Both babies and parents need comfortable surroundings.
Some parents share a room with a newborn because they feel more comfortable being close to the baby. Others share because they don't have the space to create a separate nursery. Whether the reasons are financial or emotional, there are several ways to decorate a shared room that can work for both baby and parents or siblings. In general, the key to sharing a space successfully involves planning and good organization.
Instructions
1. Choose a neutral color for the walls. Blue may be for boys and pink for girls traditionally, but newborns don't know the difference. Painting the shared room a pale yellow, beige, or other soft color provides a light and pleasing atmosphere for all the room's occupants. The newborn's side of the room can feature colorful and easily removable wall clings or posters.
2. Look for cribs in the same wood and color or complementary color to work with the existing furniture in the room. Cribs are available in a wide range of materials, colors and styles that match any decor. If the newborn will be sleeping in a previously owned crib, consider repainting it with a low- or no-VOC child-safe paint that matches existing decor.
3. Divide the room into separate zones by using area rugs. Baby's side of the room can feature a baby-themed rug of one color, while the other side of the room features a rug of a similar or complementary color.
4. Install a room divider. Room dividers can be made from nearly any material and be solid and stationary, such as a bookcase or series of folding screens. There are also see-through options, such as an open-backed shelving unit or sheer curtains hung from the ceiling.
5. Put in task lighting. Place table lamps around the room in addition to or instead of overhead lighting. Install dimmers. A lamp with soft, low light placed near the newborn's crib keeps other occupants from being disturbed by bright lights during late-night feedings.
6. Place decorative baskets or bins for extra storage near the newborn's crib. Babies require lots of storage for clothing, blankets, diapers and toys. Creating designated areas for the newborn's accessories makes it easier for the caregiver, keeps the room neat and cuts down on clutter. Alternatively, designate shelving or drawers in an existing armoire or set of drawers for baby's things.
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