The Baby’s Room
A newborn infant may share the parent’s bedroom for the first few months, but even if this is the case, a separate room should be planned and equipped so that everything is conveniently at hand for the main activities in the baby’s life: nursing, body hygiene, and diaper changing.
The room itself should be warm and well ventilated. A constant temperature of 68° to 72°F (20° to 22°C) is advisable for any baby who weighs less than 8 pounds (3.6 Kg), but as the baby grows and puts on weight, the nighttime temperature may be allowed to drop slightly. It is important that the air in the room is not dry. If possible, place a humidifier in the room to keep the air warm and moist.
Every baby needs fresh air but should be protected from drafts, so make sure that the crib is not next to an open window when the baby is asleep. In cold weather, the room should be aired when the baby is not occupying it.
Lightning
For the convenience of the parents, the room should be well lighted, but newborn infants are unable to adjust their eyes to a bright light. A ceiling light therefore should have a low-power bulb or a dimmer attachment on the light switch. A small table lamp is useful, particularly when placed on the dresser to illuminate the contents of the drawers.
Even a small baby becomes quickly bored by having nothing to look at. A mobile above the bassinet or crib may hold the infant’s attention, as will brightly colored pictures fixed within the baby’s field of vision.
