It’s easy to go “ga-ga” over finishes, furniture and baby’s room finery. It’s also easy to exhaust your imagination, your budget and your husband’s patience when planning and executing the perfect nursery. For a fun and economical baby room as unique as your new bambino, follow these pointers:

Themes
Many modern moms are opting for nursery themes that appeal to adults, as well as to babies, and for décor that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home. Pair traditional pink or blue with brown for a hip take on old standbys. Paint treatments in bold stripes and subtle washes make a whimsical statement without resorting to commercialized themes and cartoon characters.

Bedding and furniture
When purchasing the basics for your baby’s room, keep flexibility and durability in mind. Babies are living, breathing, pooping, spitting-up human beings, and they don’t care how much you spent on their hand-embroidered bumper pads. Opt for durable, 100 percent cotton fabrics when outfitting your crib. Choose furniture pieces that will grow with your child, like a changing table that can double as a dresser. Quality is key when it comes to children’s furnishings.

Safety
Let safety drive your nursery decisions, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind along with all of the warm, fuzzy aesthetics. Make certain your crib meets the latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.  Keep it simple when it comes to crib bedding. Soft, squishy bumper pads and lofty quilts look cozy, but the American SIDS Institute warns that they may present a suffocation hazard. In fact, the SIDS experts recommend completely removing all crib clutter, including bumper pads, blankets, pillows and toys.

Nursery must-haves
> Comfortable rocker, glider or recliner
> Plenty of storage solutions
> Changing table/dresser combo
> Curtains or shades with blackout lining
> Diaper-disposal system
> White noise machine or CD player
> Clothes hamper


Up, up and away!
Need a vacation? Before you hop on a plane, here are some ways to make the journey with Junior as painless as possible:

> Getting there: If your budget allows, purchase a ticket for you and baby Kids. under age 2 fly free of charge if they sit on mom’s or dad’s lap. But most airlines offer discounted fares for infants, so it’s worth checking into.

> Cabin pressure: If you’re nursing, consider wearing a shawl or poncho, since they can double as baby blankets, changing pads and pillows. Be prepared to nurse or bottle-feed at takeoff and landing to help your child cope with the cabin’s changing air pressure.

> Baby’s baggage: There’s no such thing as packing lightly when it comes to baby’s stuff, but you can be smart about it. Keep toys, books or games handy for long flights – and don’t forget his favorite blankie! When planning his wardrobe, ask yourself if you will have access to laundry facilities.
If not, double your normal allotment of duds.


Exercise good sex again
The majority of couples confess to losing that loving feeling when they bring baby home from the hospital, at least for a while. There are dozens of reasons for the decline in romance, not the least of which is the 24/7 ordeal of raising a child. Regaining a healthy sex life will require patience, planning and a little self-esteem.
   
Moms are the ones who usually suffer most from low self-esteem. It took 40 weeks for our bodies to morph into birthing machines, but we expect to look like Heidi Klum the day we return from the hospital!
   
Our men are generally less critical, but once fixated on flab, we think of nothing else.
   
Starting a moderate exercise program helps moms regain their prenatal figures while stimulating endorphins and reducing stress.
   
Like losing baby weight, rekindling your romance takes time. Open your heart to new experiences with your spouse, and you’ll be swept off your feet once again.

S. Danyelle Knight is an award-winning contributor to OC Family magazine.