Read Our HDS Blog!
Shop our Great Deals store with products from Overstock and Amazon. Find great discounts and deals!
SHOP NOW!
Post your own stories, how-to articles, decorating feats, new products you like or home decorating or design tips. Best of all it's FREE to join. Sign-up NOW!
How To Sell Your House
Even In Today's Gloomy
Real Estate Market and
Start a New Business!
Learn More...
FREE Home Decorating Ebook!
FURNISHING A NURSERY
For first-time parents, deciding what furniture is needed for a baby's room can be overwhelming. What are the necessities and what are optional items to purchase? What are the costs involved in furnishing a nursery?
Essentials
A crib is where your baby will spend the large majority of his or her time, especially over the first several months. Three-in-one cribs are popular nowadays since they effectively convert to a toddler bed and a young child's bed as your baby grows. A bassinet is an alternative place for your infant to sleep and it be carried around. However, your child will outgrow his or her bassinet in about 6 months and will need a proper permanent bed.
For some parents, a changing table is a necessity. The height of the table makes it convenient for parents to change or dress the baby without putting strain on the back. Other parents are fine with changing their baby's diapers on the bed or floor. Some dressers are made to be used as changing tables as well.
A dresser or wardrobe is needed to store baby clothes, shoes, blankets and other baby items such as diapers, wipes, bath accessories, and health care items.
Other Furniture
An infant swing can be useful for soothing your baby during the first year. A baby bathtub is another item to consider. It will allow you to easily bathe your baby until he or she is old enough to use a regular tub.
Saving Space
If you have limited space for baby furniture, or want to reduce clutter in the nursery, there are a few things you may want to try. First, look for pieces of furniture that include storage space. Some cribs come with drawers underneath, and there are combination dresser and changing table units that have several drawers for clothing as well as diaper station supplies. If a bookshelf will fit in the room, add baskets to the shelves for storing small toys or supplies.
Also, you can maximize the space in closets by mounting an additional pole for hanging clothes and installing shelves.
Deals on Furniture
At some discount stores, you may find "nursery in a box" sets that include a crib, changing table, and dresser at an economical price. Search online classifieds and thrift stores for used baby furniture. Additionally, check clearance sections at department stores. The cost of furnishing a nursery can go down dramatically if you use these avenues.
When purchasing second-hand items, safety should be your most important consideration. Make sure all the furniture, especially the crib, meets basic safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Lead paint, in particular, can be a potential hazard on older furniture.
Author Jessica Ackerman has years of decorating and design experience, and her tips and advice have been featured on a number of home decor websites. For unique ideas on decorating with wall art , mirrors, wrought iron wall decor , and sconces, visit Wall Decor and Home Accents.
