Even before your baby is born, they start influencing how your home looks: the nursery has been prepared, the cot made up, and tiny clothes placed around the house in anticipation of their arrival. And when they finally come, their presence is felt everywhere—from teddy bears and soft towels to baby lotions in the bathroom and bedroom, and baby toys in every corner of the living room.

Your baby will help you decorate your house in a unique and memorable way. These minor or significant details create a cozy and personal atmosphere that honours the arrival of the young child in your life.

5 Great Ideas for Decorating

1. Baby's First Art

Your baby's first scribbles or colourful masterpieces are of infinite value. Mark the date and age on the back. Designate one wall in your home to display their blossoming work. You can buy some inexpensive frames from The Warehouse or Kmart to create a uniform look and protect the artwork. Cutting the artwork down to fit into the frame is a practical way to keep their masterpieces intact.

2. Photo Canvas

Take monthly photos of your baby near a large teddy bear or another solid object. Take the photo in front of or beside the object, and choose the same date each month to document their growth. In a year, create a collage and have it printed on a large canvas. This memory of their growth and your journey through parenthood will become a cherished piece of art.

3. Measuring Wall

Begin a measuring wall when your baby is around six months old. Choose a door frame or an available space on your wall to mark their height each year. This will keep an excellent record of their growth while starting a fun family tradition. Pick one particular day, such as their birthday, to mark it consistently.

4. Handprint or Footprint

Make a sequence of your baby's handprints or footprints from different ages—six months, one year, 18 months, and two years—using nontoxic paint. Transfer them to small photo blocks and mount them as art. Some parents even use plaster moulds or professional bronze casts for a more durable keepsake.

5. Fridge Collage

Once your baby becomes mobile, the photo opportunities will never end. Whether they're trying new foods or exploring new surroundings, these moments are priceless. Keep your camera within reach and start making a collage on your fridge or pin-up board. They will make great conversation pieces and are easily transferable into a scrapbook as you compile even more.

Embracing the Mess and the Memories

Remember, a baby at home will turn your house into something utterly unrecognisable from a magazine. But the personal touch that babies add is a powerful reminder of the precious place they hold in your life. It may not be spic-and-span, but your home will be so much richer with the joy and memories that come with having a baby. Welcome the mess and celebrate the transformation your little one brings to your heart and home.