EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
KID
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During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
First Years
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When they first arrive on the scene, babies require round-the-clock TLC. They mercilessly disregard our schedules, our need for sleep, and our sanity, causing even the most capable among us to question our fitness for the task of childrearing. Demanding as they can be, babies are surprisingly lackadaisical when it comes to the details of nursery decor. We may obsess over crib bedding and color schemes, but our little ones are blissfully indifferent. Could it be the petulant child in each of us that drives our passion for the perfect home outside the womb? I must admit, it’s we women who are most to blame for letting our nesting instincts get the better of us. In the same way that we long for storybook weddings, we dream of nurseries swathed in pink or blue, of teddy bears, and white wicker basinets. We scour baby boutiques in search of everything we need to complete the idyllic image in our minds and why not? For nine months we have relinquished control over our minds, bodies, and emotions. If we want a 6-foot-tall giraffe, we’re entitled. While feathering our nests, most moms confront time and budget constraints, not to mention the limits of our husbands’ patience. In spite of our desire for all things cute and cuddly, we have to make space for certain “real world” considerations like safety and practicality. Still, as long as we stay somewhat grounded in reality during the process, there’s nothing wrong with creating a fantasy world for ourselves and our newborns. Nursery theme Will it be Winnie the Pooh or Benjamin Bunny, classic or contemporary, understated or over the top? These are the kinds of questions moms mull over the minute they discover they are pregnant. Some women sort it out in the first trimester, others (myself included) wait until the baby drops to make up their minds. Many modern moms are opting for nursery themes that appeal to babies as well as adults and to décor that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home. Traditional pink and blue may be paired with brown for a hip take on the old standbys. Paint treatments in bold stripes and subtle washes make a fun, fresh statement without resorting to commercialized themes and cartoon characters. With a little imagination you can recreate an African safari, a day at the beach or a night under the big top without losing your mind or breaking the bank. 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 the hand-embroidered bumper pads. Baby being baby is already going to keep you up at night without the added worry of whether or not your $500 custom bedding will be destroyed come morning. Opt for durable, 100% cotton fabrics when outfitting your crib. Choose furniture pieces that will grow with your child, like a changing table that can do double duty as a dresser. Quality is key when it comes to children’s furnishings. If you invest wisely now, you may not have to upgrade until the teenage years. Safety Let safety drive your nursery decisions and you’ll enjoy peace of mind along with all of the warm, fuzzy aesthetics. Recycling is a great idea for bottles and cans, not for baby cribs and mattresses. Make certain your crib meets the latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Spring for a new mattress if you have stored one from a previous child. Studies show that babies who sleep on used mattresses are at greater risk for SIDS. Keep it simple when it comes to crib bedding. Soft, squishy bumper pads and lofty quilts look cozy, but the American SIDS Institute warns they may present a suffocation hazard. In fact, the SIDS experts recommend completely removing the crib clutter including bumper pads, blankets, pillows and toys. Nursery must-haves Before you blow the baby’s college fund on superfluous stuff, check these nursery essentials off your list: • Comfortable rocker, glider or recliner • Plenty of storage solutions • Baby monitor • Changing table/dresser combo • Curtains or shades fitted with blackout lining • Diaper disposal system • White noise machine or CD player • Clothes hamper S. Danyelle Knight is a regular contributor |
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