Think of the color blue.

What kind of emotion does this stir in you? Do you picture the ocean, the night sky, a warm bath or a cool winter morning?

While many ancient people used the knowledge of color in their ceremonies and symbolism, today color is being more widely used in home and atmosphere setting than ever before. Just as a certain tone and key of music can evoke an emotion or state of mind, the color that you use in your home can affect the way you work, sleep and play.

While it is tempting to go with the traditional pink or blue decor, many new parents are looking towards new and modern patterns and tones to accentuate the perfect place for their new arrival. It may be tempting to overload your child’s room with bright patterns and cutesy decor, but studies say that too much contrast and pattern can make a space over-stimulating and work against you at bed time.

Neutral tones and soft colors are always a good bet. While a variety of patterns, themes and colors is good for your childs’ developing eyes and brain, be sure that the space does not feel “cluttered” or is not too busy. A baby’s crib should be a place that they feel secure, comfortable, and relaxed. Ease your child into sleeping in their room by spending time with them there, playing in the room or setting them in the crib for short amounts of time to encourage play and independence.

Avoid sharp contrasting, very dark or threatening color schemes such as black, red, orange, yellow, dark purple and army green. A baby’s nursery should be bright and not feel stuffy, and when possible allow natural light in through a window or sky light.

Until your baby is strong enough to roll over avoid heavy blankets and fluffy bedding to avoid accidental smothering. Some experts say that a child that has a “lovey” stuffed animal or group of toys that are constantly associated with home and security aids in their independence down the road and teaches a child how to self-comfort themselves when you are not available. So don’t worry about your little one being too attatched to fluffy, the more love the better.

When in question, decorate in moderation. While a nursery should be bright, entertaining and comfortable, too much at once is never a good idea. Help your baby sleep better and be mindful of their space when you set up the nursery, you will thank yourself for it later.

Clip-on toys. What a novel idea!

They clip onto virtually anything, change out easily, are portable, movable, inexpensive and entertaining. When you are going to the park, take it on the stroller, strap it to your purse, snap it onto the car seat, your belt loop!

If you are a parent you probably know about the huge variety of these small wonders, but if you are new to the concept you can check out a number of quality products at www.infantino.com, www.fisherprice.com, www.brightstars.com, www.playskool.com, www.toysrus.com, and www.babiesrus.com.

My personal favorite is the jittery pal line from Infantino. This was my daughters’ first toy (the fox) and she is now five months old and we don’t leave the house without him or one of his friends, the moose, the zebra, or the elephant. They are bright and colorful, easy to grab and easy to take anywhere you and baby go.

These small toys encourage your baby to practice their motor skills and help them learn hand eye coordination as well as object recognition. They can also serve as a security buddy on the go or when visiting new places as they are familiar and non-threatening to the child. The best part about these clip on toys is that they can be used in multiple ways in multiple different play areas, cribs, bouncers, tummy time mats, dangle gyms and car seats to make sure that your child is constantly stimulated with a change rotation of toys and does not become bored and complacent with the same old song.

They are also relatively inexpensive, most of them ranging from 2.99-13.99 depending on size and complexity, so it is cost effective and fun to change the toys for you and the baby.

Let’s face it, poop smells!

If you plan on throwing diapers in the garbage, you will soon learn the reason a Diaper Genie was invented!

It traps the smell into an air tight package so it doesn’t smell up the whole house. When I moved I forgot to bring the Diaper Genie and I spent a week without it. Let me tell you, it was the smelliest week I have ever had. I would be emptying the garbage every night and then my garage started to smell until trash day came.

If you are registering for baby gifts or shopping yourself, make sure that is first on the list, even before baby clothes and a crib. Okay, it’s not that important, but it will make your life a bit easier during your first couple years and anything that makes life easier you will learn to appreciate!