Choosing the right colors for a baby’s nursery and clothing is an important decision for parents. The colors that surround babies can impact their mood, behavior, and development. When selecting baby colors, opting for soothing, neutral palettes is ideal for creating a calm environment. Cooler tones like blues, greens, grays, and purples are excellent choices. Stay away from overstimulating reds, oranges, and neons. Stick with softer shades that are not too bright or intense. So what exactly makes certain colors more soothing than others for infants?
How Do Colors Impact Babies?
During the first few months of life, a newborn’s vision is still developing. While they cannot see color clearly early on, they are able to distinguish light, shapes, and movement. By 3 months old, babies start developing color vision. But it takes several more months for full color perception to emerge. Despite immature visual acuity, colors can still influence baby’s moods and behaviors.
Color wavelengths of light are believed to stimulate the pituitary and pineal glands. These glands regulate hormones in the body. When exposed to soothing cool hues, stimulation is calming. However, bright warm colors increase stimulation which can cause distress. Researchers have found that babies cry more frequently and for longer periods of time in brightly colored rooms versus rooms with muted colors.
In addition to affecting mood, color also impacts sleep cycles. During the first year, babies need 14-17 hours of sleep daily. Blue light has been found to inhibit melatonin secretion which signals the body to rest. Surrounding your baby with blue can make it harder for them to sleep. Red light does not seem to impact melatonin in the same way. However, studies show red can increase crying and distress.
Best Soothing Colors for Baby
When selecting your baby’s nursery, clothing, and accessories, it is smart to limit bold, bright colors. Instead, opt for more muted, neutral palettes in blues, grays, greens, purples, and whites. Here are some of the top soothing color choices:
- Light blue – Blue is usually very calming for babies. Light shades remind them of the sky and are not too intense. Blue can help lull your little one to sleep.
- Gray – From light silver to charcoal, gray is an excellent go-to for nurseries. It serves as a soft neutral backdrop that’s tranquil and stylish.
- Green – Green represents nature and life. Pale greens like sage are peaceful colors that bring harmony.
- Lavender – The light purple shade of lavender elicits tranquility and relaxation for your baby.
- White – Crisp white is a perfect neutral that keeps rooms feeling open, airy, and serene.
- Yellow – While bright yellow may be overstimulating, soft muted yellows like lemon and buttercream can have a soothing effect.
Colors to Avoid
On the other side of the color spectrum, here are some shades that can cause overstimulation for your wee one:
- Red – Vibrant reds are bold and intense for baby’s developing vision. Red also increases activity which can disrupt sleep.
- Orange – Bright, warm oranges and neon peach are too stimulating for an infant’s sensitive eyes.
- Pink – While pink is often chosen for baby girls, hot bright pinks can be disruptive. Pick muted dusty roses instead.
- Black – Contrary to common belief, black is not recommended. The bold contrast can startle and unsettle baby.
- Brown – Deep browns absorb light which makes spaces feel dark and enclosed. Babies prefer openness.
- Gold – Shimmery golds and yellows may seem fun but can actually overexcite baby’s vision.
Best Color Combinations
In addition to selecting individual colors, it’s important to consider how colors play off one another in baby spaces. Contrasting intense shades side-by-side can create an abrasive look. Instead, stick with analogous color schemes where hues complement each other for a soothing ambiance. Here are some examples of calming nursery color palettes:
- Light blue, gray, white
- Lavender, periwinkle, sage green
- Seafoam green, ivory, silver
- Dusty peach, light yellow, white
- Dove gray, oatmeal, baby blue
In addition to paint colors, be sure bedding, furniture, rugs, and accessories also coordinate. Varying materials and textures can add visual interest while patterns should be subtle and muted.
Soothing Colors Based on Gender
If you want to incorporate gender colors for a boy or girl, soft shades of blue and pink are soothing options.
Boy
For baby boys, stick with light to mid-range blues for a relaxing vibe:
- Baby blue
- Periwinkle
- Robin’s egg
- Powder blue
- Sky blue
Pair blue hues with gray, olive green, wheat yellow, and white.
Girl
For little girls, muted pinks keep things sweet and subtle:
- Blush pink
- Dusty rose
- Soft mauve
- Lavender
- Seashell pink
Enhance pink shades with creams, grays, soft yellows, and metallics like rose gold and copper.
Soothing Color Themes by Nursery Style
If you have a particular style in mind for your nursery, here are some soothing colors that complement popular looks:
Modern
- Gray
- White
- Aqua
- Yellow
Boho
- Sage green
- Blush pink
- White
- Dusty blue
Classic
- French blue
- Buttery yellow
- Dove gray
- Ivory
Rustic
- Powder blue
- Oatmeal
- Olive green
- Wheat yellow
Nautical
- Navy
- White
- Shades of blue
- Gray
Tips for Using Soothing Colors
Here are some handy tips to ensure you implement relaxing, soothing color palettes in your baby’s nursery and home:
- Limit bright colors to accent pieces like pillows or a rug rather than walls
- Choose low sheen and flat paint finishes which are less reflective
- Use darker shades below eye level and lighter hues above for visual balance
- Add dimmable lights and blackout window coverings so you can control brightness
- Repeat colors from room to room for a cohesive effect
- Add in calming nature colors like green and blue
- Use white and mirrors to give the illusion of openness
- Display colorful toys and books in neutral storage bins
- Hang sheer curtains to soften intense light through windows
- Use rugs and soft furnishings to soak up sound echo
Actionable Steps for Parents
As a parent trying to choose the perfect soothing nursery palette here are some actionable steps:
- Decide on a color scheme that includes 3 complementary low saturation hues
- Select one main wall color and use the others for accents
- Incorporate white and natural wood tones for balance
- Look for paint with low VOC levels and non-toxic finishes
- Opt for muted patterns over bright graphics if using prints
- Limit intense reds, oranges, and neon secondary colors
- Install dimmable lighting you can control as needed
- Add in soft neutral crib sheets, window panels, and rugs
- Display colorful toys in natural woven baskets to mute intensity
- Hang blackout roman shades to darken room for sleep
Conclusion
A soothing color palette is key for your baby’s nursery and home. Cooler muted hues of blue, gray, green, lavender and soft pink are ideal for creating a calm environment. Avoid bright intense reds, oranges, yellows, and neon secondary colors that tend to overstimulate. Select a complementary 3 color scheme and use white and natural elements to add balance. Control light exposure with dimmers, curtains and window coverings. Follow these basic guidelines to design a perfectly peaceful soothing space for your little one to sleep, play and develop.
| Color | Why It’s Soothing |
|---|---|
| Light blue | Reminds babies of the sky, helps lull them to sleep |
| Gray | Soft neutral that creates a tranquil backdrop |
| Green | Represents nature and life which is calming |
| Lavender | Light purple invokes feelings of tranquility |
| White | Clean and open which helps rooms feel airy |
| Yellow | Soft muted yellows have a soothing effect |
