Buyer's Guide - Babies & Infants

Nursery Furniture, Bedding & Decor

Creating your baby’s nursery could seem like an overwhelming task, however, this undertaking can be a fun, significant project that will provide a rewarding outcome.  Prior to purchasing bedding, furniture or décor, you will need to decide colors and an overall theme of the nursery.  Sports, barnyard, butterflies, fairies, or any other unique idea – it’s your choice!  Once you have determined the theme, take some time to explore products available – then, paint and decorate the walls.  Once the room is ready, fill it up with any of the following:

• Furniture:  The basic baby furniture includes a crib, changing table and dresser.  However, you can also look for additional pieces such as rockers or gliders, a bassinet, and additional storage related items (toy chests or book shelves).  Search for pieces that will fit the look and feel of your room, as well as will have the ability to grow with your child.  Here are a few items to think about when buying your child’s crib:
  • A safe crib should have a firm, tight-fitting mattress, no missing or broken slats or hardware and no cutouts in the head or foot boards.  The slats should be no more than 2 3/8” apart.
  • Some cribs offer drop sides which allow you to lift your baby in and out easily.
  • If the base does not lie directly on the floor, wheels are great to have!  Wheels will allow you to easily move the crib to vacuum and get toys and pacifiers out from underneath.
  • Many cribs offer adjustable mattresses to allow it to be higher so you can gently lay down a sleeping newborn, then lower the mattress for babies and toddlers as they’re able to pull up.
• Bedding:  Crib bedding packages comes in many styles and multiple pieces; however, the basic set consists of three pieces – a sheet, comforter and bumper.  Other pieces that may be included in a nursery collection are a crib skirt, window treatment, and pillow.  Following are details on the basic pieces of the set:
  • Crib Sheet:  This sheet should be tight fitting – if any of the sides are loose, be sure they are tucked under the mattress to keep them free from your baby’s fingers.  Safety sheets are also available to ensure a snug fit.  Additionally, you may choose to purchase a waterproof mattress cover to protect your child from causing a soiled mattress.
  • Comforter:  This quilt or comforter is a key part of the set, however it should not be used to cover a newborn.  Many people hang this comforter on the wall as a nursery decoration, or, it can be used on the floor to lay your baby on for playtime or a supervised nap.  Until your child is very active keep loose blankets or pillows in the crib.  Since your child cannot have a blanket, consider using a sleepsack – a wearable sleeping bag.  You can simply put your baby in the sleepsack, zip it from bottom to top (allowing it to be easy for diaper changing), and know that your child will stay warm and cozy all night long.
  • Bumper:  Crib bumpers are an important part of the set for when your child begins moving around in the crib as it will keep them safe from the sides.  The bumper should have both top and bottom ties – and these ties should be just long enough to be able to tie it securely.  Additionally, there are breathable bumpers available that are made of mesh fabric to allow air to pass through.
  • The crib skirt, window treatment and pillow can all be used to add a decorative touch.
• Décor:  A plethora of items are available to make your baby’s nursery complete.  Diaper stackers, mobiles (to soothe your child to sleep), toy chests, baskets, lamps, shelves, tissue holders, trash cans, rugs, and clocks are just a few of the many things that you can decorate your child’s nursery with.  None of these are must-haves, however with the right mix of a few of them, your baby’s nursery will be an inviting space your child can call their own.