Designing a baby nursery requires that you purchase a few key pieces of baby furniture. Some pieces of furniture are not as necessary as others for instance, a crib, mattress, changing table, and dresser should remain on the top of list but items like a rocking chair and a cradle or bassinet are not as important. Cradles and bassinets can only be used until the baby reaches about four months. After that the baby will probably exceed the weight restrictions for either of the items and will need to be moved to a crib which can house baby until the age of three if necessary. Most cribs graduate and change to a toddler bed and eventually a single bed. A graduating bed is definitely recommended if you want to save money in the future. A rocking chair only works well early on and much like a bassinet or cradle, the chair becomes obsolete once the baby meets weight restrictions for other rocking items like swings and baby rockers.
A baby crib is definitely an important piece of furniture in a nursery. Cribs come in many styles including standard, canopy, sleigh, and convertible. A good crib will come with sturdy metal supports that hold the mattress up. The supports should be easily adjustable to help accommodate a baby's progress. The mattress should be situated at a high level early on but it will be lowered as your baby graduates to being able to sit, stand, and climb. Cribs run anywhere from around $150 and upward to more than $1000 depending on the style, material, size, and color or finish. Some cribs come with the mattress included but many do not so you will need to choose a mattress that will last your baby a long time. Crib mattresses cost around $50 to $100.
Changing tables are essential if you want a station where you can safely change your baby's diapers. Most changing tables give you storage space to store baby supplies and diapers. A change station should contain everything you need within your reach so you never leave your baby unattended. A baby dresser is also important because your baby's clothing will need to be neatly put away and kept clean. Organize the baby clothes much like you would organize your own. New babies require constant attention so you don't want to take too long trying to find an outfit for your baby. Keep like items and colors in the same area so you can easily match things when needed. Some dressers are combined with a changing table which is highly effective for small nurseries or shared bedrooms.
When shopping for baby furniture you can purchase either a complete set which typically includes the crib, mattress, dresser, and changing table or you can opt to purchase each piece separately. Many times the set is cheaper but you should try to compare pricing when possible because there are many bargains to be found in baby products.
A baby crib is definitely an important piece of furniture in a nursery. Cribs come in many styles including standard, canopy, sleigh, and convertible. A good crib will come with sturdy metal supports that hold the mattress up. The supports should be easily adjustable to help accommodate a baby's progress. The mattress should be situated at a high level early on but it will be lowered as your baby graduates to being able to sit, stand, and climb. Cribs run anywhere from around $150 and upward to more than $1000 depending on the style, material, size, and color or finish. Some cribs come with the mattress included but many do not so you will need to choose a mattress that will last your baby a long time. Crib mattresses cost around $50 to $100.
Changing tables are essential if you want a station where you can safely change your baby's diapers. Most changing tables give you storage space to store baby supplies and diapers. A change station should contain everything you need within your reach so you never leave your baby unattended. A baby dresser is also important because your baby's clothing will need to be neatly put away and kept clean. Organize the baby clothes much like you would organize your own. New babies require constant attention so you don't want to take too long trying to find an outfit for your baby. Keep like items and colors in the same area so you can easily match things when needed. Some dressers are combined with a changing table which is highly effective for small nurseries or shared bedrooms.
When shopping for baby furniture you can purchase either a complete set which typically includes the crib, mattress, dresser, and changing table or you can opt to purchase each piece separately. Many times the set is cheaper but you should try to compare pricing when possible because there are many bargains to be found in baby products.
About the Author
Copyright 2009 Lynne Omalley - All Rights Reserved.
Lynne writes about eco-friendly baby clothes and baby furniture.
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