Planning and arranging baby’s nursery not only helps parents prepare for their bundle of joy; it also lets them get used to the functions and layout of furniture in the nursery. Some parents choose the simplicity and serenity of soft colors and sparse furnishings, some opt for a busier environment featuring bright colors, and still others select a popular cartoon character or animal motif. With so many choices available, the task of putting together a creative yet practical room–during pregnancy, no less!–may seem overwhelming. But a little planning and research before baby’s arrival can make assembling the perfect nursery rewarding and fun.

Creating a comfortable and secure nursery for baby begins with the furniture you select. Each piece, from crib to dresser and hamper to toy chest, should be carefully chosen and strategically placed based on how it will integrate with the size and shape of the room, as well as with the room’s other accessories. Style, color, and finish of nursery furniture are important because they help to set the overall tone of the room. But nursery furniture should also be selected with an eye toward safety, efficiency, and an economy of movement around the room. Parents and caretakers will be spending a great deal of time in the nursery along with baby, so striking a balance between form and function is important. Cribs
As the place where baby sleeps during the first two or three years of life, a crib will most likely become the centerpiece of the nursery. Although they typically come in a standard rectangular shape, cribs are available in a number of different styles and can vary widely in price depending on the materials used in their construction.

Most cribs are made of wood, but the quality of wood can range from the softer, more porous woods like pine, to more durable hardwoods like oak, ash, and maple. Parents shopping for a new crib are likely to encounter a huge selection of colors and finishes, from pure whites and natural wood colors to an entire range of deeper wood stains and even some paint colors. Regardless of the color, the finish should be nontoxic and should not be prone to chipping or peeling.

Some cribs can be purchased as part of a furniture suite, which may include matching chests, dressing tables, and armoires. While this may be an attractive option for parents who want to have a coordinated set, these suites can be expensive. Unfortunately, the price you pay for a crib doesn’t always match up with the quality of what you get. Learn about the different components and the required safety features, and then try to find the best possible crib that fits your budget.

Following are the three basic crib types and various options and features to consider when shopping.

Crib Types
Standard The most common style, standard cribs usually have either one or two drop sides–a side of the crib that can be easily lowered and raised to place baby inside without waking or disturbing her. Double drop sides offer more versatility, while single drop sides tend to be more stable. Look for drop sides that work smoothly and quietly (and look out for potential “pinchers”).

Canopy cribs A stylish alternative to a standard crib, canopy cribs come equipped with a large post at each corner and a metal frame over the top that secures a fabric canopy. Canopies are often available in a variety of styles and colors that can be matched up with the rest of your nursery décor.

Convertible Designed to convert from a standard crib to a toddler bed, love seat, or double bed, a convertible crib can be a good choice for parents who don’t plan on having another child. Along with saving you money over time, these cribs can help make the transition to a bed less stressful for your child.

Crib Features
Casters Available in plastic or metal, rolling casters should come with a locking mechanism. The ability to lock down the wheels will be important as your baby approaches toddlerhood and begins to stand upright while holding onto things–including the side of the crib.

Mattress support As your bouncing baby grows into a bouncing toddler and discovers the joys of jumping in the crib, it will be tested–repeatedly–for strength. The mattress support is a metal frame attached to the crib via height clips at each corner, and it is designed to withstand all the abuse your child may dish out.

Adjustable mattress height Holding up the mattress support at each corner of the crib are multiple height adjustments, allowing you to raise or lower the height of the mattress. This versatile feature becomes increasingly important as baby grows and, inevitably, tries to climb out of the crib.

Release mechanism The release mechanism performs a dual role: it allows parents to lower the drop sides of the crib for easy access and prevents baby from lowering them accidentally. You’ll find this essential feature in one of three forms–metal rods, trigger releases, or knee releases. Regardless of the configuration, the release mechanism should always be childproof.

Teething rails These aptly named strips of plastic fit over the top of the crib’s railings and prevent baby from gnawing directly on the wood (hence the need for a nontoxic finish). Teething rails are usually installed by the manufacturer, but they can also be purchased separately in 12-inch sections and attached at home.

