Designing a nursery for a special needs child requires some important considerations. You want your child’s nursery to be a calming space where they can relax and feel comfortable. Check out these nursery design tips for special needs children to create the optimal setting.
Calming Colors
If your child is easily overstimulated, you should incorporate calming colors throughout the nursery. Colors found in nature, such as light blue, light green, and other earthy tones, create a peaceful environment. If your goal is to promote relaxation and comfort throughout your baby’s space, using neutral tones is ideal.
In addition to painting the walls a calming color, you can incorporate other soft accents throughout the room, such as pillows, rugs, and stuffed toys. Items of various textures will allow your baby to explore their surroundings without feeling overwhelmed. Adding predominantly peaceful hues to your nursery design will help your special needs child feel at ease.
Soft Lighting
Another nursery design tip for a special needs child is to use soft lighting. Like soothing colors, soft lighting is a nice way to keep your newborn calm in their nursery. Whenever possible, avoid using harsh overhead lighting and opt for floor lamps or table lamps. Proper lighting can instantly transform the mood of your nursery, so it’s a design aspect that you should consider.
It’s also a good idea to use dimmable lightbulbs in floor lamps and table lamps whenever possible. A dimmable bulb gives you the freedom to adjust the lighting depending on what you’re doing and how your baby’s feeling. For example, if you’re trying to help your child wind down after a long day, adjust your lamp to the lowest setting and spend some time reading a few books together. Special needs children often require a calm, quiet place to decompress, and the right lighting plays a big part in your nursery’s overall ambience.
Comfortable Floor Covering
If your child lacks gross motor control, you need to have a comfortable floor covering in their nursery. Since you likely spend a lot of time playing with your little one on the floor, you want to make the area as safe and cozy as possible. A plush area rug is a great way to ensure your child won’t hurt themselves if they fall.
Although you want your floor covering to be soft, you should avoid a rug with an extremely high pile. Since little ones are often messy, crumbs, dirt, and other debris can become trapped in the fibers. To save yourself time and effort, choose a rug that you can easily clean between play sessions.
If you prioritize comfort and safety when designing your child’s nursery, you’ll be able to enjoy the space for years to come. By using soft colors, lighting, and textiles, you’ll create a warm and inviting room your little one will love to explore. Your child grows and develops so much during the first few months of life. A thoughtfully designed nursery will be a safe, cozy haven at the end of every exciting day.