Decor ideas for safe and cosy baby nurseries
Preparing and decorating a baby's nursery is one of the most special moments for parents-to-be. And although you want the room to be beautiful, your priority is to make it safe for your bundle of joy. At IKEA, we want to show you that it's possible to achieve both goals easily. Let's go!
The arrival of a new family member means, among many other things, adapting the spaces in your home. That room that perhaps used to be your office or walk-in wardrobe may now become the baby's room, so it's time to get it ready with everything you need for this special phase, from the cot and changing table to the wardrobe and lighting. It's essential for it to be a safe space in which both you and the baby feel comfortable during the first few months of their life.
1. A safe and comfortable cot for your baby
The cot is the main feature of the baby's nursery and it is where they will spend most of their time, as rest is essential for their development. That's why choosing wisely is crucial. The most important thing is that it's safe for them. That's why at IKEA, all our cots are designed to minimise the risk of accidents. In this sense, they have rounded edges to prevent injuries if they knock against them and they are crafted with paints and materials free from chemical or toxic agents that are harmful to babies. The latter is essential, especially as they grow older and their curiosity to touch and grasp everything within reach increases.
In addition to this, a cot also has to be comfortable, which is why the base of our cots is made with slats so that air can flow through and allow for constant ventilation of the mattress. This helps to maintain a suitable temperature, preventing humidity and excessive sweating while the baby sleeps.
And that's not all! They also have a base that can be mounted at two different heights, to adapt the cot as the baby grows, keep them safe and facilitate parental interaction. The higher position is recommended for newborns and the lower position for babies who are starting to sit up and are at risk of falling. Also, in most of our cots (as is the case with the model in the photo), one of the sides can be removed so that, when they grow up, your little one can get in and out on their own, teaching them independence. And the best thing about it? You'll be able to get more out of it for longer!
2. A mattress adapted to your baby's needs
Once you've chosen the cot, the next step is to choose a quality mattress that is suitable for your baby's sleeping needs. What should you take into account?
- The mattress should be the exact size of the cot: if it is bigger or smaller, it could be dangerous for the baby as they could hurt themselves by getting stuck in the holes.
- The materials must be breathable so that the cot is well ventilated and the baby's temperature can be regulated during sleep.
- The mattress must be firm to provide stability and security for the baby during sleep. We also recommend that its structure reduce pressure on the body. At IKEA, we achieve this with pocket springs or high-resilience foam.
- It is preferable if the mattress covers can be removed and washed in the washing machine to ensure your baby's hygiene.
At IKEA, all our cot mattresses meet these requirements. And, like the cots, they are made from safe and sustainable materials. They contain no hazardous chemicals and comply with all safety regulations.
3. Cot linens and other warm textiles
You already have the cot and the mattress, now it's time for the cot linen. For this, the first thing to bear in mind is that until the baby has adequate mobility (around 12-18 months), it is best to keep the cot uncluttered and to not place items such as pillows, loose blankets or toys in it. This is because, as they cannot move on their own, there is a risk of suffocation or an accident.
Therefore, when they are newborns, you should only focus on the mattress cover and fitted sheet. At IKEA, all our bedding is made from natural fabrics that contain no substances that are harmful to babies and are also light and soft to the touch. In order for the baby to sleep comfortably, the room temperature should be neutral, neither high nor low (i.e. between 18 and 21 degrees), so that the baby can sleep longer. Using fabrics that promote thermoregulation is also highly recommended. At IKEA, many of our bedding textiles, such as mattress covers, contain a material called LYOCELL, which allows your baby to breathe and ensures thermal comfort.
Up to 18 months of age, another safe option is to place them in a sleeping bag that keeps them nice and warm, but without the possibility of covering their heads and making breathing difficult, as could happen with the use of duvets or sheets. As they get older, of course, you will be able to use blankets, duvets or quilts.
Another textile that will provide warmth and comfort, as well as a decorative touch to your baby's room, is a rug. At IKEA, we have nursery rug designs ranging from neutral to more colourful options, to suit any style of decor.
4. A convenient and practical changing table
Now that you have everything ready for your baby's rest, it's time to move on to other elements in the room. One of the most useful for parents during the first few months of their baby's life is a changing table. As you will have to change a lot of nappies, it's best to do it in a specific place that is as practical as possible, don't you think?
At IKEA, all our changing tables are designed for this purpose and have drawers or shelves to keep all the necessary items such as nappies, wipes and baby toiletries close at hand. The height is ideal for changing your baby comfortably and closely.
The one you see in the photo, for example, has several compartments to store everything you need to take care of your baby. Like all our other changing tables, it is 100% safe for your little ones as it does not contain any toxic materials and has rounded edges. And the best thing about it? Once your baby has grown, you can transform it into a shelving unit for their bedroom or any other room in the house by removing the top.
We also have all the accessories you need to make the task much easier: changing mats, covers, storage baskets and boxes.
5. The right lighting for every moment
Another element to pay special attention to in a baby's nursery is the lighting, as this is crucial for the quality of your baby's sleep. The sleep-promoting hormone melatonin is activated by darkness, so ideally you should be able to control the light in their bedroom gradually.
For sleeping, it's best to go from a cool 75 lumen light to complete darkness; for waking up, the opposite is recommended, but with a warm light. This makes it easier for them to associate with dusk and dawn. IKEA has a smart lighting system for this, which allows you to control the light with a remote control, both in terms of brightness and tone.
Apart from that, of course, we have soft toys with LED lights.
6. Furniture for a well-organised baby nursery
Tidiness is important throughout the house, but even more so in a baby's nursery, as keeping it neat will prevent potential hazards for the baby and also for parents or siblings, if there are any. In this sense, having a children's wardrobe is essential to organise all their clothes and other accessories.
At IKEA, we know that babies grow very quickly, so our children's wardrobes are designed to adapt to the changes that will occur as they grow. Children's wardrobe organisers will be especially useful for this, as they will allow you to expand the storage space according to their needs. This way, you can make the most of their wardrobe for many years to come.
Another piece of furniture that can come in handy for your little one's room is a chest of drawers. Our advice is to opt for a children's model that is designed for their height, so that when they grow up, they will actively help to tidy up their room. And don't worry, even though they are a bit shorter and the handles are small, the drawers are just as spacious as those in chests of drawers for adults.
7. Toys for newborns to fill their nursery with colour
Last but not least, we have toys. Even if it is a newborn's nursery, we shouldn't forget toys as children develop and learn through play from the very beginning.
Of course, they have to be age-appropriate and safe for them. In this case, our selection is aimed at developing their senses, such as sight with hanging mobiles, hearing or touch with musical soft toys or hand-eye coordination with play mats.
All of them have a CE marking; in other words, they are tested and meet all the safety requirements of the European Union. And the best thing is that in addition to all this, their design contributes to the decor of your little one's room, as they will fill it with colour and joy.
And now we have everything for their nursery! We hope that this article will help you to create a safe space for your baby. If you need any more information, here are some articles that may be of interest to you.
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products prevent them from being resold or used for their original use, and so voiding IKEA product warranties and your right of return.