Crib Safety Guidelines
The crib you select should always meet all current national safety standards. Many older cribs do not; be wary of cribs sold at garage sales or handed down by a friend. Parents should always read through and follow manufacturer instructions pertaining to both assembly and usage before setting up a new crib. Please read these additional crib safety guidelines, as compiled by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

Crib Mattresses
When it comes to crib mattresses, you essentially get what you pay for. Manufactured in a standard 52-by-27-inch size, most are 6 inches thick and typically come with a white or off-white cover. But that’s where the similarities end. There are two types of mattresses–foam and innerspring–each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Foam Made of polyester or polyether material, foam mattresses typically weigh less and are less expensive than their innerspring counterparts. Their weight depends on the density of foam used in their construction: the denser the foam, the heavier the mattress. A denser foam mattress will provide a firmer surface for baby and will keep its shape longer, but a lighter mattress makes the frequent changing of sheets a little easier on the back.

Innerspring Like similar adult mattresses, innerspring crib mattresses come with an innerspring unit containing rows of steel coils. These coils can vary in number and quality and directly affect the firmness and weight of the mattress. Innerspring mattresses also have an insulator layer that sits on top of the coils to prevent them from penetrating the top layers, a cushioning layer of foam or natural cotton, and a mattress cover.

Mattress Buying Tips
• For both mattress types, the quality of the material and the number of layers that are used in the padding will help determine how long it will last. Some have double- or triple-laminated ticking, and many have a layer made of heavy-gauge nylon that is bonded to a layer of waterproof material. In addition to providing water resistance, a nylon layer will make the mattress more resistant to tearing.
• Apply the two-finger sizing test: place the mattress in the crib and try to fit two fingers between the outer edge of the mattress and the spindles along the sides of the crib. If you can fit two fingers into this space, the space is too big and the mattress is not the right size.
• An overly soft mattress is a suffocation hazard, especially for infants and newborns, so choose the firmest mattress that you can afford to buy. When shopping for a foam mattress, it is a good idea to test the mattress for firmness by pressing your hand on it and seeing how quickly it regains its original shape.
• Look for a crib mattress with vent holes. By allowing musty odors to escape, these will help keep the mattress smelling fresh over years of use.

Mattress Accessories
Aside from sheets, there are accessories you can purchase to help protect your crib mattress and make it more comfortable for baby. Sheet savers and waterproof mattress pads can extend the life of the mattress and are usually available in either a fitted form or with zippers. Use crib sheets that fit securely on the mattress and wrap around each corner.

Bassinets and Cradles
As an alternative to a full-size crib, an infant or newborn can bed down in a bassinet for the first three or four months of life. These are convenient because they can be placed right next to the parent’s bed at night for quick feedings and diaper changes. Bassinets are often small enough to be moved around the house with ease, allowing parents to work, clean, or relax in different rooms during the day while still keeping a close eye on baby.

Like bassinets, cradles are small sleeping beds for babies during their first few months. These can be placed near the parents at night and used as a portable sleeping bed at home during the day. Cradles are almost always equipped with a mechanism that produces side-to-side motion designed to lull baby to sleep. Traditionally styled cradles have two floor rockers that allow you to rock it side to side; others have a frame suspended on hooks that will gently sway or that can be locked in place once baby is asleep.

• Look for a wide, stable base on the bassinet or cradle and follow manufacturer safety guidelines for appropriate weight and size limits. Because they are closer to ground level than a full-size crib, bassinets and cradles can sometimes pose a problem if there are large pets or other young children around.
• Make sure that the bottom is strong enough to hold a mattress and that the mattress is sized properly. As with a crib mattress, you should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the bassinet or cradle.
• Because most bassinets are made of wicker or woven wooden splints, always check to see that there are no sharp edges or loose splints that could potentially injure baby.
• Bassinets or cradles with folding legs and/or wheels should have locking mechanisms so that the legs don’t collapse and the bassinet doesn’t move while baby is sleeping.
• Parents should follow the same guidelines for SIDS prevention that they would follow with a full-size crib.
• Baby should be moved to a crib once she approaches the upper weight limit set by the manufacturer, or if she appears crowded or uncomfortable at any time.

