Are you worried about your decision of shared
bedrooms for your toddler and baby?
Your first born has taken his first steps towards
independence, and you’ve decided to welcome another little baby. If
your second baby is due while you are still potty training and running
after your first, you are allowed to feel overwhelmed.
Decorating the nursery is always a fun
experience...as you have the liberty to do what you want with it.
However, if the idea is of shared bedrooms for both, your
toddler and baby, there will be some key points you need to
be aware of.
Relax and ease those palpitations. Decorating a
space that is equally appropriate for both baby and toddler can be a
wonderful experience. All you need to do is Remember these Three
Golden Rules for shared kids room design.
Golden Rule 1: Make the Room Safe
- Safe for Baby – If you plan to re-use your
first-born’s baby crib, check it for any damages and wear or tear.
Invest in a good baby monitor to help you keep track of happenings
while you are out of the room. A mosquito net helps keep the bugs out,
and stops your toddler from throwing toys in or climbing in himself.
Your baby will soon start copying his older sibling. All toys bought
for the toddler must be baby safe too.
- Safe for Toddler – Whether shopping for a
toddler or twin bed for the shared bedrooms, pay special attention to
the safety rails. Remember, he can now reach new heights. Even the
décor hung or kept at baby safe distance now need to be moved farther
away. He can climb onto the rocking chair – keep it away from the
windows and keep the windows barred when you leave the room.
Golden Rule 2: Make the Room Bright,
Cheerful and Lots of Fun
- Fun for the Toddler – He has had everything to
himself...until now. In the midst of the excitement of the newborn,
don’t let him feel neglected. Include him in the decorating process.
Make it a fun adventure, buy some new furniture pieces for him – a
small table and chair set are a perfect fit. Fun accessories will make
the room a place your toddler would love to spend time in...and reduce
any resentment towards the new baby.
- Fun for the Baby – A soft area rug that defines
the baby space (and another for the toddler of course) can be chosen in
the theme for the room. Giving the
space 2 distinct looks for each of the occupants in the shared
bedrooms, gives each a personal sense of belonging – their own private
space. To create harmony between the two themes a common kids mural can
be painted or stuck on.
Golden Rule 3: Solve Conflicts in a
Cool but Firm Manner
- Calming a Cranky Baby – Babies will
cry...especially when they need their sleep. You should talk to your
toddler and explain his responsibilities as an older sibling. Don’t
expect him to understand and obey at all times though. If he doesn’t
sleep on time, either during naptimes or at night, let the baby sleep
in your room. Once they are both asleep, shift the baby to his crib.
- Calming a Cranky Toddler – Used to being the
center of your world, the toddler can get quite irritable when he wants
attention but you are busy with the baby. Expect some ups and downs as
both kids try to settle down and adapt to the new situation. Keep your
cool and keep persevering...the kids will eventually learn to enjoy
each other’s company.
The trend for young children to share bedrooms (a
common trend in many countries around the world) is gaining popularity
here in the west. Children not only adapt quickly to each other, they
grow closer and enjoy a deep bond that later physical separation also
cannot break.
So go ahead and chalk out your plans for that
lovely nest to be shared by your toddler and baby...and as the bumps
begin to smoothen out, you will see your kids spend more time together
and soon leave you in peace (and planning your next baby, perhaps?).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/
shared-bedrooms-3-golden-rules-that-help-toddler-and-baby-stay-happy-
together-1235186.html About the Author
There are many more tips and ideas to help decorate the shared bedrooms of
your toddler and baby. Want examples of kids room themes for shared spaces?
Richa Sinha
has combined her twin passions for kids and home decoration in her
writings for www.decoratingideas4kidsrooms.com,
to help decorate rooms from nurseries to teen rooms.
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