Then and Now Nursery Décor: Why “traditional” is out for Baby in 2018

It’s that time—your nesting instinct is in full gear, you’re ready to take on the nursery, and your in-laws and girlfriends want to know: pink, or blue?

Not so fast!

Whether you are already familiar with your bump’s gender or are doing things the old-fashioned way and prefer to stay in the dark until that magical moment when it—er—reveals him-or-herself to all, yesterday’s either/or color schemes are OUT for 2018.

Instead, mix it up, or pick whatever’s pretty to YOU, Mom! (Chances are you’ll be spending the most time in the room, right?) Make it YOUR happy place! When Mom’s happy, everybody’s happy.

Then: Pink or blue gender-themed color schemes, soft, floral prints, and complicated animal mobiles.

Now: Gender non-specific greens or lavenders; hip, checkered two-tones, striped monochromes with bold color splashes; simple whites with oversized floral wallpaper patterns, or clean Scandinavian pallets with soft accent colors that create a calm ambiance. If you chose to hang a mobile over Baby’s bed, keep it simple. Be sure it is out of reach as your baby grows.

In other words—anything goes, if it looks and feels good to you.

Bedding

It’s a wonder my generation lived through infancy. We had hand-me-down lead-painted cribs with slats wide enough for our itty heads and appendages. Our moms wrapped us up in Granny-quilted cocoons and gently placed us on our BACKS to sleep in plastic-sheeted, bumper-padded cradles lined with stuffed bunnies or bears.

Then: Pastel and puffy—lacey bumpers, padded mattress, weighty quilted, or embroidered blankets, silky pillows, and an ark’s worth of stuffed animals to keep us “safe.”

Now: Safe and clean—no lacey bumper (potential entrapment or suffocation hazard), ultra-firm mattress, blanket onesies instead of quilted comforters. (Don’t worry, you can still put out the pretty cover Nana embroidered when Baby’s not in the bed or is able to navigate blankets safely).  A single, tiny, hypo-allergenic bunny or bear (no buttons or bow ties!) may guard the crib from a far corner. Sorry—you’ll have to reach all the way in to retrieve Baby. While adjustable railings are easier on your ribcage, stable rails with closely-spaced slats are safer.

Wall Décor

Forget the generic Snow White or Winnie the Pooh cling decals. They are a pain to put up and will come loose after a few months, especially if you live in a very humid area (like Florida!) Today’s babies (or, at least, their parents) have a more sophisticated eye. Framed prints or art photographs will complement just about any décor. Mom will be happy to show off and hang out in Baby’s room—especially if the beautiful photo is from her personal maternity photo shoot!

Then: Clunky murals depicting Bambi and his friends in the woods, or peel-n-stick decals of Disney characters

Now: Curated, framed artwork and enlarged prints from personal photo shoots of Mom (and/or Dad) and “Bump.”

Furniture

Baby nurseries haven’t always been the centerpiece of the home. In fact, back in the days when babies came every other year or so to most households, it was common to keep Baby’s hand-me-down crib in the parents’ room, transitioning it into a sibling’s bedroom when Baby started sleeping through the night. Nowadays, Baby is the “Main Event.” Preparing your baby’s nursery is sort of like planning a wedding—or at least, picking out your wedding dress. It’s the adventure that takes your mind off of the bulge and swollen ankles and puts a little well-deserved fun into your last trimester.

While you may be tempted to spoil your soon-to-be by indulging your inner child fantasies (and punishing your credit card), remember—a baby’s materialistic needs are few, and you will have plenty of time to add age-appropriate, adorable STUFF to the nursery. For now, choose a few must-haves, and make the room a place you can relax and feel comfortable in.

You and your new greatest love will be sharing many, many hours there together!

Then: Cradle, enormous, hand-painted, hand-me-down crib with adjustable railings, tiny rocking chair, changing station, wall-to-wall carpeting, trash can, giant Giraffe.

Now:  Elegantly simple, NEW crib (stable rails) with coordinating changing table, stable dresser with drawers for Baby’s clothing, bedding, lotion, wipes, etc., Mommy-sized glider or rocking chair, Diaper Genie (a MUST!), trip-proof, hypo-allergenic rug, and a giant Giraffe.

South Florida Maternity Photography Studio

We specialize in fine-art maternity and newborn photography. For more South Florida maternity photography and pregnancy portraits, please, visit our maternity gallery. For bookings and information on maternity, newborn and baby photography sessions contact us or call directly 754.581.2133.