you should come up with a theme first? All of those questions will overwhelm you quickly, so stop thinking and check out our tips for decorating a nursery. We have all the useful tips in one place, ready to make your baby preparations a breeze.

Find a color scheme

The first thing to consider when decorating a nursery is the colors. From the color of the walls to the furniture, carpets, and accessories, you'll need a color scheme to keep your room look cohesive. Neutral colors like beige, white, light grey and yellow are always the best choices because they allow plenty of diversity. On top of that, once the baby is older and ready to move to another room, you can easily adapt the room into an office or a den without needing to change the color of the walls. However, if you plan to update the nursery into a kid’s room when the child is older, then you can feel free to choose a gender-specific color such as pink, green, blue or purple.

Buy furniture first

Once you’ve chosen the color for the room, it’s time to start looking at furniture pieces. From the crib for the baby to have sweet dreams to the dressing table where you’ll keep all the supplies and a rocker chair to keep you comfy, you'll need a whole set of furniture items to fill your baby's room. After you've put together the crib and the rest of the big items, you will have a starting point perfectly visualized to help you move on with the décor.

Add toys and décor

As the baby grows, he or she will need the entertainment to keep them occupied. Whether during mealtime or when you need them not to fuss, popular infant toys will be your baby’s best friends offering all the fun they need. Therefore, make sure you stock the room with infant toys such as chewy fidgets, plushies, or weighted animals. Patterned throw pillows will be a lovely addition to a nursery. It's a budget-friendly option that will add interest to the room and make you cozy as well, while you feed the baby or put them to sleep.

Consider a theme

Another way to decorate a pleasant nursery is to incorporate a theme into the décor. How about you create a heavenly angelic ambience with a mixture of baby blue and white, clouds, fluff, and plush? Maybe you'd like your princess to feel like she's in her own castle with a canopy over the crib, light pink walls, glitter and rainbows on the walls? Are you a nature lover? Consider mixing brown, green and yellow for a jungle-like theme that will offer both the calmness of the woods and excitement of the wilderness to the interior.

Consider quality lighting

Lighting is crucial for an enjoyable ambience. That's why you'll want to allow for plenty of daylight but also make sure you can block it maximally. Install heavy curtains and quality blinds to offer your baby an optimal sleeping environment during their first days at home.  Newborns tend to sleep a lot and sometimes throughout the day, so you'll need to make sure the lighting is adequate throughout the day and night. Invest in soothing night lights to create a gentle night-time glow in the nursery.

Getting your home ready for the baby will be emotional and somewhat challenging but it will also bring immense joy. Make sure everything is set at least a month before your due date because you never know when the little one will decide to come to this world. Pick a theme, decide on colors and look for quality furniture to create the best baby nook for your bundle of joy.

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How to Make Your Home Baby-Friendly

Once the baby arrives, it’s easy to see just how much trouble they can get into when they start crawling or walking. The best way to make sure the home is safe is to get on their level and see what might look interesting to a baby. Today, there are numerous products designed to make the home baby-friendly and to help keep the baby safe as they grow and learn more about the environment around them.

Once the baby arrives, it’s easy to see just how much trouble they can get into when they start crawling or walking. The best way to make sure the home is safe is to get on their level and see what might look interesting to a baby. Today, there are numerous products designed to make the home baby-friendly and to help keep the baby safe as they grow and learn more about the environment around them.

Have Safe Places for the Baby

Always make sure there’s a safe place for the baby to be when your hands need to be free. A baby swing is typically well-received by babies and can be a great place to put them while you finally sip that cup of coffee you made an hour ago. Pack ‘n plays and similar products are also a great way to contain the baby when needed, but make sure they’re always under supervision.

Keep Bathrooms Secured

Bathrooms should be secured at all times to keep the baby out. Along with the risk of drowning, babies can flush things down the toilet, causing a huge plumbing bill, or end up burning themselves by turning on the hot water and splashing it or putting their hand in it without knowing it’s hot.

