How to Create a Stimulating Baby Nursery

If you're having a baby, one of the things you're probably thinking about is the nursery. A baby's nursery is fun to decorate because of all the adorable options, but aside from being simply cute, you want the nursery to be stimulating and engaging. Babies are like sponges, as they absorb everything around them. During your baby's critical stages of development, you want to be sure to create an environment that stimulates his senses, encourages learning and is positive for his emotional, mental and physical health.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint
• Crib
• Mobile
• Children's books
• Rocking chair
• Tummy-time mat
• Music

1. Choose an engaging nursery theme with a color scheme and coordinating items, which will be easier for the baby to focus on than a random assortment of colors and objects. Choose bold patterns and concepts that a baby can readily see, such as bright stripes, large polka dots or themed ideas such as the jungle or ocean.

2. Decorate the ceiling and place a mobile over the crib. A baby spends a lot of time looking up at the ceiling while in his crib, so give her something to look at other than a blank ceiling. Use contrasting colors that the baby can eventually work to differentiate, and attach a mobile to the crib so the baby can stare at things that move as well as try to reach out to touch them. This will keep him stimulated and active mentally and physically.

3. Create a library. Books are great stimulation for babies and toddlers. Having a library in the nursery of board books, easy readers and entertaining stories will enable you to read to your infant on a regular basis. Reading to your baby provides crucial one-on-one time while stimulating your baby's senses. Over time, reading to your child will also help him learn to read.

4. Get a rocking chair. Having a rocking chair in the nursery will encourage you to spend time rocking your baby to sleep or just holding her and rocking. The natural movement of the rocker is soothing to the baby and will help him relax him. This is crucial bonding time for you and your baby, essential for the baby's mental and emotional stimulation.

5. Set up a tummy-time mat. Put the baby on her stomach on the mat every day, several times a day, for a daily total of at least 20 minutes. This gives her critical time on her stomach that she needs to develop new muscles. Get a mat that has colorful toys of different textures, things that make sounds and mirrors to keep the baby interested and to encourage exploration and development of coordination.

6. Play music. Music stimulates the senses and is good for a baby. You can have a stereo in the nursery on which you can play classical music or lots of toys that play music. Some mobiles, crib toys, jumpers and swings have music functions that you can use to engage your baby's attention and keep him entertained while exposing him to new things.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to balance soothing colors with contrasting bold colors to stimulate the mind.
• Avoid too much clutter, as it's messy and can create dangerous situations.

References

• Pregnancy Today: Smart Baby Nursery Design