In 2023, an aesthetic phenomenon baptized “Beige mom” (“Beige mom” in French) emerged on social networks. This term designates a lifestyle and minimalist decoration, characterized by neutral tones, adopted by certain mothers to develop the rooms of their children. In an article, CNN questioned Natti Powell, an influencer often criticized for her aesthetic choices characterized by the absence of bright colors, to the point of being qualified as “Sad Beige Mom” (“Sad beige mom”).
The young mother became known after publishing a video in which she repaigned a game – a plastic Christmas tree – in beige. “As parents and mothers, we have so many colorful and bright toys, and sometimes it can be really too stimulating”she explained. In the comments, many people criticized her approach, deeming her sad for the child. Some even went so far as to say that a child needed bright colors for optimal development. To verify this, CNN questioned experts in the matter.
It is the entourage who counts
Specialists all agree that colors do not matter, as long as there is diversity in other areas of the child’s life. In addition, it is the relationship between the person who takes care of him and the way they interact together with the objects that counts, assures Roberta Golinkoff, professor of psychology and linguistics at the University of Delaware (United States).
At the very beginning of the child’s life, colors should not be a subject because infants are not able to see them. A little later, “More colors can equip more learning opportunities, for example by indicating whether an object is blue or yellow, exhibits Golinkoff. But there is no risk that the decoration of the house beyond a child, since he sees all kinds of colors outside … naturally. ” As the toddler grows, it is desirable to find a balance between the desires for decorating parents and the wishes of the child.
Babies need to see and interact with different colors, but above all they need diversity in their environment, in particular different textures and temperatures with which to be in contact, indicates Tricia Skoler, expert in brain and behavioral of infants. For Jennifer Poon, pediatric teacher at Medical College of Georgia from the University of Augusta, it is important that mothers do not feel judged as to their choice to adopt or not the trend “Beige mom”. “Playing, speaking, living experiences together, these are the things that are really important for the development of the child”she concludes.
