Imagine creating a space within your home for your baby to grow and develop while being healthy and at peace.
I’ve consulted on many nurseries for existing and expecting parents. Here are 9 tips to consider when creating a nursery for the new baby.
1. Crib Position: The crib should be placed in the command position of the room. To be in the command position, the location should have a view of the door but not be in direct line with the door or on the same wall as the door. There are a total of three command positions for a room, view this recent article about the command position of a bed.
2. Flow of Chi: Make sure the door into the nursery can open a full 90 degrees. This may mean no coats or clothes hanging on the back of the door. Also, make sure that you can easily move around in the space and open dresser drawers and closet doors with no obstructions.
3. Color: Consider light colors to soothe and multiple colors to inspire the baby’s development. Light blues, pinks and greens are recommended. Keep in mind that a bedroom and nursery are yin energy and should be created for relaxing and rejuvenating.
4. Décor: Pay close attention to what you hang above or around areas where the baby spends a lot of time. Don’t place shelving above the crib or changing table as this can create a downward pressure, reducing the baby’s development. There’s also the potential for heavy objects or shelves to fall.
5. Lighting & Ventilation: Make sure you have enough light during each part of the day and night. Nurseries often don’t have enough light, especially in the middle of the night when parents want to check on the baby. I personally recommend Himalayan Salt Rock lamps for the perfect night light. It produces soft shades of pink, peach and orange, warmly lighting a room while infusing the space with negative ions to remove pollutants and adding chi or life energy.
6. Development: To help a baby develop motor skills, consider purchasing a baby-safe mirror at the two-to-three-month stage.
7. Access: Be sure all items you use frequently – diapers, wipes, blankets, first aid essentials, etc. -- are accessible. You don’t want to hunt for the thermometer in the middle of the night. Keep a stock of diapers and wipes close at hand, with extras in a convenient place. Don’t place these baby essentials in awkward spots, where other items fall on you when you reach for them, or where you’ll have to stretch to the back of a drawer or closet for them. This just increases frustration when the most important task is to be present for your baby.
8. Electrical Overload: Dozens of tech gadgets available today help you monitor your baby around the clock. Even so, keep electro-magnetic fields around your baby’s crib to a minimum. This includes heart monitors, baby monitors, video cameras and multiple plugs within an outlet; decide which devices you really need and choose products that serve multiple purposes. Also, pay attention to what is on the other side of the wall as this can have an impact on the baby’s development and sleep.
9. Parent’s Room: Creating a nursery for the baby is an exciting time. When the baby arrives, the nursery can easily carry over into the parent’s room, especially when a baby co-sleeps. Make an effort to keep your own bedroom for relaxation, sleep and rejuvenation without permitting the nursery to take over the room. You’ll be glad!
Celebrity Feng Shui Consultant and Speaker, Ken Lauher, helps individuals and their environments enhance their quality of life through time-tested techniques. His inspiring work with celebrities and corporations has made him a sought-after speaker on Feng Shui and life enhancement. Visit his site for your free Feng Shui Tips, guide, or to hire Ken for a speaking engagement.