Nursery furniture, just like other furniture for the home, comes in a variety of styles and finishes. Once you decide on a style and finish, you'll have to choose what furniture pieces you want for the nursery. The crib is usually the first piece of furniture that parents purchase, and the rest of the nursery is chosen to complement the crib. Other useful furniture pieces to consider include: a dresser or armoire, a changing table to keep all those diapering necessities, and perhaps a glider, rocker, or nursing chair as well. You and baby will be spending a lot of time together in the nursery. A nursery is for both the parents and the baby, so make sure it is comfortable for all parties.

Choosing a Style

Cribs

Most often the first furniture purchase for the nursery, a crib is going to be a big part of baby's life for the next few years. It needs to be a safe environment where baby can sleep, rest, and feel comfortable. Here are some key benefits and features to choose from:

Single drop-side - One side of the crib can be raised and lowered for placing baby in and out of the crib. The other side is permanently attached to both the headboard and footboard.

Double drop-side - Both sides of the crib can be raised and lowered so baby can be put in and out of the crib from either side.

Kickbar drop-side release - Lift the drop-side a bit with one hand, then press the kickbar with your foot to release the drop-side. Shin drop-side release - Lift the drop-side a bit with one hand, then push the drop-side in with your shin to release it. Four-position mattress spring - The mattress spring can be lowered to four different positions to adjust as baby grows. Mattress springs can be constructed of either steel tubing or wood.

All of the features above are available in two different styles of crib: single or convertible. A single crib functions only as a crib, and once your child outgrows it you will need to purchase a bed. A convertible crib, sometimes called a 3-in-1 or lifetime crib, can transform from a crib into a daybed and even a full size bed.

Crib Safety Tips

A crib is one place your baby will be spending a lot of time unattended. There are many safety issues to take into consideration so that baby can rest comfortably and safely in a crib.

All new cribs in the United States must meet U. S. Consumer Products Safety Standards.

The space between the slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart to prevent infants from getting their head stuck between them. Cribs manufactured after 1974 must meet this and other strict safety standards.

The corner posts should be the same height as the end panels or less than 1/16 of an inch higher than the end panels.

No cut-out areas on the headboard or footboard so a baby's head cannot get trapped.

The top rails of crib sides, in their raised position, should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress support at its lowest position.

As soon as the child can pull himself to a standing position, set and keep the mattress at its lowest position. Stop using the crib once the height of the top rails is less than three-fourths of the child's height.

Mattress

The mattress should fit snugly next to the crib so that there is no gap. If two adult fingers can be placed between the mattress and the crib, the mattress should be immediately replaced.

Do not use plastic packaging materials, such as dry cleaning bags, as mattress covers. Plastic film can cling to children's faces and should never be in or near the crib.

Put your baby to sleep on his or her back or side in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and no soft bedding underneath. Talk to your pediatrician about which sleeping position is best for you child.

Crib Hardware

The drop side(s) of the crib should require two distinct actions or a minimum force of ten pounds with one action to release the latch or the locks to prevent accidental release by the child.

The crib hardware should be checked for disengaged, broken, bent or loose pieces. Special checks should be made of the mattress support hangers and brackets so they cannot drop. The hardware and the crib should be smooth and free of sharp edges, points and rough surfaces.

Crib Accessories

Bumper pads should cover the entire inside perimeter of the crib and tie or snap in place. Bumper pads should have at least six straps or ties and any excess length of straps or ties should be cut off. Bumper pads should never be used in lieu of proper spacing between the slats and should be removed from the crib as soon as the child can pull himself to a standing position.

Teething rails that are damaged should be fixed, replaced or removed immediately. To prevent possible entanglement, mobiles and crib gyms, which are meant to be hung over or across the crib, should be removed when the child is five months old or when he begins to push up onto hands and knees or can pull himself up.

Keep the crib clear of plastic sheets, pillows, and large stuffed animals or toys. These can be suffocation hazards or can enable youngsters to climb out of the crib.

