If you are prepping to welcome a newborn or already have a child in your life, you may be wondering how to renovate a nursery or bedroom for optimal sleep. From choosing the right paint color to ensuring the room doesn’t let too much light in, there are a lot of factors to consider. Needless to say, the process can be a bit overwhelming – all in hopes that your baby doesn’t wake up in the middle of the night. If you’re trying to renovate your baby’s bedroom and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. We reached out to sleep experts across North America, from Dallas, TX to Vancouver, BC, to give us their best decor and remodel tips to help promote more comfortable sleep. From setting up diffusers to installing blackout curtains, keep reading to see what they had to say.
1) When it comes to a baby’s room, less is more
Keep cute colorful decorations to the walls with the exception of projectors or lights (dark is best for sleep). Mobiles are cute but are actually more distracting and can distract from sleep – instead, put them over the changing table to keep a distracted baby calmer during those diaper changes that feel like you’re wrestling with an alligator. – Tranquil Beginnings
2) Position the crib away from windows
This can promote better temperature regulation and be safer as you don’t want your child playing with curtains or blinds. Find an interior wall to place the baby’s crib against and near the door so you can quickly get to it if needed during the night without tripping over furniture. – The Sleepy Head Coach
3) Focus on creating a calm, serene, and minimalist bedroom
Whether you have a baby or a big kid, use the fewest pieces of furniture possible for the best sleep hygiene. Use blackout blinds or curtains, keep the room cool, play continuous white or pink noise during sleep, and consider adding an area rug for noise absorption in rooms without carpets. – Baby Sleep Love
4) If you share a room, place a folding room divider
If you are sharing a room with your baby, consider placing a folding room divider and a sound machine between your bed and your baby’s crib. Babies are more likely to call you in the middle of the night and wake up at 5 am if they can see you sleeping right next to them. Creating a visual barrier can help new parents get more sleep in that first year with their baby. – Sleep Coach Karen
5) Make the room dark
It doesn’t need to be cave-like, but babies sleep better when most of the light is out. Use blackout blinds and a dim nightlight that’s easy to switch on and off. You’ll only need it for nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Steer clear of blue light, which can mess with melatonin production. – AB Sleep, @a.b.sleep
6) Consider colors that are conducive to sleep
Blue is the best color for the bedroom because it will help induce sleep. Studies show blue can have more calming effects on the brain. Other colors that work really well are earth tones, beiges, and muted colors. Avoid glossy paint as it can reflect light and stimulate your brain. Aim for matte or eggshell. – Sleep Baby Sleep
7) Add a Himalayan salt lamp
Set the stage for peaceful bedtimes and restful nights by adding a Himalayan salt lamp to your child’s bedroom. During the bedtime routine, soften the lighting to calm your child and initiate drowsiness. At night, use the lowest setting of the lamp to simulate the glow of moonlight, which will create a sense of security and lull your child into a deeper sleep. – Sweet Slumber
8) Fill your space with light noise, diffusers, florals, and humidifiers
Pick a wall paint color that’s calming to you. Most people love a subdued moody shade, and some prefer a dark, dramatic vibe. You can accent your space with light noise, diffusers, florals, humidifiers, fancy sheets, or whatever brings you to calm because ultimately, this sacred space is about you and your baby and feeling relaxed when you walk into it. – Carly Kenihan of Sleep Shop
9) Focus on setting up a simple environment
One of the simplest things is setting up an environment that complements how baby’s bodies sleep. The must-haves to execute this are complete black-out shades for behind your curtains, a sound machine, a safe crib, and a comfortable sleep temperature of 68-70 degrees. The blackout shades will make sure no light interrupts your baby’s sleep. The white noise will help them stay asleep for longer stretches as they don’t hear other kids, pets, neighbors, etc. Make sure the crib has a firm, flat mattress and nothing else in the crib except your little one. It’s ideal to have the room at a cooler temperature for sleep, so aim for 68-70 degrees F and install a ceiling fan to keep the air circulating. – Little Peach Sleep
…
Source: Redfin – Ryan Castillo – https://www.redfin.com/blog/baby-bedroom-remodel-tips/