by Suzanne Brown

Decorating a baby room is a wonderful opportunity to create a carefree hideaway – a place of slumber and lullabies.

Baby Room Themes…
From Tropical Jungle to Noah’s Ark, Teddy Bears to Winnie the Pooh: There are many delightful baby room themes to choose from – any one will spark enthusiasm and generate exciting nursery decorating ideas.

But decorating the baby room can be daunting: There’s so much choice – nursery bedding sets, furnishings, nursery wall décor and accessories of all kinds! Also young children can soon outgrow even the most enchanting baby room themes.

Nursery Decor…
Co-ordinated nursery bedding sets and matching accessories can make easy work of decorating a baby room, ensuring nursery décor is effective and harmonious.

But mixing and matching presents the opportunity for more imaginative nursery decorating ideas – and it’s fun! The key to success with ‘mix and match’ nursery décor is to select elements – baby nursery pictures, fabrics and accessories – that share color and pattern elements.

Basing nursery décor on neutral wall and floor coverings enables endless variations: Keeping baby room decorating ideas flexible makes it easy to adapt to a young child’s developing interests.

By changing just the accessories – nursery bedding sets, pictures and rugs – different nursery decorating ideas can be developed without all the upheaval of a major redecorating project. For a while, at least, baby room themes can grow with your child!

Color Schemes…
Young children love bright primary colors but large areas can be overwhelming. Decorating the baby room with a subtle, calm color scheme is usually a better choice. Introducing warm colors – rose, peach or primrose – into your baby room decorating ideas will help create a feeling of coziness.

While decorating the baby room with the cool colors – aqua, mint or sky blue – can create a feeling of spaciousness. But it is probably best to keep ideas based on this color range for a room with a warm, sunny aspect.

Touches of bright primary colors bring extra interest and visual stimulation. Introducing just small amounts with baby nursery pictures, nursery bedding sets, toys and accessories can transform a room. These are the finishing touches that can bring nursery décor alive!

Nursery Wall Decor…
From a series of framed art prints to big cheerful posters, a collage of birthday cards to giant stick-ups – nursery wall décor can create an interesting focus and highlight of color.

A special picture may provide inspiration for some great baby nursery ideas and the basis for a subtle color scheme.

Pictures can be used to develop baby room themes, giving them added dimension: Baby nursery pictures of animals can extend a Tropical Jungle theme – Paddington Bear pictures a Teddy Bear theme.

Look for baby nursery pictures that you find inspiring – they can be a valuable source for interesting nursery decorating ideas. But, best of all, good nursery wall décor will help to create a special place that excites whimsical fantasy and imaginative storytelling – the essence of a magical childhood!

About The Author
Writer and designer of elementary educational materials with particular interest in art education. Webmaster of www.NurseryPosters.com. suzanne@takingwing.co.uk

With so many options for themes, schemes, colors, coordinating fabrics and other items, deciding how to decorate your baby’s room can become a little overwhelming. So instead of going with the more common room themes, why not think outside the box and save yourself some time and energy from stressing over all the choices by deciding to create a completely customized room that reflects your own unique style. You can still keep it cute but also personalize it by decorating with pictures that you took yourself!

Taking Time to Smell the Flowers
The great thing about decorating your baby’s room with pictures is, not only will be it be an extra special reflection of your own creativity, but it can still keep with a theme of your choice. Say for instance, you want to design a little girl’s room in a garden theme with pretty flowers, butterflies and birds. All you’d need to do is grab your camera and step outside! And even if you don’t have a garden of your own, one of your neighbors may. And you can bet they wouldn’t mind obliging you by sharing the beauty of their own flowers and allowing you to snap a few shots of their landscape. You can also take a walk down to your local park or botanical garden.

Look up at the trees, down at the grass, and all around because what you may see as the same old ever day surroundings, will actually make for some beautiful pictures that can be framed, collaged, and used to decorate your baby’s room. And if you feel really ambitious, add a pretty color on the walls and maybe even think about painting a picket fence and garden gate. Hang some pretty curtains and you’ve created your very own indoor garden for your precious new daughter.

