May 28th, 2018 | Updated on June 4th, 2018
Designing a home can be an exciting process of discovery where you add color, texture, and pieces of art that define your space. Most times, parents struggle to make their homes infant friendly and find themselves creating general spaces for all family members.
One aspect you need to understand is that infants are sensitive and may not automatically fit into your space. They need customized, safe, and welcoming environments so that they can feel appreciated. If this seems abstract to you, read along for a breakdown of useful tips on how to go about it.
1. Add Colorful Pieces of Art
When well displayed, colorful art can make the living room vibrant and attractive not just to your infant, but the whole family. Art doesn’t add clutter, instead, it spurs creativity. When infants are exposed to color, their learning process kicks on fast and their emotional well-being improves.
Emphasize on bright primary colors for your art pieces because these stimulate the brain. You can have the living room painted different shades to give them an idea of variety.
2. Ensure the Living Room is Softer
Baby falls are inevitable and to some extent uncontrollable. However, where your infant falls is totally up to you. To minimize risks of injuries, soften up your living room. One of the best ways of doing this is to get a nice soft rug. This doubles up as a cushion and a play mat. If you can, go for darker colors because these can hide stains, unlike bright-colored rugs.
3. Check Your Furniture for Sharp Edges
Even though your infant won’t be running around much, they will certainly have some movements as they advance in age. The design of furniture you have in your living room could harm your child. Coffee tables, side tables, and some couches may have pointed corners.
A good idea is to babyproof your furniture by padding the corners and edges. When your baby knocks his head or falls, the risk of bruises and cuts will be minimal if any.
4. Tidy Up Your Decorations and Trinkets
Not every family has decorations that clutter the living room. However, if your living room has trinkets and decorations, consider storing them away from your child. Decorations draw the eye and your infant may try to reach them. Some of them have small pieces that can choke your child.
If they must remain in the living room, ensure they are hanging up high on the walls and out of reach for the infants.
5. Get Creative with Storage
The greatest gift you can give infants is toys. As they grow up, they will accumulate many of them and if their storage is an afterthought, you may find yourself stuck with a bunch of them. The traditional storage spaces may be occupied by some other items, but you can be creative enough and free up extra space for use.
If you are strategic enough to shop for the best baby dresser changing table, you will benefit from extra storage space in the drawers.
6. Incorporate a Play Corner
Infant spaces may lack the practicality of adult living rooms, but they are functional that way. Your infant will appreciate the relaxed, fun, and less serious living room. Spice it up by introducing a play corner where you can interact with your young one without interfering with the rest of the occupants.
Infants love personalizing spaces and before you realize it, the play corner will be their favorite joint in the entire living space.
7. Choose Durable and Comfortable Fabric
Love it or hate it, your chairs, sofas, and pillows will be subject to spills, staining, and other events. This is unavoidable, but you can do something about it. Pick fabrics that give you a balance between practicality and comfort.
For durability, think about fabrics with high rub counts and tight weaves. Leather is a great option if you can afford it because, in the event of spills, you can easily wipe them away. Slipcovers also give you the convenience of simply peeling them off and tossing them into the wash.
8. Add Fabric Baskets and Bins
When playtime is over, you can put some of the toys in fabric baskets. These are usually decorative and so can fit in your living room without looking odd. Another benefit of baskets is that they are soft and do not pose any danger to your infant. Their pattern and texture can add depth to your living room and enhance its color scheme.
How you design your living room is largely according to your preferences. However, throwing in some of the above ideas can make it functional not just for you, but also your little one.
