7 ways to create a soothing environment for baby.
Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY
It is our job as parents to provide baby with a soothing environment, and we can easily achieve creating a serene space by utilizing Feng Shui. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese philosophy and art of understanding and harmonizing the energy surrounding us. The term literally means “wind-water” and aims to invite positive energy into a space, allowing it to organically flow. This is so important in the nursery because the energy your baby is surrounded by effects their mental, physical and social development .
One way to achieve this is by incorporating the nursery with a balance of the five Feng Shui elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The incorporation of these elements can be done with clutter clearing, colors, furniture placement, fresh air, soothing lighting, pleasing scents, and the introduction of auspicious objects. Of course, the most important consideration in creating a positive, peaceful nursery is filling it with your presence and love.
Here are 7 ways you can incorporate Feng Shui into baby’s living space.
- Clutter-Clear. Clutter sucks our energy. If you don’t love it, or use it regularly- release it. We want all your belongings to make you feel good. Find a home for everything- this prevents the “random stuff” pile that stagnates energy. Do a “stuff sweep” at the end of every day. Turn on some music and return all belongings to their home. You’ll sleep better and wake up energized for the day ahead.
- Carefully Choose Color Scheme. Skin tones are peaceful and provide a clean canvas for fun pops of color. If neutrals are too boring for you, select a soft tone of your favorite color. The most important consideration is that the colors in the space make you feel good.
Here’s a colorful breakdown:
- Soft yellows promote cheerfulness and a sense of connectedness.
- Light greens and blues represent nature and growth. Green inspires mental development while blue inspires calm. The two colors are beneficial to the child’s development throughout all stages of growth.
- Pink hues encourage curiosity and creativity.
- Red is very stimulating. Only bring it out during play-time.
- Consider Furniture Placement. Wood is the best material for nursery furniture as it is the symbol of life and growth. It is also very grounding. Aim to avoid placing the crib flush against a wall (unless the wall is directly behind baby’s head) so the energy can circulate around baby. This also helps to prevent baby from accessing cords from blinds, or other hazards. Finally, have minimal furniture in the room to promote spaciousness and exploration.
- Promote Good Air Quality. Fresh air is ideal. When the weather is nice, open the windows. If baby is mobile, place a guard in the window to prevent falls. Tabletop rock fountains (placed out of baby’s reach) can humidify and cleanse the air. Opt for a small palm—they are great air purifying houseplants.
- Happy Lighting. Natural lighting is optimal. In the evening, it is best to have three sources of lighting at three different levels. For example, two small table top lamps and a secure floor lamp. When it’s bedtime, turn on a gentle night-light. (Pink Himalayan Salt Crystal lamps provide a nice glow and calming energy.) Steer clear of overhead and fluorescent lighting.
- Utilize Essential Oils. Place an essential oil diffuser in the nursery with a mixture of lavender and chamomile essential oils when it’s bed-time (3 to 6 drops of each). Use peppermint, or another stimulating scent of choice, when it’s playtime. You can also mix a few drops of essential oil with carrier oil like Jojoba or coconut oil and massage it on the soles of baby’s feet. A few drops of orange essential oil will quell unpleasant odors coming from a diaper pail.
- Incorporate Mirrors, Chimes, and Crystals. These three items promote a positive free flowing energy:
- Mirrors enhance natural light and baby’s social development. If it’s going to be on baby’s level make sure it is baby-safe.
- Windchimes hung near a window stimulate the positive energies in the nursery, along with baby’s curiosity.
- Hanging a small light refracting crystal in a window invites magic, kindness, and warmth into the nursery.
This article is by Bailey Gaddis, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.