Article brought to us by Oilo Studio website
Nursery design expert reveals easy-to-apply tips to help parents create calming spaces for better baby bedtime, even with Christmas decorations
Key Points:
- Nursery and baby essentials specialist shares advice for aiding baby sleep during the festive period
- Gliders, lighting, and soft colors amongst top tips for creating a calming sleep environment with a Christmassy feel
- Expert guidance on balancing Christmas decorations with sleep-friendly nursery design
As families prepare to transform their homes with twinkling lights and festive decorations this Christmas, parents may be wondering how to include their baby’s nursery in the holiday spirit without compromising on sleep-friendly design. While the rest of the house might sparkle with bright colors and shimmering ornaments, the nursery needs a more carefully considered approach.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to create a calm and functional space when it comes to improving a baby’s sleep, let alone your own,” says Annalisa Thomas of Oilo Studio, a luxury brand specializing in nursery furniture and baby essentials. Here, she shares some of the best decorating tips to promote tranquility in the nursery while keeping it in line with the rest of the home’s December decor.
- Get Yourself A Glider For Gentle Rocking
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to help your baby drift off is through rocking. A glider provides comfort to both parent and child allowing you to gently rock your baby to sleep with minimal effort – perfect for those late-night Christmas Eve feeds and holiday bedtimes.
“Nothing beats a glider. They are a lifesaver for tired parents. The subtle, rhythmic motion mimics being in the womb, which naturally soothes babies,” explains Annalisa. “But most crucially, it also gives parents a comfortable spot to bond with their child.”
- Darken The Room For Better Sleep
This one should be a given, yet surprisingly many people fall victim to not using this technique. While fairy lights might twinkle throughout the rest of your home, keeping the nursery dark during naps and bedtime using blackout curtains can block out both natural light and any holiday illuminations, letting your baby know that it’s time to rest, even during the day. A dark environment helps keep your baby’s sleep patterns more consistent.
- Optimal Room Temperature
Maintaining the right temperature is just as important as keeping the room dark, especially when the rest of the house might be warmer from holiday cooking and entertaining.
Annalisa suggests keeping the nursery between 16°C and 18°C for optimal sleep conditions. Use thermal curtains to block drafts, and layer your baby with appropriate bedding depending on the season
- Position The Crib Strategically
A crib’s place in the room can impact your baby’s sleep more than you think. Positioning it away from windows, busy household areas, and any twinkling Christmas decorations is a must to reduce noise and distractions.
According to Annalisa, “Creating a sleep-friendly environment starts with minimizing visual and auditory stimuli. Keep the crib in a peaceful corner for the best sleep results.”
- Hypoallergenic Bedding
High-quality, breathable bedding made from materials like organic cotton makes sure that your baby sleeps without irritation. Clean, fresh bedding can also improve air quality in the room, which contributes to a better night’s sleep. While festive bedding might be tempting, stick to sleep-friendly materials and neutral patterns.
- White Noise Machine Or Soundproofing
Adding a white noise machine or soundproofing elements may seem a bit too high tech for some, but can be hugely beneficial, especially during the holiday season when homes tend to be busier with visitors and festivities.
If you live in a city, or if your baby is easily disturbed by background noise, soft sounds from a white noise machine can mimic the ambient sounds of the womb, lulling your baby to sleep.
- Opt For Soft, Neutral Colors
The color palette in a nursery is central to shaping the mood of the space. While the rest of your home might be showing off traditional reds and greens over Christmas, stick to neutral shades such as soft pastels or earthy tones in the nursery to create a sense of calm.
Annalisa advises parents to avoid overly bright or stimulating colors, which can over-excite the baby. “Soft, natural colors like Mint Green or Pale Pink help in creating a peaceful ambiance that encourages sleep.”
- Layer Lighting For Optimal Comfort
Lighting is another big factor when designing a sleep-friendly nursery. Use layered lighting like dimmable lamps and blackout curtains to control the room’s brightness throughout the day. Save the sparkly Christmas lights for other rooms in the house.
“Dimmable lighting allows you to create the perfect environment for sleep while still providing visibility for nighttime feedings and diaper changes,” Annalisa says.
- Keep The Nursery Clutter-Free
This is where organization is most important, especially during the gift-giving season. A cluttered room is overwhelming for both parents and babies. Creating designated storage areas makes sure that the nursery remains tidy and functional, with any new toys and presents neatly stored away.
Annalisa stresses the importance of organization, saying “A clutter-free space reduces distractions, making it easier for your baby to relax and fall asleep.”
Annalisa Thomas of Oilo Studio commented:
“Designing a nursery that promotes sleep doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with simple changes like adding a glider and blocking out light with blackout curtains. These small adjustments can have a huge impact on your baby’s sleep quality to make the room feel calm and cozy.
“Less is more when it comes to the decor. Neutral colors, comfortable or hypoallergenic bedding and a minimalist environment all contribute to creating a relaxing space for your baby. The objective is finding that balance between creating a room that feels nurturing but also functional for both you and your baby. At the end of the day, your nursery should be a place where you feel calm and connected with your baby, especially during those late-night feeds.”
About Oilo Studio
Oilo Studio is a luxury brand specializing in nursery furniture, bedding, and baby essentials. Known for its high-quality gliders, recliners, and organic cotton textiles, Oilo blends modern design with comfort to create products perfect for stylish nurseries. They also offer fine art prints and home design ideas, catering to customers who value both aesthetics and functionality. With a focus on eco-friendly materials, many of their items are crafted from organic cotton. Oilo Studio’s products are designed to elevate both the nursery and the home.
Article brought to us by Oilo Studio website
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Glenda Charlie and David Cates