Portable Cribs
Compact versions of their full-size counterparts, portable cribs can easily fold up for storage at home or be thrown in the back of a car for short trips and outings where you’ll need a place for baby to nap. Portable cribs can be made of metal or wood and are usually small enough to fit through doorways, making them a good choice for travel and extended visits to the grandparents’.

Changing Tables
Although you can change baby on almost any flat surface, establishing a safe, designated diapering and changing area in the nursery can make it easier for parents to keep this activity organized and sanitary. Changing tables should be able to hold all of the supplies you use on a day-to-day basis for baby’s diaper-changing needs, including clean diapers, wipes or washcloths, creams, waterproof pads, and clean clothes. Because they typically reach waist high on the average adult, changing tables can also ease some of the back strain that results from repeatedly bending over to change a baby inside of a crib, or crouching down to change a baby on the floor.

Changing tables are typically made of wood and usually come with protective rails, a waterproof pad, and a safety belt and offer some type of storage area below. Because they are generally used until baby is potty trained, or for an average of about two years, parents should look for one that feels sturdy, has a wide, stable base, and has all of the built-in features they need.

There are usually three types of storage options on changing tables, making it easy to find the right one for your needs. Some have an open-shelf system where everything is in sight and easy to reach. (Remember, this means that baby can reach these items, too.) Others are equipped with a set of drawers, which provides more versatility since the table can be used as a dresser after baby has outgrown it, but grabbing things quickly could be difficult. Combination-style changing tables come with both open shelves and built-in drawers.

Changing Table Safety
In addition to reading all of the manufacturer’s instructions, parents should read the safety guidelines for changing tables, compiled by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

Changing Pads
Providing a soft surface and a waterproof barrier, changing pads come in a variety of sizes and types.

• Vinyl changing pads come in multiple colors and can be easily wiped clean with a wet cloth.
• Cloth changing pads typically have a waterproof layer on the bottom to protect the surface of the changing table. They can be thrown in the laundry for convenient cleaning.
• Disposable changing pads are usually available in multi-packs and have waterproof backings to prevent accidental leaks.
• Contoured changing pads have a concave shape to prevent baby from rolling or sliding off of the pad. You can place these on any table or flat surface to create a convenient changing station.


Armoires, Chests, and Dressers
A dresser or armoire can be used to store clothing, diapers, and baby supplies, along with smaller toys and books. A valuable addition to the nursery, these wooden units can make it easier to keep baby’s room clutter-free. Armoires, chests, and dressers and are also a wise furniture choice because they can be used for many years.

When shopping for a dresser or chest, consider the space it will be occupying in the nursery, what it will store, and how a child might potentially use it in the future. A tall dresser works well if you’re short on space or worried about a child reaching up and pulling out its contents, while a low chest provides easy access to drawers for toddlers who will someday want to select their own clothes.

Armoires can be a good choice if you don’t have much closet space. In addition to a set of drawers, armoires are typically equipped with a horizontal pole in the top cupboard for hanging outfits, dresses, and jackets. If not used for clothes, the top section can be left open as a display area for pictures, toys, books, and other keepsakes.

Like all furniture in baby’s nursery, dressers, chests, and armoires should be chosen with an eye toward safety and durability. Find one that works aesthetically, but make sure that it is sturdy and free of obvious defects and dangerous components. There should be no loose splinters or sharp edges that can cause injuries. Drawer guides or gliders should work smoothly, and drawers should not pull completely out of the unit. Avoid heavy drawers that can shut too quickly on fingers and hands, and keep in mind that you may need to install safety locks if/when your toddler decides to pull out the drawers and use them to climb on.

