Feng Shui Tips for the Nursery

Babies can benefit just as much from Feng Shui as adults -- if not more! If you're adding a new member to your household, it's best to create an environment that is warm, nurturing and welcoming. Transitions are always a bit of a challenge. By integrating the following Feng Shui cures into the baby's room, you'll make this transition a joyous one for the whole family.

Soothing Sounds Every baby develops while listening to the sound of his or her mother's heartbeat. Be sure to introduce a soothing, steady sound into your child's sleeping environment to provide continuity. Try a ticking clock, an oscillating fan or a recording of ocean waves.

Feng Shui Advice

Soft Surfaces The more yielding and receptive the textures in the nursery, the more welcome the child will feel. A plush carpet, cushioned rocking chair, and well-padded changing table will slow down the energy in the room, shielding baby from jarring noises and sudden movements.

Pleasing Scents Babies have a very strong sense of smell. One of the best ways to make a child's bassinet or crib a comforting space is to add a dish towel that the primary caretaker has slept with for about a week. The scent of the fabric will make it easier for the child to relax and enjoy a peaceful slumber.

Keep Visuals Simple Try not to bombard a small child with lots of visuals. Hanging a mobile over the bed may be too stimulating -- it's better to position such a toy over the changing table. Paint the room a mellow earth tone to give the nursery an air of stability. Honey, pumpkin, cocoa or dusty rose are all good choices, because they are warm and nurturing.

Adapt to Your Child's Needs Pay attention to your child's personality when making adjustments to your nursery. A baby that is easily stimulated can draw comfort from a square picture displayed over their crib. A child that always wants to be held may benefit from a circular shape. If your infant has a hard time sleeping, try displaying a wavy pattern over their crib. A baby who cries a lot can find comfort from the color green. Finally, a baby who always wants to be carried around can benefit from a nightlight that is within clear view of their crib.

Choose the Optimal Crib Placement Pay attention to your child's personality when making adjustments to your nursery. A baby that is easily stimulated can draw comfort from a square picture displayed over their crib. A child that always wants to be held may benefit from a circular shape. If your infant has a hard time sleeping, try displaying a wavy pattern over their crib. A baby who cries a lot can find comfort from the color green. Finally, a baby who always wants to be carried around can benefit from a nightlight that is within clear view of their crib.

Pick the Right Bedding A fussy baby will benefit from sheets and blankets that are solid, yin colors (blue, purple or brown), while an infant who sleeps well may be entranced by sheets that feature a small, repetitive pattern.

Choose the Appropriate Color As your child gets older, you can adjust their surroundings to fit their emotional needs. Keep in mind that red encourages self-expression, brown fosters security, white inspires alertness, and blue builds self-esteem. Green encourages exploration, yellow lends clarity, orange promotes cooperation, purple fosters creativity, pink eases connection, and black inspires organization. It's best to use black, white and red as accent colors.

Hang Mirrors at Appropriate Heights As your child grows, he or she will need a mirror that reflects their entire face, plus two inches above the top of their head. Be sure to hang a mirror in this room at a height where he or she can see their image comfortably.

Create a Nurturing Seating Arrangement Place a special chair where the child can be held or cuddled in the nursery. The ideal spot for this chair is the far right corner, which governs loving relationships. Another good place for this chair is the near left corner, which rules foundations.

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