Newborn babies and growing children have specific needs that must be met in order to encourage healthy development. One of their greatest needs is sleep. Without adequate sleep, a child’s brain will not enjoy the rest it needs in order to function at maximum capacity while awake. It’s also worth considering the fact that up to the age of four, your child’s brain is absorbing information at the most rapid rate yet. It is during these first few years that they learn to walk, talk, feed themselves, dress themselves, and various other essential life skills. This is why it is so important to make sure that your child has the best sleeping conditions and a dark bedroom or nursery is absolutely crucial for peaceful sleep.
NEWBORNS VERSUS CHILDREN
Newborn babies are not yet used to the concept of day and night. During the day, when the mother is active, her unborn baby tends to sleep due to the rocking motion the mother creates while moving around. When the mother is sleeping, there is no more rocking and baby wakes up. They form this routine before they are born and they tend to continue for several months after birth. A dark room at night can help them adjust to their new sleeping schedule. As children get older, they become more aware of light and dark. During the summer months, it can be tricky to get your child to sleep at their usual hour. By selecting the right blinds for their room, you can help darken the room at the appropriate hour and it will help you maintain their sleep schedule.
THE BEST TYPES OF BLINDS
When designing your nursery, it’s worth investing in blinds or shades that will keep the light out. Whether you want to create a peaceful sanctuary for afternoon naps or keep the light of the street lamp out of your child’s room, these blinds will prove to be an investment in the short and long term. There are several options from which to choose and several aspects to consider.
Blackout shades are available in a variety of designs and styles. They are designed specifically to keep light out. They are compact and they fit the window perfectly so they will have a subtle effect on the décor in the room. Remember, when our brain detects and interprets the fact that the room is dark, it starts to produce a kind of ‘sleep hormone’. This hormone is produced to help us fall asleep and stay asleep. When the room becomes lighter again, we wake up naturally because the body no longer produces this hormone. This is why it is so important to keep the room dark with blackout shades.
THE RIGHT COLOUR
When selecting a colour, it’s good to keep in mind the research regarding primary colours and infants. According to studies, babies respond best to colours. Pastels are also more soothing and comforting than bright colours. When your baby gets older, they may enjoy brighter colours but this is usually in the form of toys and small decorative accessories in the room. Something as prominent as your window coverings should be soothing to encourage peaceful sleep.
SAFETY
This is something that all parents worry about when designing a room for their little one. You cannot keep your child in their own personal bubble their whole life. You need to let them explore but, at the same time, you also need to ensure that there are no serious dangers. While many types of blinds and shades are operated by the use of cords, there are other options that can remove this potential risk. If you are worried about your curious child getting caught in loose cords, you may want to consider motorization. Motorized blinds are great for eliminating the need for cords and they are very easy to operate with the touch of a button.
Whether you are designing a nursery or you would like to make a change in your child’s room, call NorthShield Blinds and More at (204) 800-0222 to find out more about the best blinds for your nursery. We are always happy to provide professional advice along with an estimate.
