6 design tips for a calming, sleep-friendly nursery

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of your baby’s development. It supports physical and mental growth, with everything from speech to motor skills relying on plenty of rest. In fact, your baby needs around 12-16 hours of sleep every 24 hours; that’s a whole lot of shut-eye!

As a new parent, there are lots of ways you can help your child get the sleep they need, starting with designing a cosy nursery. Not sure where to begin? Learn the essentials of a sleep-friendly space in this handy guide.

1. Block Out Light

Babies sleep frequently, with naps throughout the day helping them clock up the hours they need. While not all little ones rely on darkness to sleep, blocking out streetlights and early sunrises can help them get more uninterrupted rest.

We recommend installing blackout made to measure curtains to help you control light in your nursery room. These are perfect for preventing unwanted light sources and maintaining a restful environment.

To check on your baby while they sleep, keep a night light close by. The BÉABA® Pixie Torch Night Light has a soft glow that’s designed not to wake your newborn (or toddler), making it a great choice for cosy nurseries. Hang it on your baby’s cot or use it as a torch and keep an eye on your child as they sleep.

2. Plan Your Layout Around Noise

When planning your nursery room layout, keep your baby’s cot away from windows and doors. These are often the noisiest spaces in the room, especially if your house faces a busy road or is full of people coming and going.

Instead, opt for a quieter corner of the room where outside sounds are muffled. Soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, and fabric wall hangings can help absorb sound, too, and create a calmer, more peaceful space for sleep. 

Remember, though, that a baby’s room doesn’t have to be silent. Lots of little ones like white noise or gentle lullabies while they sleep, providing a soothing constant level of sound and blocking out louder noises.

Adding the Sounds U Like Musical Baby Night Light is an easy way to bring sleep-friendly noise to your nursery. It’s triggered to turn on as soon as your newborn starts crying, making it one of our baby room essentials! 

Customise yours to play any sound your little one sleeps to, from white noise to the sound of your voice.

3. Choose a Calming Colour Palette

Not sure what colour to choose for a sleep-friendly nursery? We’d recommend taking a peek at colour psychology.

This clever technique is backed by science and shows how different colours can trigger different moods. Warm colours with longer wavelengths, for instance, have generally been found to be more stimulating, so you’ll want to steer clear of reds and yellows.

On the other hand, cool-toned blues, greens, and whites are associated with relaxation. If sleep is your priority, a sage green or pastel blue nursery is the perfect choice.

Enhance your colour palette with natural nursery decor. This is a great way to root those peaceful colours in biophilic design, which is also known for promoting feelings of calm. Think wicker baskets, soft muslins, and wooden accents for a nursery grounded in nature.

4. Soft and Snuggly Textures

Creating a cosy sleep environment isn’t just about what your baby sees, but what they feel. Layering soft textures can help your little one feel safe, secure, and ready for rest.

Choose breathable fabrics for bedding and blankets, like organic cotton or bamboo. These are kind to sensitive skin and help regulate temperature, making them the perfect choice for newborns. Start with the 100% Organic Cotton Mushie Knitted Baby Blanket to kick off your bedding collection.

Remember, though, that while a few soft items are great, too many in a cot can create an unsafe sleep space. Avoid bulky toys and pillows, keeping in mind that a cuddly cot doesn’t need clutter to help your baby get the rest they need.

5. Get the Temperature Just Right

Babies sleep best when nursery interiors aren’t too hot or too cold, but just right. It’s recommended to keep the nursery between 16–20°C to help your little one snooze soundly while reducing the chances of SIDs. 

Alongside your Bath Thermometer, invest in a room thermometer to maintain the right temperature.

What about winter? When the weather gets a little nippy, rather than dialling your thermostat up too high, maintain a safe temperature and add extra blankets to keep your little one cosy. You can also dress your baby in a TOG-rated sleep bag so that they stay warm without overheating. 

6. Add a Comfy Space for Nursing

With a tiny tummy, your baby will get hungry regularly. You’ll be doing day and night feeds between sleeps, and setting up a space in your nursery layout as a dedicated nursing area is a great idea.

A calming spot makes it comfier to feed your newborn and improves safety. For your child, they’ll be held, rocked, and soothed into a gentle sleep on a full tummy, helping them get the rest they need.

When designing your nursing space, we recommend choosing a chair that’s not too low or too high. You should be able to stand up easily while holding your little one, reducing the risk of falling over.

Add a small side table within reach for essentials, like cloths, a glass of water, and a snack or two for longer night feeds. A little basket underneath can keep spare muslins or wipes tidy but close at hand. Add a soft, dimmable light nearby with just enough glow for feeding and soothing without waking your baby. 

Final Thoughts

Blending form and function in your nursery is the key to creating a sleep-friendly space. Choose calming tones, add accessories that promote good sleep, and keep your baby safe with bedding designed for newborns. The goal is ultimate comfort and calm for you and your little one.

For plenty more parenting advice, read the latest on our baby blog.