Any cloth or vinyl items that are loose or torn should be replaced or repaired immediately.

Crib Environment

Do not place crib next to a window. Drapery and blind cords pose an entanglement hazard and window screens are not intended to keep a child in, only insects out. Install smoke detectors. Follow the manufacturer's directions for placement. Check at least once a month to make sure battery and smoke detector are in good working condition.

Lead is a health hazard, especially to young children. It can be found in dust and soil off busy roadways, in old paint on walls, toys and furniture and sometimes in paint on new imported items.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) has developed a certification system to identify which products have been manufactured with safety in mind. Look for the JPMA seal while you're shopping for a crib. It's an easy way to make sure the crib you choose meets the highest standards for safety.

Chests, Armoires, and Combo Units

While a crib will only be used for a few years, case pieces can last much longer. There are a few different types of pieces to choose from depending on what your needs are and how much space you have in the nursery.

Chests, available with 3-6 drawers, are ideal for storing clothes and most are roomy enough to accommodate baby's entire layette. Choose a chest that has drawers with safety stops and metal drawer glides.

An Armoire is a tall cabinet with a hanging rack and 1-2 drawers. Armoires are great for storing clothing, and bedding items as well. Make sure that the drawers have safety stops, and that the unit is sturdy and heavy enough to prevent toppling.

Combo Units are a combination of a dresser and a changing table. The dresser has 3 drawers and a taller piece at one end. While your child is in diapers, a contoured changing pad makes this piece a changing table. As your child grows, the combo unit functions as a spacious dresser. Many combo units can also be paired with a hutch for even greater storage space later on. Look for a non-toxic finish, easy-to-clean surface and safety stops on all the drawers.

Changing Tables and Changing Pads

A changing table allows you to diaper and dress baby at a comfortable height, and provides an organized space to store all your diapering necessities as well as some clothing. Changing tables are available in three different styles:

Open Shelf changing tables have a sturdy top table with guardrails to keep baby safe. The open shelves below provide easy access to diapering needs.

Dresser Drawer style changing tables look much like a regular dresser with a flat tabletop surface. Half of the unit is filled with drawers, and the other half is a cabinet with shelves. Once your child outgrows the need for a changing table, this style can still function nicely as a dresser for years to come.

Combination style changing tables, also known as Combo Units, are a dresser with 3 drawers and a taller piece at one end. Designed to be used with a contoured changing pad, this unit has loads of storage space for diapering essentials and layette items as well. After your child outgrows a changing table, the unit makes a great dresser. You can also purchase a matching hutch for most combination style changing tables once you no longer need a changing table.

Whichever style you choose, you'll find that some changing tables include a changing pad while others do not. There are several types of changing pads that can be purchased separately from your changing table:

Vinyl changing pads are waterproof, wipe clean easily, and are available in a variety of colors. Cloth changing pads usually have a waterproof layer on the bottom, and can be machine washed for easy cleaning. Contoured changing pads have a concave shape that cradles baby, and helps to prevent baby from rolling off the pad. Disposable changing pads are great when you're on-the-go with baby. Often sold in multipacks, they have a waterproof backing to protect against leaks, and offer you a sanitary place to change baby. You may also want to consider a changing pad cover. Covers are easily removed and machine washable, and they can add to baby's comfort, especially if you're using a vinyl changing pad.

Changing Table Safety Tips

Never leave your baby unattended, not even for a moment.
Make sure the changing table is sturdy and will not collapse or tip over under your child's weight.
Always use safety straps when changing your baby.
If your changing table does not come with safety straps, you should purchase them separately and install them on your changing table.
Keep all the things you need to change baby within arm's reach.
Keep at least one hand on your baby at all times.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) has developed a certification system to identify which products have been manufactured with safety in mind. Look for the JPMA seal while you're shopping for a changing table. It's an easy way to make sure the changing table you choose meets the highest standards for safety.

Gliders and Rockers / Nursing Chair