Imagine the perfect environment for your child. What would this entail, and how do you know that what you envision is the safest and most secure? It may seem simple and self explanatory, but there are many details and factors to take into consideration. Perhaps the most important thing is to be sure that you are making decisions that fit your baby's needs and comforts as well as your own. Find out what products and design elements will contribute to both a secure and creative atmosphere that encourages growth, love and tranquility. In anticipation of baby's arrival home, do your research. Often the best source is your pediatrician or a baby proofer for safety concerns as they are updated on the most current information. Friends can also be a valuable resource to give you insight on what products are a necessity as well as other helpful hints. Several consumer publications are also available which can offer comparisons, safety ratings, and recommendations.
The best place to start is the nursery. The main components of your baby's room are furniture, bedding, and accessories. These items should be decided upon earlier in your pregnancy as some may require special or custom order. A complete room may take up to twelve weeks, so plan accordingly.
Furniture selection is often the most important because it can be the biggest investment, especially if there are plans for more children in the future! The integrity and quality of brands and manufacturers should be taken into account. Most are held to government certifications and standards. Some companies will also have their products tested by an independent association called the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA). The guidelines set by JPMA, which are available at www.jpma.org, will assure that the furniture meets the appropriate safety considerations for new parents.
The central pieces of furniture for the nursery are: crib, changer, rocker/glider and a piece for storage/display. When shopping, some questions to consider include: Will the furniture grow with my child? Will I be able to add to the line with matching finish or style? Adaptability and conversion apply to the crib. Durability, use and need are major considerations when choosing case pieces.
Conversion furniture is often an attractive option to most first time parents. Many companies offer pieces that will adapt to the changing and growing needs of children. The crib should have adjustable mattress heights and some may find an under drawer to be helpful. Some alternatives to the standard are toddler/daybed conversions and cribs that will convert to full size beds. These can include a headboard-only style or both headboard and footboard. This option will accommodate a standard full bed frame (check for drill holes).
For changing purposes, the traditional changing table is always available. Case pieces can be modified by using a removable change top or buying a pad that will attach to the dresser. Many furniture lines will offer a hutch to add on after you're out of the changing stage. Other questions to consider include: Will I need another crib or bed in the near future? Will this style accommodate the changing style, taste, and preference of my child? Let's face it, kids have a mind of their own and even our own styles will change! In any case, options that will ultimately affect the longevity of the furniture are quality, finish and versatility. Look for hardwoods and avoid pine or MDF (medium density fiberboard) as these are not as enduring.
When it comes to bedding, personal preference and choice are the deciding factors. In this day, parents usually have the option to know the sex of the baby, which can minimize the amount of decisions needed to be made regarding motif, color, and even fabrics. But many parents choose to err on the side of the greatest surprise of their life! In this instance, reusability is the key. Something that can be used for a future surprise, or colors that are versatile enough to be accessorized with more masculine blue or feminine pink would be the best choices. Several companies offer gender-neutral colors, textures, and themes. Custom bedding is another option. Higher end fabrics, trims, details and embroidery WILL cost more, however, and will most always involve special order.
Safety concerns with bedding include choking, strangulation and smothering. Though many crib sets may come with a quilt or pillow, these are for looks and should never be placed in the crib with an infant. A receiving blanket or sleep sack can be used in place of the quilt or blanket. Frilly trims, buttons or decorative trims on the bumper should be safely out of reach. Bumpers should also come out of the crib at about one year, as they may be used as a lever for climbing or jumping. A tip with custom bedding may be to invest more on the crib dust skirt, as this will be the piece that stays the longest. A custom matching crib sheet is fine, but most likely its just for show. Sheets should be washable, as more than one is needed. Consider purchasing neutral colors to match with any bedding.
Accessorizing the nursery is a more versatile project, so have fun here! Make it something that you can live with and that will accommodate your children. These pieces may stay with the nursery, but they can also be easily changed out or replaced with the growth of your child. Whimsical characters and appropriate childlike expressions of nursery rhymes and fairy tales are good design aspects. Table and chair sets, toy boxes, wall hangings, rugs, bookends, and frames are added touches that will enhance the creative environment and allow for more ways to accent the bedding, finishes, and age appropriateness of the room. These additions also make for great registry items! Many accessories can also be customized, but again, they may be more expensive and take a bit more time to order.
The best way to prepare for the shopping ahead is to be aware. Knowledge of what you want and need are important; this will allow you to ask the appropriate questions. Many stores offer a nursery checklist or "to do list" that can offer suggestions on what to buy or consider while shopping. If this is not offered to you, ask a sales associate since they often know the trends or more popular items among other shoppers, and some may even have children and experience of their own to share.