Nothing appears more peaceful than a sleeping child. Sleep is crucial for children to help them develop sound mental and physical health. When they’re tucked in and curled up in their beds, their brains work hard on developmental activities such as memory consolidation – learning what’s important and putting experiences in order.
If you have a child or are expecting a newborn, you need to create an ideal room environment for sleeping. That means you’re respecting the need for your child to sleep, ensuring independent sleep skills are achieved, and establishing good sleeping routines. One of the most recommended aspects is blocking out light in your child’s room. It helps to improve daytime napping, prevent the child from waking early in the morning, and also helps your child to settle at night.
How light impacts sleep
While singing lullabies and bed-time stories soothe babies to sleep, regulating the amount of light impacts on their quality of sleep. In part, sleep patterns are regulated by darkness and light. There are chemical changes in the body that are triggered by light cues. They include the release of cortisol and melatonin hormones. Cortisol prepares the body to become active and alert – it is released on exposure to light. Melatonin, on the other hand, helps the body to prepare for and maintain sleep – it is released as environmental light decreases. Exposure to light, including light from electronics, can be disturbing as you prepare to sleep.
Children and infants are very sensitive to light cues. As such, you need to take time and evaluate their sleeping environment to ensure they experience restful sleep. Window treatments such as blinds and shutters will help your child to sleep peacefully. There are several window shutters that can block out light and also control things like sound and temperature.
- Safety
When selecting window shutters, child safety ought to be a key consideration. Naturally, children are curious and may be unaware of potential risks around them. Even basic items in your home like window coverings can be potential hazards. It’s, therefore, vital to choose a product that prioritises a child’s safety. From motorised operation systems to cordless alternatives, there are a variety of innovative options that can minimise the risk of accidents.
- Perfect light
Babies require to sleep a lot, some of which can occur during the day. Being in a position to dictate the amount of light your nursery receives is very important. Whether you want to brighten your child’s room using natural light or darken it, window shutters can have different opacities to deflect or filter sunlight depending on your needs.
- Perfect pattern
With blinds and shutters recommended for nursery, you can create a whole new look in your child’s room. Children need a peaceful and friendly space to relax in. Remember, this is a kid’s room – you need to include some fun with colour and pattern! Eye-catching patterns like those from heritage window films can let your window shutters act as modern variations of room ‘feature walls,’ and offer the ideal backdrop for any bedroom or nursery.. This is an appealing choice for a child’s room since their tastes can change rapidly as they grow, or with rental properties, where you may be limited on the extent of redecorating.
- Temperature control
Research has proven that about 30% of heat lost at home occurs through uncovered windows. Among the most significant benefits of having quality window shutters is the ability to control the temperature. When bedroom temperature is under control, it ensures a baby doesn’t become too cold or overheated. Only the right window furnishing can help you achieve the recommended energy efficiency and insulation.
When you have a toddler or new baby in your care, you want to align everything to perfection for your child – all the way to the windows. Being something your child will interact with daily; window treatments can impact heavily on how a room feels and looks. It’s, therefore, vital for you to achieve a result that is both practical and beautiful. From pattern choices and safety features to blackout and noise-cancelling blinds, choosing the ideal nursery window furnishings can make the difference to a good lunchtime nap or night sleep.
Of importance to note; children should be taught how to sleep up until the age of four. From taking them back to bed after waking up at the wrong time to soothing their anxiety after bad dreams, you shouldn’t despair during this phase. Just ensure your child sleeps peacefully by getting light, noise and room temperature under control by using the right window shutters.