Animals, Animals Everywhere
Photos of animals are a great idea for boys or girls and provide you with a variety of choices as well. If you have pets at home, snap some pictures of them together, separately and with your baby’s brothers, sisters or cousins. They’ll make for adorable, personalized additions to decorate your baby’s room.

If you’re thinking about a jungle or forest theme, go down to the local zoo and take a slew of pictures of the lions, monkeys, exotic birds and bears. Then with just a little coordination, paint on the walls, and matching curtains you can easily create a fantastic animal theme with very little effort and expense.

Ideas for Customizing Your Pictures
One of the greatest things about this digital age we’re living in is that technology is always evolving, providing us with more and more ways to get creative. If you’ve got a digital camera that came with a docking station, it probably offers you the ability to print borderless photos which can help to create pictures that actually look like artwork. Or if you’re not comfortable using your printer’s software photo options, there are a lot of developers that can print those borderless pics for you, or scale them up or down to any size you want – choose from prints, posters or even wallscapes.

Whichever theme, photos or options you choose, the pride and satisfaction that comes from decorating your baby’s room with photos that you took yourself of family, friends, pets and more is the perfect way to personalize the space and create a place of happiness and abounding love for your little bundle of joy. So have fun, get creative and remember – the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

If you are going to have a shower choosing the theme is an important step in the planning process. You don’t have to have a theme however having one will make the party entertaining, fun, and a memorable experience.

If you choose to have a theme, ask yourself what your baby shower guests would find enjoyable. Once you have a theme you can build your shower around that. It will help you determine the location, whom to invite, what kind of baby shower decorations, games, food, beverages, and favors you need to buy. You can even use your nursery theme to build your shower plans around.

You also need to determine if the baby shower will be before the baby arrives or after. If you choose to have it after you can make it a “Welcome Baby” party, vs. a shower for the mother, and you get to show off your baby.

Some examples of baby shower themes include:

• Baby girl shower theme
• Baby boy shower theme
• Baby Diaper Cake shower theme
• Teddy Bear shower theme
• Gift Basket shower theme
• Stork shower theme
• Nursery Rhyme shower theme
• Winnie the pooh baby shower theme
• Christmas baby shower theme
• Baby game shower theme
• Noah’s ark shower theme
• Sports shower theme
• Teddy bear shower theme
• Snoopy shower theme
• Princess shower theme
• Angel shower theme
• Cowboy shower theme
• Precious moments shower theme

There are many more theme choices out there, after all the sky is the limit when it comes to your baby! Use your imagination and make it the best party you can.

Raising your baby is going to cost a lot of money, no matter how you look at it. There are several things you can do however to help it be a little bit easier on your check book while still giving your baby the quality he deserves.

Nursery
When you go to register for your baby’s nursery you will probably see a lot of dollar signs. There are all kinds of themed, fancy bedding sets that can cost you hundreds of dollars. That is on top of the cost you have for the crib, dresser, changing table and other furniture items you may choose to buy. In reality the expensive crib bedding will do you little good. It is recommended that you do not use soft comforters and blankets as they can increase the chance of SIDS. Your baby will definitely need sheets and a bumper to protect his head as he starts moving around (before he can sit up), but you can pick up those items very inexpensively, and save the rest of your money for the diapers you are sure to need! 

A crib can be another expensive item. A choice that is growing in popularity is buying a crib that can convert from a crib into a toddler bed. You can even find cribs that convert from a toddler bed into a twin or full size bed for when your baby gets bigger. These are nice because it saves you money down the road when your baby starts eating you out of house and home, and you have school costs piling up.

You can also save money by purchasing a dresser that has an area for changing your baby on top, or one that you can put a pad on to help you change your baby. This cuts out the cost of the changing table that you will not use much probably after your baby’s first birthday. As your baby enters toddler hood and is running and busy you will find that it is often easier to just stop and change your baby where he is playing, or while he is standing, than it is to drag your baby from his toys to his room to change his diaper.

