subject: Nursery Furniture Galore! [print this page] When your nesting instincts go into hyperdrive you know it's time to throw yourself into nursery decorating. Every mother is biologically wired to want to decorate a nursery - but even with Mother Nature as your guide, there are so many pieces of nursey furniture that you probably never even knew existed but will no doubt soon find out that you won't be able to live without!
You probably already knew that you're going to need a crib. Fortunely, there's already a whole corner of the internet dedicated to selecting the right crib, so we are going to focus on all the other nursey furniture that you might not even have know you would need - as well as some alternative ideas to things you might need.
The key to the perfect nursey is choosing furniture that not only is comfortable and safe for your baby, but convenient for you as well. Don't dissillusion yourself into thinking you won't need a changing table - cause you will! Most changing tables today are just tables, with maybe a shelf or a drawer thrown on it, but other than providing a changing surface, they're kind of a bulky piece of nursery furniture that can be considered mostly useless. Instead of buying a specifically made changing table, consider purchasing a desser and changing pad to put on top of it. The DaVinci Contour Hutch Changing Table Pad, for example, is specifically designed for the top of a dresser, with safety straps and contoured sides to keep your baby safely in place. With a dresser, the top drawer can be for diapers and wipes, and all the other drawers can be storage, instead of just wasted space.
Next to the changing table is where you'll definitly want to locate the diaper pail - something hands-free is easier, and with a lid so the nursery doesn't smell like diapers. You're going to go through a lot of outfits each day, often changing clothes when you change a diaper, so keep a laundry bag or hamper near the changing area as well.
A comfortable place to nurse your baby is a key piece of nursery furniture. Many moms like rocking chairs for the soothing rocking motion, but others prefer something more comfortable like a soft recliner. Either way, don't stop at the chair -- you'll want to be able to put your feet up while in the chair with your baby, and a simple table next to the chair is a convenient place to keep some water and a book for yourself. While you're nursing or rocking your baby to sleep, you won't be able to just get up and get whatever you want, so it's nice to have some things easily at hand.
A soft, colorful rug on the floor is great for play time. Put a toy chest next to the play area for simple cleanup. Do we have any space left for more nursery furniture? Don't forget a bookshelf! Nursery furniture with low shelves is good for your baby to hold onto when she starts cruising around, but make sure there's nothing she can pull down on herself, and that these shelves are sturdy enough to hang onto as she's learning to pull herself up and walk.
Now you've got a list of all the crucial nursery furniture -- but the nesting doesn't end there. Tie it all together with a theme, and have fun adding your personal flair with the crib bedding, baby mobiles, wall paper, and other decorative touches in your nursery.
