Protector and nurturer are a parent's major roles in life. As soon as they get the news that they are expecting, many parents run off on a shopping spree to prepare a child's bedroom. The excitement, of course, is understandable. But parents should stop, take a breath and think before causing their newborn unintended harm.
Creating a new environment should be fun and exciting, but extreme caution should be taken when planning and decorating. Rooms and other areas that will welcome a baby home should be safe and free of pollutants.
A baby's first room should be clean of dust, mold and mildew. A thorough cleaning of your existing HVAC system should be first on your list, to ensure the blowing air is not producing a noxious effect. This is especially important because infants' and toddlers' lungs are smaller and more susceptible to infection and air-borne disease during this period.
Now that the housekeeping is done, on to the decorating!
Painting a room is usually the first thing to be done. Using a paint that contains no volatile organic components is recommended. VOCs are released into the air as paints, adhesive and finishes dry. It is advisable to wait seven to 14 days to allow the room to cure, and to keep the area well ventilated during this process. Paints are readily available from most manufacturers in no- or low-VOC formulas. A wide variety of colors and finishes are also available, so let your imagination run free.
If painting a mural or border around the room, it is advisable to use nontoxic paints and keep the painted area at least 36 inches above the floor. This will minimize the child's contact with the painted area and make it easier to clean handprints and the inevitable crayon marks as they become mobile. Perhaps use a darker tone on the bottom portion of the wall, which will conceal the wear and tear.
Wood, tile, cork and linoleum flooring are the best for a child's room. They are easy to maintain and allergen-free. For warmth and protection, a washable area rug is advisable. After purchasing a new area rug, it is recommended that you offgas the rug in an open area prior to installing it in the room. These rugs can add a splash of color — just make sure they are low pile and made of cotton, wool or nylon. This type of rug can be removed periodically for laundering with a hypoallergenic cleanser.
Consider buying solid wood furniture for your baby's room if your budget allows for it. Items such as the crib, rocker and changing table are the furniture that your child will be in contact with the most. Other furnishings made from veneered particleboard are acceptable if they are certified free of formaldehyde and use nontoxic adhesives and chemicals. Paint and stained finishes should be water-based, as little one's tend to put things in their mouths and bite items as they teethe.
Shutters, blinds and drapery panels can all be used as window treatments in a child's room. Window treatments should be simple and have the ability to be cleaned easily or laundered. Keep all window treatments out of the reach of small hands. Also, cord controls should be avoided or kept tied out of a child's reach.
Keep these design and safety tips handy, and design the bedroom of your dreams for your newborn. If you follow all of these guidelines, you can relax and take a deep breath.
Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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