Necessities
While you may think that many things would be great to have, like a diaper wipe warmer, most are actually unneeded and items you could cut out to save a little money. You will definitely need a car seat and stroller, and having a swing and bassinet is a great idea. However the little things like baby food organizers and special dishwasher items are things you can do without. With the exception of the car seat, check out consignment shops and yard sales for the bigger and more expensive items. Generally with a good cleaning, most items could be used again, safely for your baby. Also be sure to check out the recall list put out by the manufacturer of any product that you buy new.

Since your baby is going to grow so fast shopping for clothing at consignment shops, thrift stores or garage sales can save you a lot of money as well. Baby clothes can quickly cause you to go broke if you have to buy them new and because babies out grow them so fast your baby will probably only wear his outfits once or twice before they don’t fit. This is true for most people so you can normally find clean, almost new and sometimes even brand new with tag items at used clothing venues.

Diapers and Baby Food
Both diapers and baby food can be done much more naturally in an effort to keep the max amount of money in your pocket. Disposable diapers are very expensive and alone can take all your money. There are diapering options such as cloth diapering and flushable diapers that can save you a lot of money and some claim will cause less diaper rashes and discomfort for your baby.

Baby food is often around 50 cents a jar on the shelf. It is much more inexpensive to make your own by making extra dinner and using a blender and some breast milk to blend your own veggies and fruits from leftovers. As your baby gets older and stronger you can blend up meats and noodles as well to give to him. You can thin out store bought oatmeal and blend up rice to make your baby’s first cereals. If you choose to do organic food, which is already more expensive, then making your own baby food will save you even extra!

Breastfeeding vs. Formula
Cans of formula are very expensive and can easily be wasted if your baby doesn’t eat as much as you make, or you spill as you are preparing a bottle. Breastfeeding is nature’s way of feeding a baby that is not only the healthiest for the baby but is free! Breastfeeding is the best nourishment that you can give your baby. If you have to use formula be sure to sign up on all the formula websites and look for coupons. You will save a lot of money with coupons and freebies of formula that companies will send you.

Coupons
There are baby coupons in papers almost every Sunday. Whether it is for bath products, diapers or food, be sure to look for these coupons. In the long run the savings will add up! Ask your friends and neighbors to clip their baby coupons for you, or if they don’t clip coupons, ask them if they will give you their batch of coupons. Watch for sales at stores on products you have coupons for, and even watch for stores to do double and triple coupon offers. Take advantage of every money saving offer you can.

By Jan Bay

Has it gotten to the point that you want to cry right along with your baby when it’s time to put her to sleep? We’ve all been there. Parents who have much better little sleepers than my baby all have had “THOSE NIGHTS” from time to time.

There does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel. The problem of getting baby into a sleeping routine that all household members can live with seems to be one that’s solved within a year or so.

A year or so you say?
I know, when you’re dead tired and can hardly hold your head up the last thing you want to hear is that there will be a sure fix in the distant future. There are a few things that can be done now. Well, how about we start fresh tomorrow.

That’s really lesson number one, don’t wait till 9pm and baby’s screaming every time there’s a lack of body contact to look for direction! I’m convinced that the best strategy for getting baby to sleep at night begins with a well-laid plan beginning early that morning.

Take a look at baby’s nursery, is it an ideal environment for sleep? The room should be dark and quiet as possible. Room darkening shades for daytime sleeping are a must.

Learn to read your baby’s signals. The moment you see baby’s eyes droop, her little mouth open in a yawn, stop what you are doing immediately and begin your bedtime routine. If you let baby get past this stage without making your move, you will most likely regret it. They can go from pleasantly drowsy to fussy to downright worked into a lather in record time. Timing is important.

Every mother’s procedure for settling baby down is unique, there is no steadfast rule for what should be involved. Whatever your pre-sleep actions may be, they should vary very little from day to day. In order for baby to get a routine, mommy must have one too.

Be very predictable. You will have a calmer and more confident child if she always knows exactly what to expect. This is not to say you should train baby to be in a rut. Where surprises and treats are the frosting on the cake of life, surprises for baby at bedtime are not advisable.

