Preparing for a baby is an exciting phase in a couple’s life. Even though baby-proofing electrical cabinets and outlets can seem tedious, it is not something that anyone ever complains about when designing a new nursery.

Nurseries can be decorated in a variety of whimsical ways, including ballerina sheets and wall paper with teddy bears. Your baby will soon be a big boy or girl.

If you enjoy decorating, it might be a good idea to update your child’s bedroom as they grow. You should consider the future when making decisions about whether your child will share a room or if you intend to keep one design for a long time.

Pottery Barn Kids shares the following tips with parents who are starting to design their new nurseries.

* First and foremost, make sure that your baby’s room is safe. Make sure that furniture, bedding, and accessories meet or exceed U.S. safety requirements. Avoid placing the crib next to a window and keep blind cords and drapery well out of reach. Protect all electrical outlets.

* Design for function and beauty. It is hard enough caring for a newborn baby. Make your life easier by selecting changing tables that have built-in drawers and shelves.

* Find bedding that you love, and design your nursery around it. You can use the same bedding in all three rooms. You should consider how long the design will last for your child. Do you need it for two years? Longer? Consider color and pattern themes that can last through childhood.

* Go organic. It is likely that you will spend a lot of your time washing baby’s bedding so make sure to choose at least three to four fitted sheets. Organic cotton bedding can be both eco-friendly and safe for babies, since it’s grown without pesticides or toxic chemicals. Pottery Barn Kids sells 100% organic bedding.

* Add those special touches. You can display photos or write your baby’s name on the walls. You can decorate the nursery with footprints, handprints, plush toys and paint a mural. These examples are not necessary for your nursery; it would be too crowded. However, a few of them will help make it feel more homey.

Visit the site for more ideas on decorating your nursery. www.potterybarnkids.com.