Expecting mothers are often very excited and can't wait to furnish the nursery to welcome home the new little addition to the family. Buying nursery furniture involves much more than just choosing coordinating colors, though. Safety and function are important considerations when purchasing anything for use in the nursery. The newborn years are meant to be a time of joy, so avoid the risk of tragic accidents with products that have been manufactured and tested for safety.
Beds for Babies and Toddlers
Until a baby is old enough to start trying to climb in or out of his or her crib, a baby crib gives him or her the safest sleeping environment. After this point, though, it's best to switch to a toddler bed. A toddler bed sets much closer to the ground than a regular bed, so a toddler won't be harmed by a fall. These also use a standard style crib mattress, so investing in new bedding isn't necessary.
Manufacturers of crib beds know that parents want variety and flexibility in their choices, and have developed their inventories accordingly. Some parents prefer the convenience of a bassinet, which can be easily moved throughout the house, allowing the baby to sleep comfortably near them most of the time. These accommodate babies from newborn to about four months of age, and provide an oval-shaped sleeping area as well as a hood to partially block light from the sleeper's face.
Baby cradles can also be moved throughout the house and work well for babies less than four months old. A cradle is rectangular-shaped and features tapered ends so that it can be gently moved, like a rocking chair, to rock a baby to sleep.
Some parents prefer a standard crib. Usually, one or both sides of these cribs can be let down to make getting a baby in and out of the crib more easily. Different types of release mechanisms are available; choose one that has been tested for safety. For those who travel frequently, a portable crib might also be a good idea. This will give the baby a safe, comfortable home away from home.
Are you ready to make that new addition princess of the household from birth? Opt instead for a canopy crib, complete with posts and a frame. Attach a canopy to the posts and she will feel like royalty from birth.
For mothers who are nursing, or want to have their baby close by at night, co-sleeper cribs offer a safe alternative to putting the baby in bed with his or her parents. These act as an extension to the parent's bed, and provide the baby with a safe sleeping space close by.
Another handy option is a convertible crib. These can be converted to a toddler bed, and later to a twin bed, as the baby grows. Both standard and convertible cribs require a standard-sized mattress, 52" long by 27" wide. Choose from foam or innerspring mattress designs. Whichever design is most economical or desirable, select one with a firm sleeping surface; these are safer than softer alternatives.
Other nursery furniture
Although a crib may be one of the most important pieces of furniture in the nursery, other furniture items offer convenience and comfort. Add a comfortable glider rocker and cuddle up to rock your baby to sleep each night, then step a few feet over to the crib and gently lay him or her to sleep dreaming sweetly of you.
Another practical option is a dresser. Babies have lots of clothing, and dressers or changing tables with dresser drawers are excellent ways to organize and store all of the accessories needed to care for your infant.
A table changing table pad is also a cleaner, safer place to change a diaper; most changing tables feature straps to secure an infant while the caregiver changes the diaper, preventing the baby from rolling off the table.
Go for the gusto and choose an entire furniture set to decorate the nursery. Match the crib, dressers, and changing tables with a single theme. Of course, as the baby grows, this will mean buying replacement furniture pieces to coordinate, or choosing a new furniture set down the road.
Bedding and accessories for the nursery
No nursery is complete without nursery bedding or nursery décor. Choose a special theme or cartoon character, and accessorize to your heart's content. Popular choices include "Winnie the Pooh", teddy bears, "Noah's Ark", and "Hello Kitty." Some parents prefer black and white or pink or blue themes as well.
Fitted crib sheets are a must have. For safety reasons, make sure these fit tightly over the mattress, leaving no wrinkles or loose areas. Padded crib bumpers fit around the crib's perimeter, and are designed to protect the baby from bumps or bruises when bumping up against the side of the crib. Some child safety experts recommend removing these when the child is old enough to stand or pull himself up, so check with your pediatrician for advice.
Most themed nursery bedding can be purchased individually or as packaged crib bedding sets. Choose sheets, bumpers, and a quilt or comforter that match. Complete the theme with a dust ruffle or cribskirt. Comforters and duvets can be used as a play mat for baby, but are not recommended for sleeping for safety reasons. A light blanket that can be tucked in around the baby's shoulders is much safer.
Shop for nursery accessories
Choose from a variety of other accessories to accent and decorate. Buy window treatments that match the crib décor, or select plain sheers in a coordinating color. Lamps and shades add light to the room, and can often be found in a particular theme as well. Don't forget a nightlight, so the room isn't brightly lit for midnight feedings.
Many parents who choose cloth diapers - and some who decide to use disposable diapers - enjoy the handy convenience of a diaper stacker. These keeps diapers stored and close to hand when a quick change is necessary. Baby clothes hampers are also a must, for quick removal and storage of dirty laundry - and babies do get dirty!
Complement these necessary accessories with other extras, such as picture frames, shelving, wallpaper borders, and other wall décor. Accent the floors with nursery mats and rugs for safety, warmth, and color, or place a mobile above the crib (until the baby is old enough to pull up to a standing position and reach it).
Having a new baby is fun and exciting, but it can also be challenging. Enjoy the decorating process, and make the nursery one of the safest rooms in the house. Your baby deserves it!