Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Nursery that can Easily (and Inexpensively) Transition to a Toddler’s and then a Child’s Room

One of my girlfriends has just finished redoing her daughter’s baby bedroom from top to bottom to better suit little Grace as a toddler. A huge project such as this is a labour of love, and definitely a treat for those of us who adore decorating and reinventing our homes; however, not all of us have the energy, interest, or financial wherewithal to change Baby’s room every year or two to keep up with her growth from infant to toddler to child and so on. As you dream of and prepare your baby’s eco-friendly nursery, take a few moments to think ahead and mindfully plan a room that will grow with your child and not gobble up too many of your pennies in years to come. Let’s take a look at some practical ways to create a room that will be adorable for your wee one now, but can easily transition into a child’s room in a few years.

Paint, Lighting, and Flooring: Frame Baby’s Room with Simple but Beautiful Colours, Patterns, and Textures that Can Grow with Him
While you may be longing for sweet pink walls, a circus wallpaper border in vivid primaries, or a pastel carpet dotted with loveable bunnies or Winnie the Pooh, choosing foundational elements (paint and flooring, for example) in a more timeless and neutral colour palette and design for your child’s room will mean a longer lifespan for the décor. More and more parents are choosing simpler paint colours and classic flooring that will suit a child through babyhood and into childhood and even teenage years, as well. The warmth of pale yellow walls and a rich, sustainable, eco-friendly hardwood floor, for example, has an ageless appeal and versatility that can suit – and be accessorized for – any age. And don’t forget to keep Baby’s room safe and healthy, too: Use low-VOC, planet- and child-friendly paint and natural flooring materials for your little one’s room!  

Thinking Outside the Box: Be Creative with Nursery Furniture
Your baby’s nursery is the most special of rooms, a place where he will sleep, play, grow, dream, and cuddle with you… As you furnish his room, preparing for these precious moments, don’t be tempted by customary baby furniture. Instead, put your imagination to work and add pieces that can easily adapt and grow as he does. Rather than a traditional changing table, look for a changing dresser with a sturdy, stable changing topper that can be removed once you and Baby no longer need it (if you’re handy with tools, why not build a topper for a dresser you already own?). Add a lovely, roomy armoire and an antique wooden rocker, and you’ll have a nursery filled with classic, adaptable furniture, rather than a roomful of baby furniture that will need a new home in a few short years. Very planet friendly!

Today’s tough economy is inspiring us to be more careful and mindful with our dollars. Planning a room for your new baby that will seamlessly grow with her from baby to little girl to teenager is not only clever financially, but is a very good and responsible choice for our planet, too.

Our next posting will have more “how-to” suggestions for creating a bedroom that will suit your child nicely for many years to come without hurting your budget. Until then, we’d love to hear your ideas for simply and inexpensively transitioning your wee one’s nursery into a toddler’s room. What helpful tips do you have for our readers?