By Belinda Nihill
When it comes to a baby’s room, there are a few items that I recommend all rooms have if possible. Space and budget doesn’t always allow for everything, but it will definitely make life easier if you have a few basic necessities.
A place to sleep
This one’s fairly obvious, don’t you think? Cot, cradle, bassinette, it doesn’t really matter. Just be sure to remember that Australian safety standards are fairly strict and that vintage beds might not measure up. There are so many choices though – rectangle cots, oval cots, cots with sides that drop, cots that turn into junior beds. There are moses baskets, little bassinets, hanging beds and hammocks plus beds on wheels, beds on stands, beds that will join yours and beds that will grow with your baby. The list is endless. So choose one that suits your lifestyle and also one that you just adore!
A place for changing bottoms
Just like beds, the variety of change tables are never ending. I’ve made use of both traditional change tables and change mats on top of a set of drawers with my children and both have their advantages and disadvantages. I think change tables are important – they will save your back (especially if you have a heavy bub!) and they are also great for added storage in a room. The best choice is one that will fit with the space and the theme of the room.
A space for storing clothes
We aren’t all lucky enough to have built in robes so it’s great to consider cupboards, drawers and shelves when it comes to finding a home for your baby’s important things.
A place for showing off special things
Along the way we often find beautiful items, or perhaps they are gifted, and it just doesn’t seem right to hide them away in a cupboard Choosing and displaying those special pieces is definitely a bit of an art form and one way to ensure you have them showcased correctly is to make sure you have the right shelving or display units.
A place to sit and feed
This is a big one and many people underestimate the importance of a great feeding chair. I really splurged when I had my youngest baby and I really wish I had done that with baby number one! You spend a lot of time feeding and snuggling with your baby in those early months – especially in the middle of the night. Having a good quality chair to sit in (and sometimes nap in) is a fabulous investment!
Beyond these items, it really comes down to personal style and taste and really, the sky is the limit!
This is an excerpt from Belinda’s new book Beautiful Babies’ Rooms which is available to purchase now at Nest Design Studio.