In their book, The Peaceful Nursery: Preparing a Home for Your Baby With Feng Shui (Bantam Dell, 2006), authors Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes offer suggestions for creating a happy, welcoming space for your new child.

Put the nursery toward the middle or back of the house if you can. Rooms located toward the back of the house have a more peaceful energy. Those in the front, on the other hand, have the lively, active energy associated with the entry to the house.

Choose the right color. Don’t feel constrained by traditional nursery motifs. Imagine yourself in the room with the baby, and try to visualize the color you’d like to see. Some good color choices: Blue (promotes relaxation), pink (encourages love for self and others), green (signifies serenity and growth), pale yellow (uplifts and offers clarity), and lavender (represents spirituality, calmness).

Cleanse the energy. Before baby comes home, cleanse stagnant energy from the room using one or more of these tools.

• Smoke. Light sandlewood incense or a sage bundle and wave it around the room.

• A bell. Ring a bell in the corners of the room, letting the sound resonate and disperse stuck energy.

• Essential oils. Mist the room with a mix of lemon essential oil and water.

Place furniture securely. For a feeling of security, place furniture you and baby will rest in (crib and rocking chair, for instance) against solid walls with clear views of the door, but not directly facing the door.

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