Keep Them in The Crib – Or Get a Toddler Bed

Once the child starts to climb, it’s probably time to move them to a toddler bed. There’s no set age for moving from the crib to the toddler bed, but experts agree it should be done before the kid can climb out. They can easily fall when trying to get out on their own, while they are less likely to get hurt if they get in and out of a toddler bed at night.

Use Safety Straps on Heavy Furniture

Heavy furniture can cause severe injuries or death if it tips over on the child. Safety straps are available for almost any type of furniture, from dressers to bookshelves and TVs. Purchase as many straps as needed and make sure all furniture that could be tipped over or that is heavy will be mounted to the wall.

Cover Outlets Not in Use

Outlets look interesting to someone too little to know what they are. Many kids end up shocked because they decide to stick something into the odd-looking hole in the wall. If an outlet isn’t being used, make sure it is covered. Check out products designed to help keep things from being unplugged, as well, to make sure the child can’t get to any of the outlets.

Tie Up the Window Blinds Cord

The cords for blinds may not be something many parents think about, but it’s all too easy for a young child to end up tangled in them, and some have died as a result. Instead, tie up the cord to the blinds to keep it out of reach. If the budget allows, opt for cordless blinds throughout the house to eliminate this risk.

Block Off the Stairs

Stairs can be incredibly dangerous for babies, so make sure they’re baby-proofed. In two-story homes, have something to stop the kid from going up or down the stairs. For porches and decks, it may only be necessary to block the child from going down, as they’ll be supervised more closely if they’re playing in the yard.

Keep Cleaning Products Out of Reach

Many people set down cleaning products between working on different parts of the house or opt to place cleaning products under the kitchen sink. With a baby, doing either of these can be dangerous. Instead, make sure cleaning products are always out of reach for the baby, even if they’re being used, and that the child can’t get to them. Ready for the baby to clean? Use gentle products or just offer a rag with water. It’s not going to get deep stains, but they’ll get to practice cleaning without access to dangerous chemicals.

Stop Doors From Slamming

Most people have experienced a finger caught in the door. Whether the concern is kids catching their finger in the door or slamming the door to the home, there are products to help. A variety of products are designed to prevent the door from closing completely. The product can be removed easily when it’s not needed, but during the day, it can be kept in place to make sure little fingers are safe.

Are you starting to notice just how dangerous the house can be for a baby? There’s a lot for them to explore and do, but there are plenty of things that can harm them, as well. Make sure you’re ready for the baby by going through this list and baby-proofing the house. Once it’s more kid-friendly, you won’t have to worry as much about some of the more serious injuries that can occur in the home. 

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Guest Post - Tips for Decorating a Gender-Neutral Nursery

You’re expecting your first child and you’re super excited about decorating a nursery? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are the five ultimate tips on how to accomplish that and make it gender-neutral, so keep on reading and check them out. Enjoy!

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You’re expecting your first child and you’re super excited about decorating a nursery? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are the five ultimate tips on how to accomplish that and make it gender-neutral, so keep on reading and check them out. Enjoy!

Keep it as simple as possible

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When decorating a gender-neutral nursery, you should certainly try to keep it as simple as possible. This is simply because simple spaces often come off as very chic and sophisticated. So, if that’s your top goal, be sure to stick to the simple themes. Also, too many unnecessary details will create unwanted clutter, which is what you should avoid. Instead, focus on emphasizing natural textures and clean lines. These are the perfect example of a simple yet effective gender-neutral theme. However, if you still want to make a statement, just add an accent rug that features an eye-catching pattern. Cute wall art is also a fantastic option, so choose it wisely and give simplicity a try.  

A touch of boho is always a good idea

On the other hand, if you want to add a little twist to your gender-neutral nursery, we highly suggest a lovely bohemian theme that is extremely popular among parents-to-be these days. This one is known for its laid-back vibe that future moms and dads absolutely adore. It is all about earthy colors, patterned elements, and rich textures. Feathers are one of the most prominent features of a bohemian style. However, you should skip real feathers in a nursery and opt for feather-themed wallpaper instead. These will add a touch of real boho style to the entire space – especially when combined with details made from natural wood.

