Anyone that knows me well knows how much I love summer! So each day that gets me closer to that warm sunshine makes my heart happy. But, I also deeply love sleep so I have spent a lot of time researching options that help me enjoy the best of both worlds!
It’s very important in the newborn phase to keep in light during the day as they are developing their circadian rhythm and need to know the difference between daytime and nighttime (we don’t actually want them taking long naps at that age). By 2-4 months your baby starts to produce and secrete melatonin (this tells baby they should get sleepy in the evening) and at this time it’s important to keep it dark for naps as well because this will make the nap longer and more consolidated (Yates J. The long-term effects of light exposure on establishment of newborn circadian rhythm. J Clin Sleep Med. 2018;14(10):1829–1830.). Check out more on baby sleep schedules here
Permanent Blackout Shades
Many times when people think of blinds or blackout shades they think that you have to give up style for function. I’m here to tell you that you can have a sleep space that is conducive to sleep while also keeping the room looking fabulous…..and Ditka Window Designs can help!
I sat down recently with my friend Molly (owner of Ditka Window Designs) to chat about many of the blackout options you have for your child’s bedroom!
Q: When starting to seek window treatments for your child’s nursery/bedroom where should you start?
A: I always recommend narrowing down your specific needs first. Is it aesthetic, room darkening, matching the rest of the house? Once you know what you are prioritizing, I suggest pinterest as a place to find some inspiration.
Q: Are you team inside or outside mount for blackout shades?
A: Outside mount will definitely give you more window coverage – that will block the most light from entering the room. Inside mount works well too if you use a roller shade that can be reversed on the roll – putting it closer to the window.
Q: For complete blackout (no light entering the room) what are the best shade options?
A: In my experience, nothing is TRULY black out except for the Lightguard 360 product I offer (see above). There will always be gaps of light on standard shades or blinds – what we refer to as room darkening. For a black out option, Lightguard 360 is great because it provides extra technology to really darken the room.
Q: What should you consider when choosing a product that can look great in the nursery, but also grow with your child?
A: I always think neutral grows best with a child. Neutral can be light or dark, but something that isn’t specific to a design is always bound to stand the test of time!
Q: When should you consider permanent shades vs a temporary option?
A: A temporary option is great for someone who isn’t ready to bite the bullet with an expense, but a permanent shade will be worth the investment down the road. I like to think of window treatments as pieces of furniture in a space – something necessary, an investment, and something that will stand the test of time.
Q: Why did you decide to start your own company and how can people reach you?
A: I started my own company because I really felt like there were so many options that each was deserving of its own focus. So much goes into the decision process with all the details, that I wanted to focus on windows as a whole and really have an option for anyone. They aren’t a one size fits all and I love connecting with clients to provide them with exactly what they want and need. Window treatments are functional, but also can help complete a space, and I love walking a client through that process! I am available via email at mollyditka@gmail.com and am also on instagram @ditkawindowdesigns
