Yes, Your Baby’s Room Affects Their Sleep
Based on information from our certified postpartum, pediatric sleep consultant, and mother of three- Sara Morse.
With more than 25 years of experience helping families navigate infant and toddler sleep challenges, we’ve seen one overlooked factor play a surprising role in development and sleep: room décor.
Most parents obsess over the crib, the paint color, or the mobile because these choices feel exciting. But what many don’t realize is that these decisions also impact how well their child sleeps, how they regulate emotions, and how they engage with their surroundings.
Before deciding on the paint job for your new baby nursery, consider some of these insights from a certified expert.
Why Color Matters in Your Child’s Sleep Environment
Color isn’t just decorative, it’s also neurological. Soft, cool colors like pale blue, sage green, and lavender have a calming effect, helping to lower stress and signal that it’s time to rest. In contrast, bold warm colors like red and orange can energize a child’s brain, making it harder to settle down, especially during bedtime.
As the American Academy of Pediatrics notes, overstimulating environments can disrupt a child’s ability to self-soothe. Muted tones support emotional regulation, especially when paired with consistent routines and sleep cues.
Stimulation, Focus, and Cognitive Growth
Infants benefit from high-contrast patterns and vibrant visual stimulation to develop early vision skills. But as they grow, too much visual clutter, think multiple wall decals, overly colorful bedding, and piles of toys can create sensory overload.
“Balance is key,” I tell the families I work with. “Too many colors, patterns, or distractions can make it harder for children to focus or fall asleep.”
Creating dedicated zones for play, reading, and rest helps guide your child’s behavior and mindset throughout the day. It also supports executive function skills like attention and impulse control as they mature.
Designing a Sleep-Friendly Room
There are a few proven room features that support better rest:
Blackout curtains reduce external light, which helps children stay asleep longer, especially in the early morning.
Red-toned nightlights are ideal for sleep, as they don’t disrupt melatonin production the way blue or white lights can.
Toy organization makes a difference. Storing playthings in one area of the room keeps the sleep space visually calm.
A reading nook signals the brain it’s time to wind down and helps build a comforting bedtime routine.
How to decorate your nursery room is just the beginning of their sleep journey. For more guidance, book a free consultation with our certified pediatric sleep experts today.