Biophilic design and multi-sensory décor are all the rage in the luxury architecture and design sectors, with research showing that being in the presence of plants (with their beauty, natural fragrance, and differing textures) benefits mental health greatly. Babies, too, benefit from multi-sensory experiences. In a recent (2024) study, researchers concluded that early exposure to repeated intersensory associations is a building block for the later development of higher-level abilities such as memory, language, and conceptual reasoning. The academics recommended that parents help infants learn by drawing their attention to the shape and color of things, prompting them to listen to different sounds—for instance, when someone takes a bite out of a crunchy apple—and inviting them to touch different shapes and textures. Décor can also make a big difference, so if you’re designing a nursery for your baby, why not fill it with multi-sensory stimuli?

The Sense of Sight

Babies can tell the difference between light and dark when they are still in the womb. This is why young babies are often fascinated by books and toys that are black and white. They begin perceiving colors more between two and four months, however. At first, they become able to differentiate green and red shades. As time goes on, they may start enjoying primary or rainbow shades such as red, orange, green, and blue. Your baby will most likely be using their nursery for a few years, so when choosing colors, it is a good idea to go for the mood you wish to instil. Since nurseries are the place where babies rest and enjoy a little quiet time, consider colors that will put them in a calm mood, including muted blue, soft green, and simple neutrals like beige, cream, taupe, white, and warm gray—all of which have a grounding effect. Of course, when your baby is playing, they may enjoy being surrounded by pops of rainbow colors. You can add these in the form of smaller decorative pieces, cushions, and toys.

The Sense of Sound

Having a sound system in your baby’s nursery is a magnificent way to expose them to a host of beautiful sounds. While you are playing with your baby, changing them, or feeding them, speak to them, as they love the sound of your voice. However, you can also have gentle music and/or nature sounds (such as ocean waves or chirping birds) playing in the background. You can set up a small musical space in the nursery with a stylish storage cabinet that houses baby-friendly instruments like tambourines, maracas, xylophones, or play drums. Ensure that their bed space, however, is quiet and dark. If the nursery has heating or cooling equipment, ensure it is a zero-noise option so it does not interfere with the quality of their sleep. Keep your AC system in top shape so it remains silent and saves you on your energy costs. This can be achieved via regular maintenance, changing your filter every two months, and using a smart thermostat to keep your baby comfortable while cutting down on your heating and cooling costs.

The Sense of Smell

When cleaning your baby’s nursery, it helps to choose natural cleaning products that won’t overwhelm them with harsh smells. Avoid using essential oils around young babies, since their sinuses, lungs, and bodies are still developing. To satisfy their sense of smell, pt for natural materials for furniture and bedding (such as wood, cotton, and wool). These have gentle, safe, mild scents that can add to the sense of warmth and relaxation. Wash their clothing and bedding in detergents with mild scents. At a young age, babies benefit from smelling you and natural items like natural flowers, dried herbs, or safe spices (say, a vanilla bean).

The Sense of Touch

Texture is everything when it comes to stimulating your baby’s sense of touch. There are many ways you can employ texture to make them curious about their surroundings. For instance, you can put up wallpaper and decals, which your baby will enjoy feeling. You can also place a soft rug on the floor they can use while they are playing, and embellish parts of the nursery with soft patterned pillows and plush toys. 

Babies learn by using their senses so when designing a nursery, make sure they have plenty of stimuli! It is easy to make them curious about their surroundings and keen to explore. Through touches such as color, texture, and music, you can turn their nursery into a sensory paradise.