First time parents are, for lack of a better term, frazzled. You run around like a headless chicken trying to accomplish everything that needs to be done before the little bundle of joy arrives. Being a parent is definitely hard work, but very rewarding. Ed Young, Fellowship Church pastor and author, has four children with his wife Lisa and they've had their share of ups and downs. His book "The 10 Commandments of Parenting: The Do's and Don'ts for Raising Great Kids" is great for first time parents. It reads like a parenting manual, offering tips and advice he's picked up over the years. To help with the stress, here are some must have's:
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Babies can't handle too much stimulation right away, so don't stress if you didn't have time to hang pictures or butterflies and flowers from the ceiling. Focusing on one thing at a time is good enough for the baby. If there is a fan in the room, it is probably the only thing the baby will be looking at.
Take it Easy on the Colors
According to HGTV, newborns can only register the colors black, white and gray. But as their sight develops, the first color they recognize is red. Try not to over stimulate them, though. Red in a nursery can create confusion when it's the only color they see. Try incorporating softer tones like blues, yellows, greens and pinks. You can mix and match different colors together, focusing on a main color for the blinds. For a girls room, pink or green blinds would look great.
Choose a Baby Changing Table With LOTS of Storage
Newborns go through a lot of diapers. I mean, a lot. Having a changing table with a lot of storage will allow you to have a few packs of diapers, wipes and a handful of towels handy and ready to be used at any moment. To make the process easier, try keeping diapers opened and stacked in a basket or drawer.
Storage Racks and Wire Baskets
Social sites like Pinterest showcase DIY nursery rooms, where parents have made their own storage shelving. It's as easy as drilling a wire basket into the wall for a make-shift library or using a hanging shoe rack or a jewelry organizer for extra toys, blankets, lotions, powders or hair accessories.
Place a Day Bed in the Room
As nontraditional as it is, placing a day bed might be a good idea for first time moms who are getting up every two to three hours to feed or change the baby. It can be a great escape and prevent disturbing your sleeping beau. So, if you have the space, putting in a day bed might be a good idea. It can also become a toddler bed when your little one gets older. All you need is a railing to prevent him or her from rolling onto the floor during the middle of the night.