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Home › Articles › Preparing for Baby › Smart Nursery Design

Smart Nursery Design

Outfitting a Stimulating Environment for Baby

By Jacqueline Rupp

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Weisinger also says her baby loved to watch their ceiling fan, which contrasted in color to the ceiling. This idea of contrasting colors has become a popular design among current baby toys. There is some research showing that babies respond more to brightly colored objects that have a dramatic contrast. This explains why the black, white and red motif has become infant chic.

So what one item would an expert in baby brain development choose for a nursery? "A really comfortable rocking chair is my idea of a good investment for Baby's stimulation," says Briggs. "Why, you might ask? Because it keeps Mom or Dad comfortably interacting with Baby. And by far, there is no greater way to stimulate a baby's mental growth than through parental interaction."

Parents rarely have the luxury to stay in the nursery all day, so having some stimulating toys in each room can help entertain Baby, especially when you need to get the clothes folded or dinner prepared. A bottom drawer in the kitchen, for example, filled with baby-safe plastic utensils and bowls can be good entertainment. "Don't fall into the habit of thinking of toys as a necessity," adds Briggs. "Children can always find stimulating play with everyday ordinary objects. People are the necessity, not things."

Learning in the Electronic Age
"At this point, there is no scientific research that indicates there are developmental benefits to babies from watching videos before age 2 1/2," says Vicky Rideout, vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. "In fact, some experts have concerns about possible negative effects of early television exposure, so pediatricians recommend no TV or videos for babies under 2. Videos may be helpful for parents when they need a break, but they don't appear to be helpful for babies." The American Academy of Pediatrics has, in fact, officially recommended no television for children under 3.

Music can play an important role in your baby's development, however. Rocking your baby to a symphony at bedtime and dancing to jazz for play exposes Baby to a wide variety of sounds and provides parents with an easy way to bond with their infant. So choose the music you like best, and have fun dancing with your baby!


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