Preparing for Baby: Choosing Nursery Furniture

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Preparing for Baby: Choosing Nursery Furniture

Staff Writer · Jan 27, 2011

Nursery furniture is an unavoidable expense when you are anticipating an addition to your family. For new parents or those who do not want to reuse their previous child’s furniture, choosing which items to put in a nursery can be daunting. Below are some tips to incorporate when researching and choosing nursery furniture.

Safety First

Almost every week the Consumer Product Safety Administration releases new findings on the safety of infant items. The distance between railings on the crib, the use of bumpers and how far a rocking chair should swing back and forth are a few things that constantly change. While it may be impossible to find furniture adhering to every single of the Administration’s findings and warnings, any items you choose should be as safe as possible. Because of this, it is wise to avoid used cribs or furniture that are extremely worn or old. Also, inquire into the company’s promised remedy should the piece your purchase later be found unsafe or unusable.

Don’t Skimp On Costs

Nursery furniture may seem expensive, but your child will use it for up to the first three years of his life. Furthermore, it is often true that the more costly the furniture the safer it is, or at the very least that the company will fix any problems free of charge. However, it is not necessary to purchase every single item for a nursery. A crib, a set or drawers, a rocker and maybe a bookshelf and rug will be more than enough to fill the baby’s room. By not purchasing as many pieces, you will be able to spend more on those items you do choose.

If your budget is tight, consider whether you can make do with items from other rooms. By taking a dresser or chest from a living or other bedroom and painting or decorating it to match the nursery’s décor, you eliminate the need to purchase a new piece. Do not do this with a crib, though, but always buy a new or gently used crib that is up to date on all safety guidelines.

Transitioning with the Baby

The crib and other items you purchase should serve your baby for his first few years. This means that the crib should lower as the baby grows and, hopefully, turn into a toddler bed. A changing table should be usable after your child no longer wears diapers, and a rocking chair should not look too infantile that it will not fit with your child’s progressing age. Today, most furniture is designed to transition from serving and infant’s needs to a toddler and child’s needs. However, make sure that the pieces actually do transform as needed and that you understand how to make any age-related alterations.

Stay Gender Neutral

While many couples choose to know their baby’s gender prior to its birth for to make shopping for necessary items easier, it is always wise to keep the nursery furniture neutral. Neutral furniture can be used again for any subsequent babies regardless of gender. Avoid pink or blue cribs of any shade and choose instead white, black or light or dark brown stained wood. Even if you do not plan on having more children, neutral furniture can be incorporated into any of the child’s future bedroom sets and not appear too childish as he ages.

Picking nursery furniture requires serious consideration of needs and a dedication to ensuring the pieces are safe. However, do not be too gender-biased in your decorations, as the effect might be overwhelming or need to be changed frequently.

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