Families For Life | Setting Up Your Child's First Bedroom

Having a room to their own is a big milestone not just for your child, but for you too! It's a chance to create a space that's not only cute, but also safe, functional, and fosters your little one’s learning and growth. Here’s what you need to know so your child's first bedroom becomes a haven for sweet dreams, playful adventures, and happy memories!

Their Room’s Purpose

Your child’s room is a multifunctional space where they can play, study and sleep. It is also a space where core memories are made and a place they can call their own. As they grow up, their room grows with them too. Your child’s room thus also plays a role in building their character. Helping them create a space where they can feel comfortable, safe and happy requires decisions from a parent so the room caters to their current and their future needs too.

If your child is ready to create a space for themselves, here are some things to keep in mind when designing it together!

Scan the Space

Firstly, assess the size, orientation, and layout of the room. Knowing this will help you determine furniture placement and create designated zones for sleep, play, and storage. Even in a small room, smart planning can maximise functionality and ensure your child has ample space for all their needs.

Invest in Timeless Furniture Pieces

Some bedroom items like dressers, mirrors, and wardrobes are pieces that don’t need to be changed frequently and can stay for long periods of time. Thus, it can be worthwhile to spend more on these pieces that can adapt to your child’s ever-changing interests.

Think clean lines, neutral colours, and sturdy materials like solid wood to ensure the furniture’s longevity. Consider a bed that keeps a toddler safe with guardrails, and can be expanded as your child grows taller. Dressers and bookcases with adjustable shelves are versatile options that can serve your child well throughout their childhood and beyond.

Choose the Right Colours

When it comes to paint, strike a balance between stimulating your child's imagination and creating a calming environment for sleep. Soft greens, calming blues, warm yellows, and neutral browns are good choices to promote peace and focus. Avoid bright, vibrant shades as they can be overstimulating, preventing a good night's sleep. Of course, remember to consider your child’s preferences before making a decision!

Lights also play a role in the colour and ambience of the room. Opt for a layered approach that caters to different activities. A central ceiling light with a dimmer switch will provide ample illumination for playtime and general use. If your child feels uneasy in darkness, consider adding a soft nightlight with a calming orange glow. Task lighting, like a desk lamp, is useful when your child gets older and needs light for reading or homework.

For the Long Run

As your child grows, their needs change, and so does their room to cater to these needs. Consider elements that may not be needed now, but will be important later on in their life.

An example is storage space. When your child is young, opt for multifunctional and practical options like under-bed storage, low-profile shelving, and baskets so they can independently keep away their toys after playing. When they get older later, you can add shelves that keep items off the ground and can be an opportunity to display their favourite things.

Safety First!

Above all, remember that your child needs to remain safe in their room! Consider potential dangers to your little one, and think of solutions to prevent them. For example, instead of sharp edges, choose tables that have rounded corners. Consider the placement of large furniture to reduce trips and falls. Child-proofing elements such as window locks and electrical socket covers are also vital. This will make the space safer and more enjoyable for your child to grow.

As your child grows and explores the world, their room is a haven they will return to when they’re tired. It is also a space where they can learn invaluable character traits and grow their personalities. Thus, parents (you!) must ensure that the room they have is a space where they feel safe, loved, and empowered to explore and dream.