Serves as a guide for the new busy mom to provide an overview of the features and benefits of nursery furniture for your babies’ room...from cribs to changing tables.
We have made it simple for you to find and buy the right furniture for you. You should make sure that any nursery collections of baby furniture meet the highest standards of safety and comfort, so you can enjoy peace of mind while your baby enjoys a good night’s sleep.
NOTE: This guide is informational only and you should consult your medical professional with any questions.
Furniture for your baby to sleep in - Part 1
Go to Part 2 - Nursery / Baby Furniture
Go to Part 3 - Nursery Accessories
Moses Baskets
A Moses Basket is a woven basket with handles while the bassinet is typically a plastic woven basket on a stand. These are not an essential buy, but they certainly can make life easier in the first few onths. You can use a crib from day one but both a Moses Basket and bassinet are portable between rooms and both items fit easily into your own bedroom if this is where you want your baby to sleep during the early days. These are best for babies up to 3-4 months or until the baby is mobile.
Baby Cradles
Baby Cradles are a traditional piece of furniture that rock or swing to help sooth your baby to sleep. Some come with Mattresses , many do not, but these can be bought separately. Bedding is generally purchased separately. Baby Cradles are suitable for a baby up to around six months and should not be used once your baby can sit up, kneel or pull themselves into an upright position.
Cribs
Cribs are suitable for babies from birth. A NOTE ABOUT TWINS: If you have twins, many pediatricians recommend putting them in the same crib for the first four months.
Drop-SideMany styles have mechanisms that allow you to lower or raise the side with one hand, while cradling your baby with the other cribs with one drop-side or a ‘static’ drop-side tend to be sturdier than cribs with two drop-sides.
Adjustable-Height Mattress Base
Most cribs have several height levels for the mattress – the highest setting is for when the baby is newborn and gradually as the baby grows you lower the mattress height to prevent the baby from climbing or falling out.
Castors
Two or four castors make your crib easier to move around. At least two must be lockable, and should always be locked when not in use.
Teething Rails
Clear non-toxic plastic fits over the top rail of the baby crib and protects your baby’s gums once he’s teething and has started to chew.
Convertible or Stages Crib
Larger, with removable sides, so they can be converted into some combination of toddler bed, daybed or headboard and footboard for a full-sized bed. A good value choice, since convertible cribs have a longer life-span.
Travel Cribs
Folding or mini cribs are perfect for traveling - some also double as a playpen. It’s a good idea to get your baby used to sleeping in the crib for a few nights at home, before you travel. Many styles have removable, washable covers and fold away into a travel bag.
Toddler Beds
Toddler Beds are for toddlers who have learned how to climb out of the crib or for parents expecting a second child who will need the crib. Toddler Beds can be used with a standard crib mattress , until the baby grows big enough to sleep on a traditional mattress size. This is not an essential piece of furniture, but bridges the gap between a crib and a regular bed. Many cribs are convertible which allows the crib to be converted to a toddler bed . See above convertible or stages cribs .

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