Bring the outside in

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Are you are looking for the best gender-neutral theme for the nursery? Well, all you need to do is to look outside! That’s right, and it’s because nature can help us relax and soothe our souls. Of course, you’re free to find your inspiration wherever you like – in the mountains, at the beach, in the forest, or anywhere else. For example, wallpaper that features your favorite plants or trees is always a great option. Just don’t use it on all walls, as this would be too much. One statement wall will be more than enough. To make this nursery even cozier and more welcoming, you’ll need soft blankets that perfectly fit the theme. Search for brands such as 3 Little Crowns that offer quality organic materials. So, go for it and compliment your outdoorsy theme in the best possible way.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns

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If you’re all about mixing and matching different patterns, you should use them in the nursery, too! In case you didn’t know, babies’ vision has certain limitations in the first year of life. They respond well to simple yet bold patterns with prominent contrast. Basically, it means that the combination of black and white is ideal for the nursery! It will help your baby develop their ability to focus their attention and boost their level of concentration in the early stages of life. As for the patterns themselves, you can pick literally anything you like. From stripes and zigzag lines to polka dots and asymmetric designs – the choice is totally up to you!

Use all colors of the rainbow

However, if you still want to add a touch of color to the nursery – but without choosing the traditional pink or blue color palette – you should definitely go for all colors of the rainbow. That’s right, and even though it probably seems a bit too extreme, it really works! Of course, if you decide to go for this theme, you should make sure to apply it to a simple, all-white space. We understand that this theme isn’t for everyone, but only for the boldest parents-to-be. One thing is certain – details and accessories featuring such vibrant colors will energize the entire space and make it look much brighter. After all, good design is all about the details, right?
As you can see, there are so many amazing tips on how to decorate a gender-neutral nursery. These five are the best ones out there, so bear them in mind and you’ll do a fabulous job. Just follow our guidelines and you won’t regret it. It’s a promise!

About the Author

Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney-based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

How to Organize Your Home for a New Baby

Are you about to welcome a new baby to this world? Congratulations! You are in for an adventure of a lifetime! However, before the baby arrives, there is so much to do, which can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. We want your pregnancy to be the most serene and joyful period of your life, so we've prepared tips to organize your home for a new baby and make things much easier for you. On the other hand, if any soon-to-be-dad is reading this, use our advice to surprise your partner and prepare your home for the arrival of your little miracle.

Mother and father holding their newborn baby together.

Are you about to welcome a new baby to this world? Congratulations! You are in for an adventure of a lifetime! However, before the baby arrives, there is so much to do, which can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. We want your pregnancy to be the most serene and joyful period of your life, so we've prepared tips to organize your home for a new baby and make things much easier for you. On the other hand, if any soon-to-be-dad is reading this, use our advice to surprise your partner and prepare your home for the arrival of your little miracle.

First - clean and declutter

Make sure your baby is welcomed to a safe, comfortable, and well-organized home.

Before you start adding and rearranging things around your home, don't skip on two crucial preparation steps - cleaning and decluttering. That will make the process of organizing your home for your baby much simpler and easier.

When it comes to cleaning, you already know how important it is, especially when you're welcoming a newborn. Therefore, find ways to clean your home effectively and make sure that every corner is spotless. Alternatively, you can always hire professional cleaners to do deep cleaning and fully disinfect your home.

Decluttering is another crucial step that many people leave for the very last minute. However, it's important to be on top of things and start as early as possible. With your newborn coming, you'll need more storage space, and therefore, you should get rid of your excess things. To get your in-house storage space in order, make sure to make a plan and figure out how much extra storage you'll need for your baby. Afterward, sort your things and make sure to be firm and only keep things you genuinely need. Decluttering is also a great way to earn some extra money you can invest in buying baby things. For example, you can sell things that are in good condition, but you no longer want to use.