Gliders and Ottomans
In lieu of a traditional wooden rocking chair, consider one of the ultra-comfortable glider and ottoman sets available today. These smoothly operating chairs–a ball-bearing mechanism makes creating a gentle back-and-forth motion almost effortless–are typically much more comfortable than standard rocking chairs, and they come with thick seat and back cushions. And while it isn’t a necessity, a matching gliding ottoman offers further comfort and can be used beyond the baby and toddler years in other rooms.

These high-end chairs will probably be one of the most expensive items you buy for the nursery, but they are usually well made and should offer years of trouble-free service and comfort. Most gliders are made of wood, with a wide variety of finish and upholstery styles to choose from. Because they are often used well after baby is grown, select a glider that coordinates with your nursery décor yet also matches other rooms in the house it may move to in a few years time.

Look for a glider that feels good, with good back support, seamless rocking motion, and a comfortable size. Cushioned armrests are important when you’re spending many hours cradling a growing baby in your tired arms. Make sure that there is no sharp metal hardware on the base or front of the glider, or exposed joints around the base or hand brake that could injure tiny fingers.

Playards
Having replaced the traditional playpen in recent years, playards can provide parents with a great deal of versatility at home or on the go. Most are constructed like a playpen (with metal tubing and mesh) but they typically use lighter materials and fabrics, making them much more portable. Playards are generally smaller than the traditional playpen and usually come in a space-saving rectangular shape, in contrast to a playpen’s larger, square dimensions. Although they can be folded up for compact storage and travel, most playards are small enough to be moved through doorways without having to be collapsed, and many of them have wheels that make moving them around the house even easier. Available in simple, no-frills models, a playard can also be purchased with a wide array of optional features and add-ons that will increase its versatility, while also increasing the price considerably. Here is a list of the basic options and add-ons:

Bassinet Some playards come with a bassinet insert that fits inside the larger unit–a handy addition for parents with a newborn. You can use the insert until baby weighs around 15 pounds and then simply detach it.

Canopies and netting Creating a little shade and protecting baby from harmful UV rays, canopy attachments are a good choice if you plan on using the playard outside on a regular basis. Similarly, netting is available to protect baby from mosquitoes and other insects.

Changing station Some playards come with a changing station that snaps into place over one half of the playard and acts as a portable changing table.

Safety Considerations
Because they are designed to be portable (i.e. have collapsible frames), playards with faulty components or even those that haven’t been set up properly can pose a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard to baby. Parents should closely follow manufacturer instructions for assembly and usage and do a thorough inspection of the playard’s components every time it is set up and used. Make sure there are no exposed or loose threads where the floor fabric and the mesh siding are sewn together. Inspect the padded floorboard carefully to ensure that it fits snugly against the playard’s sides, leaving no room for baby to become wedged or trapped.

Playards double as playpens and portable cribs for naps away from home. They should never be used for sleeping at night, and parents should never leave a baby unattended. Try to find a playard that is easy to set up and take down, but never purchase or use one that wobbles or appears unsafe. All of the playard’s latching features should be securely attached and work properly, and parents should never leave extra padding or other objects inside the playard, as these could be used by little ones as a way to climb out. Please read these additional playard safety guidelines, as compiled by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

article from amazon

Filed under: Baby Furniture, Baby Guide, Baby Store, Mini Tots

Shower the People You Love…

Baby Buying Guide: Baby Showers Hundreds of years ago, babies received gifts and necessities after they were born. Over time we have forged new traditions and now showers are usually held before baby arrives--to the gratitude of expecting parents everywhere. Babies require a lot of care, and a lot of stuff:

The Sweet Potato Queens’ Guide to Raising Children

The Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Raising Children for Fun and Profit (Hardcover) by Jill Conner Browne (Author). Buy From Amazon

MINI TOTS | Quality Baby Furniture And Accessories

Quality Baby Products at the Lowest Possible Prices With years of experience in the baby products business, minitots.com, Inc is dedicated to serving the needs of new born and expecting parents alike. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer you a variety of quality baby products at the