Shopping for Baby's Room
Tips for New Parents about Buying for the Nursery
What’s more exciting than becoming a new parent? Getting ready for your new bundle of joy starts early, and planning the perfect room for your newborn begins well before you bring your baby home. The planning process incorporates not only the comfort and beauty of the nursery but, most importantly, safeguarding your baby in its new home. This process requires tremendous thought and decision making, but with helpful information and guidance you can rest assured that you can make all of the “right” choices.
| THE BOTTOM LINE: the most important thing to consider when designing your child's room is safety. |
The central items within the nursery are the furniture and bedding, which parents are wise to shop for well in advance, as these items might involve special ordering and may determine other buying and decorating decisions. Parents should visit different stores to view firsthand the various lines of baby furniture and bedding available. Expectant parents should take a careful look at the integrity of each brand. Manufacturers must certify that they meet government standards for quality, safety, and durability. Some go beyond by having their certification validated by an independent testing lab approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The first thing a parent should know is that the furniture in their baby’s nursery is safe.
| SOME BASIC SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS |
• All cribs should be JPMA certified. • Furniture finishes should be nontoxic and free of exposed hardware. • Avoid used furniture unless it meets current federal safety guidelines. • The changing table should have ample space within reach for supplies so that a baby is never left unattended. • Toy chests should have a mechanism that will prevent the lid from falling from any raised position. • Ensure decorations, such as fabric ties or buttons on upholstered items, are secure and do not present a choking hazard. |
It is also important to consider whether the nursery furniture you select will grow with your child. As your baby grows from infant to toddler to teen, you need to know that your furnishings will be able to last in quality and style. Most high quality manufacturers offer “conversion” furniture. Cribs that feature several mattress settings, and the ability to become a youth bed — or even a full size bed — are ideal. Another popular item is an oversized changing station that affixes to a dresser. After the changing station is no longer needed, it can be easily removed, leaving parents with a fully functional bureau. An added benefit to choosing an established manufacturer is that when parents return in 4 or 5 years to transform their baby’s room into a toddler or pre-teen room, the style and finish they originally chose will still be available. Buying convertible furniture will often cost no more up front but will ultimately save parents money down the road, as they will not have to replace their original furniture pieces. Just add a new a hutch, bookcase, or computer desk and you have transformed the room.
Stores that offer unique one-of-a-kind accessories can help to create an extraordinary nursery. Small touches such as custom designed drawer pulls, hand painted furniture accents, or whimsical crib bedding can help any expectant parent create a fun, stimulating atmosphere for their new baby.
Parents should be aware that when shopping for baby furniture, it is best to make your purchases at least three months prior to your due date. This preplanning ensures that the items you want will be ready when you need them. Have questions ready to ask salespeople so you can make the most informed decisions.