Organize your home for a new baby room by room

Now that you've cleaned your home and created extra storage space for many baby things you'll need, we'll show you ways to organize your home room by room.

Nursery preparation

The most important room for your baby will naturally be the nursery. You want to create a safe, comfortable, serene, and functional nursery where your baby will be spending most of your time. Here are simple nursery organization hacks:

  • Create a breastfeeding nook - Every two hours or so, you'll be breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby. Therefore, make sure to create a comfortable space where both your and your baby can enjoy and feel serene.

  •  Make a diapering station - As you'll be spending a lot of your time changing diapers, make sure you're prepared and set up a changing station. Choose a changing table you like the most and make sure to stock up on essentials such as diapers, wipes, rash cream, ointment, and similar.

  • Organize the nursery closet - Standard storage options are not a very good solution when it comes to keeping your baby's things. Therefore, you'll need to get creative and use organizers, baskets, shelves, and rods. If you add labels and dividers, you'll make everything a whole lot easier to manage.

  • Get baby essentials - It goes without saying that you need to invest in a good crib and more importantly, a high-quality crib mattress and sheets.

Organizing your primary bedroom

As your baby will spend the first several months in your master bedroom, make sure to have a bassinet or a crib ready.

As you're probably aware, in the first several months, your baby will spend sleeping in your bedroom. Therefore, make sure to organize it in a way that makes it easier for you and your baby.

The first thing to do is set up a bassinet close to your bed. That way, whenever your baby wakes up, you'll be able to react quickly and provide comfort. Also, make sure to add a humidifier and a white noise sound machine (it's a lifesaver!). Don't forget to add night light as you don't want to hurt yourself by bumping into things in the dark.

As you don't want to be taking your baby from one room to another just to change the diaper, make sure to have a diapering kit in your master bedroom. You don't need the whole changing station but simply a changing mat, diapers, wipes, and ointment. Also, always make sure to have spare clothes.

Rearrange your living room

Your living room will now be turned into a family room where you will spend time together and welcome guests. Depending on your home size, it could be very convenient to set up a small changing station and have everything on hand whenever you need it.

An even better idea is to invest in a pack n play. They are a great option as you can use them to put your baby to nap and as a changing place at the same time. For example, you can wash dishes or finish other chores while your baby naps in the living room.

Make sure to designate and organize a kid's play area. For example, you can put a baby gym there or a baby swing. As your baby gets older, you can change the setting and add different toys but always make sure that the area is safe and childproof.

Preparing your kitchen and bathroom

Bath time can be quite stressful at first but it's a great time to bond with your baby, and it will quickly become fun.

Depending on if you are going to bottle feed or breastfeed, you might create more storage space in your kitchen. If you're opting for the first, make sure to prepare all essentials such as bottles, cleaning brushes, breast pump or formula, and bottle warmer.

Also, as you won't have much time to cook, a good idea is to plan ahead and either cook meals and freeze them or buy them at your grocery store. You'll be surprised how much they'll make your life easier, and you'll be so happy you had everything prepared.

When it comes to your bathroom, you need to be sure that both mom and baby have all the necessary supplies. All moms go through a six-week postpartum period and need specific supplies. Make sure to get them all and have them waiting for you when you return from the hospital.

As for your baby, make sure to get all the necessary bath supplies. You'll need a tub, of course, baby shampoo, lotion, hooded towels, washcloths, and similar.

Welcome home, baby!

The time before your baby arrives will fly by, and you'll soon be holding your little bundle of joy. Therefore, now that you know ways to organize your home for a new baby, you can start creating a safe and serene place for them. Good luck, and we wish you many happy and loving moments with your newest and most important family member!

Meta description: In order to make everything perfect for the arrival of your little miracle, we've prepared simple ways to organize your home for a new baby.

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