For parents with a new addition to their family, decorating the baby room or ‘nursery’ can be an exciting time. But have you ever wondered why a room for a baby is called a nursery? It turns out that there’s actually quite an interesting origin story behind it.
According to research, there are over 4 million births in the United States each year and over 65 million worldwide. With such astonishing numbers, it’s no surprise that ‘nursery’ is an important part of parenting.
So why is a baby room called a nursery, and what are its origins? Let’s find out in this article!
Why is a Baby Room Called a Nursery?
For parents who have just had their first baby – or are expecting one – the room designated for their little one has often been referred to as a “nursery” or “baby’s nursery”.But do you know why it is called a nursery?The origin of the word nursery goes back to the mid-14th century. It is derived from the Latin word “nursory” which means “place where children are taken care of”.
Over the centuries, this term grew in popularity and came to mean a room in a house that was specifically designated for a child’s care and upbringing.
Nurseries vs Other Baby Rooms
Over the years, the traditional nursery has evolved and become more than just a baby’s room.Today, there is a wide variety of nurseries and other baby rooms you can create. A nursery is typically a more formal room that is designed to look more suitable for a baby and less cluttered than other rooms in the home. The furniture is chosen to provide comfort and ease of use for parents, with plenty of storage options.
Wall decorations often reflect traditional themes such as animals, stars, and fairies. On the other hand, you can also create a modern baby room with a different feel. The furniture pieces can be more stylish and the decorations more contemporary.
However, regardless of which style and design you go for, it is important to remember that all baby rooms are essentially nurseries, as they are all used to provide a space for your baby’s care and development.
Creating a Cozy and Safe Nursery
Once you have chosen the style of your baby’s room, it’s important to ensure that the room is a safe and cozy environment for your little one.Firstly, it is important to make sure that the furniture, décor and toys are child-friendly and safe. This includes making sure the furniture is sturdy, with no sharp edges that could hurt your baby. Additionally, avoiding furniture pieces with corner posts, exposed nails, and other elements that could cause an injury is ideal. Secondly, try to minimize the number of items in the nursery as much as possible, to minimize the risk of your baby’s toys or other items hurting them. Finally, ensure that you are using safe materials, such as organic bedding, natural paints, and no-VOC rugs and materials.