Every mother-to-be dreams of designing the perfect nursery for their new baby. But, how do you create a perfect nursery? Well, you must start with the furniture that every nursery needs. A crib, changing table, dresser, rocking chair, and a lamp are all items that you and your baby will need during this first year of childhood.
The baby furniture market has come a long way since our grandmothers were born. There are now many more cribs to select from. Before you start shopping, set a budget and write down the measurements of the nursery. Price and the size of the crib are not the only decisions you will be making, so start early so you will have plenty of time to find that perfect crib. You may choose a traditional rectangular crib, or go with a unique round crib. You may also plan for the future by purchasing a crib that will convert into a toddler bed and, later, an adult bed. Just be sure you are buying from an authorized dealer of the brand so all warranties will be in tact. Also, the crib must meet or exceed all Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and government requirements. Most importantly, all materials should be finished with non-toxic paint and contain no formaldehyde.
With every new baby comes the added chore of dirty diapers. Several times a day you will need a place for you and baby to comfortably and efficiently complete this chore. A changing table designed specifically for this purpose is the answer. When you are shopping, ask if the changing pad comes with the table, or if it is priced separately. Take measurements of your space and decide what items you will be storing in the changing table. Many models have shelves or drawers, or a combination of both. When you are shopping, remember you will have one hand holding the baby. So, any drawers or doors that need to be opened must be accessible one-handed.
Unless your baby's nursery has built-in cabinets, you will need a dresser. Many times, by purchasing the crib and dresser as a set, you can save money. Decide ahead of time what items you will be storing in the dresser. You will have a choice of dressers with drawers, dressers with side-by-side shelving, or a combination of both. Try opening each drawer one handed, because most of the time you will be holding baby in one hand while you gather items with the other. Some models are very hard to open one-handed. Also, check all warranties and ask about safety features before you buy.
One of the best chores of parenthood is the many hours of rocking and feeding your new baby. This makes a rocking chair in the nursery a very important furniture item. Before you shop, decide what you will be most comfortable in for long periods of time and consider how much space it may take up in the nursery. You have the choice of a traditional rocking chair with an extra comfortable cushion, or the option of a recliner to comfortably put up your feet and rest with your precious new baby.
The lighting in your baby's nursery is very important. When your little one wakes up at four in the morning, the last thing you or your baby want is a bright light. On the other hand, you need enough light to safely move around in the nursery for changing and feeding. A lamp will let off enough light for you, and still keep the room in semi-darkness for a sleepy baby. You have a choice between floor lamps, table lamps, and lamps with several light settings (these last ones require a special bulb that is a little more costly). Just be sure any lamp is safely out of reach once baby starts becoming more adventurous.
However you choose to design your baby's nursery, nothing will take the place of you being there. It is exciting to shop for furniture and decorations to welcome a new baby into our family, but that is not the most important part of this new baby's life. It's not the furnishings that your child will recall with fond memories. It will be the loving, caring touch of you and your family that will make memories for a lifetime.
Happy Shopping - 15252
The baby furniture market has come a long way since our grandmothers were born. There are now many more cribs to select from. Before you start shopping, set a budget and write down the measurements of the nursery. Price and the size of the crib are not the only decisions you will be making, so start early so you will have plenty of time to find that perfect crib. You may choose a traditional rectangular crib, or go with a unique round crib. You may also plan for the future by purchasing a crib that will convert into a toddler bed and, later, an adult bed. Just be sure you are buying from an authorized dealer of the brand so all warranties will be in tact. Also, the crib must meet or exceed all Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and government requirements. Most importantly, all materials should be finished with non-toxic paint and contain no formaldehyde.
With every new baby comes the added chore of dirty diapers. Several times a day you will need a place for you and baby to comfortably and efficiently complete this chore. A changing table designed specifically for this purpose is the answer. When you are shopping, ask if the changing pad comes with the table, or if it is priced separately. Take measurements of your space and decide what items you will be storing in the changing table. Many models have shelves or drawers, or a combination of both. When you are shopping, remember you will have one hand holding the baby. So, any drawers or doors that need to be opened must be accessible one-handed.
Unless your baby's nursery has built-in cabinets, you will need a dresser. Many times, by purchasing the crib and dresser as a set, you can save money. Decide ahead of time what items you will be storing in the dresser. You will have a choice of dressers with drawers, dressers with side-by-side shelving, or a combination of both. Try opening each drawer one handed, because most of the time you will be holding baby in one hand while you gather items with the other. Some models are very hard to open one-handed. Also, check all warranties and ask about safety features before you buy.
One of the best chores of parenthood is the many hours of rocking and feeding your new baby. This makes a rocking chair in the nursery a very important furniture item. Before you shop, decide what you will be most comfortable in for long periods of time and consider how much space it may take up in the nursery. You have the choice of a traditional rocking chair with an extra comfortable cushion, or the option of a recliner to comfortably put up your feet and rest with your precious new baby.
The lighting in your baby's nursery is very important. When your little one wakes up at four in the morning, the last thing you or your baby want is a bright light. On the other hand, you need enough light to safely move around in the nursery for changing and feeding. A lamp will let off enough light for you, and still keep the room in semi-darkness for a sleepy baby. You have a choice between floor lamps, table lamps, and lamps with several light settings (these last ones require a special bulb that is a little more costly). Just be sure any lamp is safely out of reach once baby starts becoming more adventurous.
However you choose to design your baby's nursery, nothing will take the place of you being there. It is exciting to shop for furniture and decorations to welcome a new baby into our family, but that is not the most important part of this new baby's life. It's not the furnishings that your child will recall with fond memories. It will be the loving, caring touch of you and your family that will make memories for a lifetime.
Happy Shopping - 15252
About the Author:
Sonja Marlinio works with Moms from across the country to select safe, quality made furniture for their baby's nursery. Being a mom herself, she understands the need to select beautiful nursery furniture and still create a safe environment for your baby.
