Furniture
The Word on . . . Furniture
The correct nursery furniture can make life a little easier for you and baby a little more comfortable.
There is a wide selection of nursery furniture on offer to cover all budgets and styles so you're sure to find something you love. Consider the size and shape of your nursery and choose pieces that fit the space so as not to over crowd the room.
Keep in mind to order early as some furniture suppliers can have long delivery times or delayed shipments, so to avoid disappointment start looking sooner rather than later!
Key Nursery Items:
- Bassinet - if you want to keep baby close to you
- Cot and Mattress
- Change table - this can often be combined with a chest of drawers for space saving
- Chest of Drawers
Many parents choose a bassinet so that baby feels enclosed in a more womb-like environment. Having a bassinet is handy as some have wheels so that baby can travel from room to room with you (please remove baby when doing this) and while your second baby is little, it will give you time to transition the older child from cot to bed. A bassinet which sways and rocks will be soothing for a fussy baby. Bassinets are also fantastic if you want to sleep baby right next to you and make those midnight feeds a little easier.
No doubt you would have realized the endless choice on offer when it comes to cots. Various sizes, shapes and colors are all on offer to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
Consider the following when choosing your cot…
- Shape: The traditional rectangle shape is still very popular but new rounded end cots are also entering the market.
- Size: Traditional rectangle cots come in 3 sizes with European size, Standard size and King size; rounded end cots are slightly smaller in length but are usually expandable.
- Variable Height: Many cots have 2 levels, highest level for newborns to 6 months (which can save your back) and the lowest level from 6 months onwards so your little one can't fall out (or escape!)
- Castors: castors can make the cot easier to move from room to room but do ensure they are lockable so an energetic toddler can't steer the cot across the room
- Fixed or Drop Side: Some people like drop rails, some people need them if they have back issues but overall a drop side is not necessary ; in fact they are most likely to be phased out over the next few years. Investigate whether the drop rails on the cots have a one or two-handed operation.
- Colour's and Coordinating Furniture: There is a wide variety of colors to choose from to suit your style but bear in mind that if you choose a wood grain finish (any other color than white) you are best to buy from the same brand if you want the colour to match perfectly. Wood stains vary from manufacture to manufacture and what walnut is to one company may be different to another. Also consider if there is a matching single bed to upgrade to later on, it would be a shame to have spent hundreds on a matching set of drawers only to find it impossible to find a matching single bed later on .
- Toddler Bed Conversion: Most cots these days covert into a toddler bed albeit some are better looking than others. Toddler beds are great because they're lower to the ground than a conventional single bed and can provide a feeling of security to some children as they are still essentially sleeping in the bed they had as a baby. Many cots come with conversion kits and others have one that you can buy once you need it.
- Teething Rails: Babies turn into toddlers and many a designer crib has had its rails made into mincemeat by a teething child. Some cots come with plastic teething rails, others have replaceable top rails. Alternatively you can purchase covers to protect your cot from little teeth.
A good mattress is essential. We only recommend inner spring mattress with good air flow and that have a firm but comfortable feel. We also recommend cotton on both sides of the mattress for breathability. Some cots have plastic or vinyl on one side.
Most cots do not include a mattress and price variations depend on whether you want foam or a latex topping and also the amount and type of quilting covering the mattress.
The mattress should fit snugly around all sides of your cot: When you choose a mattress, make sure there's no more than a 40 mm gap between the edge of the mattress and the adjacent cot side when the mattress is pushed to the opposite side. Gaps at the sides are a suffocation risk as your baby could roll face-first into them; if you unsure of the size it's time to get the tape measure out.
It is recommended to change the mattress between children as dust mites can cause health issues with some children
Change Tables can really make changing and dressing your baby easier and can also save your back.
There are many options beyond the traditional change table. If space is an issue, try a folding change table or combo chest of draws with change table on top; this is a great option because once you've finished using the change table you will have a chest of drawers you can use right into their teenage years. Hence best to stay away from overly "baby" furniture pieces; use wall stickers and other accessories which can be easily changed as your and baby's taste change; saves money too!
You will need a change mat that fits in your chosen change table and they are available in varying sizes. A great change mat is also useful right up the toddler years when you can no longer lift baby on to the table but need to change a nappy; you can then slide the matt away under the couch for the next nappy change.
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AS A GENERAL GUIDE ONLY. PARENTS SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE THEIR OWN ENQUIRIES.