Carolyn Gatzke,  M.A., Human Development, Co-Founder Engage Environments

  Can there really be a Developmental Nursery?

Yes! The developmental environment is a part of every quality preschool, why would it be overlooked in any child’s home? Think about it - children are affected by their surroundings just like their parents are, and we know our surroundings provide us comfort, pleasure and even inspiration.

A well-considered nursery environment will add significantly to your baby’s overall development.

  So, where do I start?

Start with the sleep environment! Outside of your arms, the interior crib – the sleep environment – should be the most calming place for your infant. I don’t know about you, but when I’m winding down, I don’t want busy patterns and colors jumping out at me, but that’s what most parents provide, very lovingly, for their babies.

Your baby will benefit from a sleep space that is restful to the eye and soft to the touch - a spot where baby can self-soothe and process the happenings of the day in her own baby way.

  But, I don’t want the whole room to be without color or pattern

Only the interior crib need be free of visual stimulation. The exterior space should be rich with color, warm and inviting, and ready to welcome the passions and playthings your child will embrace as he grows.

  Passions and playthings? I have to plan that, too?!

No you don’t and you shouldn’t, but many parents inadvertently do just that when they create a personalized space for an unborn child they haven’t met (perhaps they think that knowing the child’s gender provides enough insight).

We’re actually suggesting that you have less to do than you think. Provide the right color mix, leave the themes out and when your little one falls in love with Elmo and Dora the characters are as at home as baby herself.

Think about it, a room created solely in pastels may not speak to your baby’s lively temperament or a beach theme might leave your little one feeling like a fish out of water. In the end, all of your advance effort may leave your busy toddler living in a beautiful, lovingly designed, incongruent space.

  Can’t I just redecorate as my child grows?

Certainly you can, but why do it when you don’t have to? Children need consistency in the early years as they learn about and make sense of their world. Abrupt change is not the best course when it can be avoided.

In addition, redecorating can be a time consuming and disruptive task for the whole family, a potentially large expense, and an unintended message about disposability.

  Now, I have to search for bedding that provides a serene sleep environment, and a broad color-palette that will grow up with my child?

Search no further, just click right here.