Try to keep to an approximate timetable. Put baby’s jammies on at a certain time and begin working your way toward the crib. A friend whose child had been keeping her up past midnight told me she went through the same steps every night for a week and almost gave up several times, then at the end of the week the baby drifted into an 8pm to10pm bedtime. She still has a little work to do, but as of this writing mother and baby are much happier.

Along with a routine, there’s some baby gear available to make your task more pleasant. Of course, there is the trusty nursery rocking chair. However, if you’ve exhausted all the standard methods for putting baby to sleep. I have a few suggestions you may not have gotten around to that are definitely worth a try.

Have your sleep aid equipment checked, in place and ready to go before anybody goes into meltdown mode:

A baby sling
You carried baby for nine months without a hitch. Maybe she needs a little time to adjust to the world? The motion of your body may be all that it takes to get you through a rough patch and get a few chores done while you’re at it! Start baby out in a ring sling and if it proves to be a workable solution for the two of you, graduate into a mei tai or a backpack.

A fan
Yes a common fan can produce wonderful baby calming white noise. White noise machines are available that mimic the sounds that baby was used to while still happily enclosed in your womb, but the common fan will work in a pinch.

A warm water bottle
How many times have we rocked baby to sleep in our arms only to have them wake when we put them down on a cold crib sheet? Place a warm water bottle in the crib as part of your routine, and when you slip baby out of your arms safely into her crib the sheets will be warmed and the transition won’t be as much of a shock. Always remove the water bottle before placing baby in the crib.

The list of tried and true baby sleep tips is a long one. What works for you one day, may not work every time but there’s one indisputable fact, calm, loving perseverance will be invaluable in building your child’s healthy sleep habits

About the Author:
Jan Bay is a freelance author of nursery decorating articles, baby gear reviews, and the webmaster for UNIQUE BABY GEAR IDEAS.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article and website are for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a doctor or professional. You should always make your own choices on the advice of your chosen professional in matters concerning your baby’s safety.

by Lisa R Kennedy/Lynda Bruschini

Wall decor: Murals are a luxurious choice but not always a viable one. If a mural is possible, consider one created on canvas that can be hung like wall paper to avoid having your home disrupted for any length of time. In many instances a canvas mural can be removed when hung professionally with little or no damage to the walls. You can even have a canvas mural hung on a thin piece of finished wood which can be removed and relocated if desired.

Wall Hangings are an inexpensive option that can adorn your child’s wall in many themes, colors and sizes, shapes and styles. They go up easily, inexpensively and can be taken down and saved or relocated, just as quickly.

Wall Borders are usually associated with a theme room and are available in numerous colors, styles and designs. Quite often they can be hung as a DIY project, with install directions sometimes included from the manufacturer or available at your local hardware store.

Stick-n-peel. Removable Wall art seems to be one of the newest trends. Be sure to look for the ones that say “removable”. They are available in many sizes, designs and colors but are not quite as easily found. The removable ones absolutely leave no damage to the wall and depending on the manufacturer the quality provides a great, convenient look that can be altered, rearranged or removed and saved on the original backing sheet for relocation!

We offer all of the above ideas and can help to create that perfect nursery or room for your child. Come visit our website and get some new ideas rolling.

About the Author:
I am Lisa Kennedy, co-author of this article and with the help of my sister/muralist, I came up with the most perfect nursery – even better than I imagined for my daughter. Think long and hard about the above steps and you can do the same. Visit their site at www.makingascenemural.com or email at lisa@makingascenemural.com.

By Rachel Thompson

As every parent has surely discovered, you are never quite prepared for the arrival of your new baby. No matter how much time and effort you might put into preparing yourselves and your home for your new arrival, there are always a few things that tend to get overlooked. This is not without good reason, mind you. It is such a wonderfully exciting time for expectant parents, so naturally you are going to be less focused on trivial day-to-day matters. For all of the expectant parents our there, this article is for you!

