Apartment Decorating: Making Way for a Baby

Apartment decorating for a new baby is exciting, but can be overwhelming for new parents. With the great tips and ideas provided in this article, decorating the nursery and child proofing will be a cinch.

Arrange Furniture for Ease of Movement

Before you start decorating the baby’s room, make sure that you have purchased all of the furniture that you need. However, be sure to remember to measure the perimeter of the baby’s room before purchasing a crib, changing table, or other piece of furniture. The last thing you want is to purchase and assemble a crib or changing table, only to find out it doesn’t fit in the room. Also, be sure to place the crib and changing table in spots that won’t cause you to go bump in the night. There is nothing like waking up at 2:00 AM to feed your crying baby and hitting your knee on the crib. Child proofing the furniture is important, too. Purchase rubber edges that can be attached to any sharp corners.

Decorating Apartment Walls

Once you have placed the furniture where you want it to go, the real decorating begins. Coordinating a baby’s room has never been so easy. Choose the crib bedding that you like. Most manufacturers and designers have matching sheets and accessories for purchase, too. If painting, make sure you check with your landlord before you begin. If you have the greenlight to paint, choose a color that coordinates with the bedding. If you are creative, try some sponge art or stencils on the walls, or paint a mural. Borders, wallpaper or stick-ons are three other options for decorating the walls.

Window treatments that coordinate with the room are another nice touch as compared with standard mini-blinds. Make sure that if you remove the mini-blinds you keep them for reinstallation upon move-out. A matching rug will also help to tie the room together, and gives the baby a soft, comfy spot to play. Rugs are also helpful in avoiding carpet damage.

Child Proofing for Apartment Safety

Once the baby’s room is decorated, make sure to childproof everything. All outlets and sharp objectis should be covered and cords for blinds coiled up. After the baby’s room is childproofed, you can begin the rest of your apartment decorating and childproofing.

You may think all of the baby stuff will stay in the baby’s room, but that is a rare occurrence. Create a storage area in your living room for the baby’s toys. One idea is a storage ottoman so that the baby’s toys can be hidden away. Also, dedicate a corner of your living room to a Pack ‘n Play. Pack n’ Plays provide a sleep area and a changing table. Some also have storage for diapers and wipes. This way, you don’t have to always run to the baby’s room to put him down or change him.

Now, you must childproof the rest of your apartment. Pay special attention to cabinets, drawers, outlets, the oven and sharp edges. Baby gates are also a necessary accessory. When you have a child, apartment safety is critical.