Baby room colors and cognitive development

Hi everyone, I'm wondering if anyone knows about the current state of research on what colors are good for babies' cognitive development.  When my nephew was born (now age 16) the theory was that infants are stimulated by bright, primary colors, so my sister had cute wallpaper with primary colored patterns.  When nephew #2 was born (now 13), the theory had changed; it was then felt that infants get the most brain development from black & white (apparently it is the high contrast that does something good).  [Both boys are really smart today, but I'm sure full credit doesn't go to their baby bedroom color scheme! :)] I was just wondering "what we believe nowadays" about colors for babies' rooms.  Does anyone know about this?  Thanks!

[wantingtobepg]

this got this info on an old issue of parents mag.  both of my son's slept in a yellow winnie the pooh themed nursery and they always seemed to wake up so happy and cheerful.  best of luck chosing your color!

Red:  cheerful, stimulating, energetic
Orange:  Actice, friendly, warm
Yellow:  Creative, inspiring, happy
Green:  Secure, calm, restful
Blue:  Soothing, tranquil, orderly
Violet:  Sensitive, whimsical, enchanting

[wantingtobepg]

just one more thing to add, i have heard that red, black, and white stimulate the mind.  You could do a solid color on the wall and do a white and red checkered bumper pad.  (Also another big issue, the bumper pad, i say if they are tied on properly then it saves your baby from hitting their head on the crib.  just my opinion.)  you could also buy a checkered lamp and other decorations to help stimulate your little ones mind.  i love to decorate, it is so much fun, especially for your new baby!  Have Fun!!!

[AnnieBrooke]

Very interesting!  I don't think I could do a baby's room in red, black and white (it would be super stylin' but possibly just a wee bit sophisticated for their age LOL) but there might be a way to incorporate some high-contrast graphics in art, fabric or toys on display, so the baby has something to feast his non-focusing little eyes on.  (I just read they can only focus about 8 inches when they are born.  Just far enough to see mom's face when breastfeeding.)  Went to the fabric store for curtain material for the baby's room, and came away with the conclusion that I had to know more about what colors were good because there were just too many choices! :)  Many thanks!

[decogrl]

I think a lot of it is hokey.  I feel that a baby gets enough stimulation and feel that you should add soothing colors to the room.  I personally am doing my girl's room in purple.  I hate that everything for girls is pink so I thought I'd try a light purple --it is a bluish purple and it looks very soothing--what I think babies need most when they are small..

just  my input

[Morgan277]

i agree with decogirl.  i think soothing colors are best in a baby's room to bring on rest and tranquility.  Put too much stimulation in a bedroom and the kid may have too much input to settle down.  You have the rest of the day to stimulate your child.  It's best to leave this area as a place to be calm and get the best sleep he/she can.

-a psychologist

[BlueBirdSchless]

I thought it was interesting that red was supposed to be cheerful because for adults it's known to be an aggresive (aggressive) angry color. I chose an awsome sherbert orange color from lowes called 'iced tea' It makes the room feel bright, clean, and refreshing! I also painted a big tree with thousands of detailed leaves, I didn't finish until my dd was 10 months old lol, but it is awsome!!!

[AnnieBrooke]

After reading your posts and looking today at rugs and curtain fabric, I tend to think that a color that soothes would be a good thing.  But I can't shake the feeling that oranges and reds would be more soothing to a baby than they are to me -- after all, when they are in the womb after their eyes develop, just about all they must see is orange, red and darkness (depending on how covered or uncovered mom's tummy is at the moment and if she is sitting near light).  So maybe a warmer color scheme like the tangerine would be more soothing to a newborn than it is to me! :)  I'll see if I can strike a happy medium so when I creep in at 3 am to nurse, the room doesn't make me want to cry or drive me nuts with brightness, and still looks like a baby's room.  Many thanks to you all!  Annie

[BlueBirdSchless]

Make that your theme, a soft glowy womb room!

[AnnieBrooke]

I'll never want to leave it myself.  :)