The nursery is the first place to start when you are preparing your home for your new baby. The crib is likely the first major piece of furniture you will purchase for your child. Be sure that the crib you purchase meets all of the mandatory and voluntary safety guidelines. You will also want to invest in a quality crib mattress, as your baby will be spending upwards of 70% of his or her first year on it. Bedding is another consideration, and very much a matter of personal preference. Just don’t forget to pick up a mattress cover! A changing table is another option, but not entirely necessary. Alternately, a baby monitor is an absolute must-have for your child’s nursery.

The next area to focus your attention on is that of baby supplies. While most people have a reasonable idea of what their children’s needs are, it is a good idea to pause and reflect every so often. Baby supplies are very popular, and there are so many choices to make. Be sure you purchase mild baby soap and shampoo, as chemicals and fragrances can have a terrible impact on a baby’s fresh skin. A high quality, all-natural, moisturizer should also be used. Some parents are keen on using baby powder to help keep their baby’s bottom dry. Try to find a baby powder that does not have a talcum powder base. It can be terribly dangerous if inhaled, so be on the lookout for one with a cornstarch base.

After all of the necessary supplies and furniture have been secured, it is time to think about fun and entertainment for your baby. While the world itself will provide hours of fun and discovery for your child, certain toys and playthings can considerably enhance their experiences. A mobile is an excellent toy for new babies, as they spend a lot of time in their crib at that age. Some soft, fluffy toys are also nice, especially if they are designed to provide some sensory stimulation of some sort. Teething toys are an absolute necessity as your child grows older. There are some wonderful toys on the market for young children, just be sure to consult the consumer reports for information about recalls and other possible dangers associated with children’s toys.

About the Author:
Rachel Thompson is the proud mother of two young children, and a regular contributing writer for thebabydepartment.com – a wonderfully informative online resource for parents with information about baby products, nursery accessories, breastfeeding and more.

By Jodie Phillips

A child’s rocking horse is a toy for your child in the shape of a horse mounted on rockers. The rockers are essentially springs, which enable a child to rock and ride. The rocking movement entices many a child. It is also popular as a hobbyhorse. These riding toys give your child the illusion of riding a real horse and therefore are a favorite with most children.

Although only a small horse, a child’s rocking horse is strong enough for your child to sit and ride. It is in the shape of a typical horse with a head, legs, back, and tail. However, the hooves are along the bottom with curved bow type joints. These joints are similar to those commonly found in a rocking chair. These provide a forward and backward movement and allow your child to rock on the horse.

The child’s rocking horse also has proper footrests or straps which serve as stirrups. Your child can place its feet firmly into these stirrups. There are normally two handles at the sides of the horse, coming from the head portion. Your child can hold on to these handles for a firm grip while rocking on the toy.

The earliest known child’s rocking horse dates back to the middle Ages. Although initially such horses were for knights to practice jostling, later, Germany made such wooden horses as children’s toys in late 17th century or early 18th century. Nevertheless, only the rich could afford such toys for their children.

However, the scene changed later and the child’s rocking horse was present in almost every house all over the world. It is now so common that these toys are often in the attic even after the children outgrow such toys. The newer ones are also available in plastic rather than wooden. Despite the popularity of other toys like Barbie dolls, computer games, and robots, children find the simple rocking horse as enticing as ever.

Some of the child’s rocking horse also has real horsehair manes. Most of them are padded sufficiently to make them comfortable for your child to sit and rock. Some have reins and cloth saddles too. Colors of today’s rocking horses are now far from being the traditional grey or brown. You can choose from an array of bright and vibrant colors. Other accessories are also available in leather, fabric, and similar others.

Innovative models of the child’s rocking horse include the rocking horse toilet. This toy serves the dual-purpose of being a child’s toy and helps you teach basic toilet etiquette to your child. Prices for such toys range from $200 to $3,500 depending on your choice of the toy. However, always keep a watchful eye on children younger than four years while riding this horse.

About this Article:
Jodie Phillips is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Perfect-Rocking-Horse.com and she provides more rocking horse facts, tips and advice on choosing the right childs rocking horse on her website, where you can research in the comfort of your own home.