Chapter 5 – Spaces for Sleep

Even if the baby, in the first few months, sleeps in the same room as mom and dad, it is both right and important to start thinking about their own nursery. Defining and dedicating a space at home for the baby is a mental and emotional process that helps future parents open up to and welcome the child. Thinking about him or her—what they will be like, how wonderful and magical it will be to have them—becomes easier and more real when you begin to create a warm, beautiful, and safe nest for them.

The first step is to assess your home’s layout: ideally, the baby’s room should be near the parents’ bedroom, to minimize the distance during nighttime awakenings, and close to the bathroom to simplify diaper changes and bath time. If possible, consider light exposure and noise levels—it’s best to choose a bright room, away from streets and stairwells. Once the space is selected, think about dominant colors, especially on the walls, as some tones promote calm while others do the opposite. The baby’s room should, above all, be a place of well-being (17).

According to feng shui, — an ancient Chinese art that studies the flow of energy in our living spaces to improve quality of life—blue brings serenity, aids focus, and spreads positive energy. Yellow is the color of light and therefore represents health and well-being. Orange conveys vitality, while red symbolizes luck. Other colors have different meanings: pink is calming, green represents physical and mental balance, and purple is the color of joy. To create a space that is both energizing and nurturing, feng shui recommends choosing colors based on the season the child was born to balance Yin and Yang energies. For example: Spring/Summer births: white, light blue, or cream tones. Autumn/Winter births: green, pink, or yellow tones.

Paint should also be selected with care. Look for paints with a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content and prefer eco-friendly, water-based options. There are also “anti-smog” antibacterial paints on the market that purify the air by eliminating harmful substances like mold, bacteria, and spores—contributing to a healthier environment over time.

Once the colors for the walls and curtains (which should match in tone) are chosen, you can begin thinking about the furnishings.

In these early months, the baby doesn’t need a fully decorated room. It’s best to include only the essential furniture—a base that can evolve over time as the child grows and their needs and preferences change. The essentials include: a crib or bassinet, a changing table, a dresser for clothes and linens, and some baskets for their first toys. Choose light-colored or white wooden furniture with soft shapes and rounded edges, always ensuring they meet safety standards and certifications for early childhood products.

As for positioning: if possible, feng shui recommends placing the crib or bassinet as far from the door and window as possible to allow energy to circulate freely. The head of the crib should be placed against a wall to recreate the sense of security the baby had in the womb. The changing table can be placed near the door since the baby is only there briefly and always under supervision. The ideal flooring material is wood, treated with non-toxic, plant-based finishes. Alternatively, the floor can be “warmed” with low-pile rugs or mats with anti-slip edges—easy to clean and helpful in reducing dust and allergens. Lighting is another key factor—it’s a major source of Yang energy. It’s best to have a warm ceiling or wall light to softly illuminate the room, along with a focused light for the changing table. A Himalayan salt lamp can also benefit the baby’s well-being by ionizing the air and casting a comforting glow.