Baby Furniture is growing up fast.
January 29th, 2006 Category Furniture, ReviewsNursery furniture that grows up along with the kids
Gone are the days of cute, white-painted cribs that barely make it into toddlerhood. New nursery furnishings are more sophisticated and can mature with a child from cradle to college and beyond.
Stores are selling an increasing number of cribs that become toddler beds and eventually full-size beds using conversion kits and different mattresses. More than 80 percent of the cribs at Babyland and Kids’ Rooms in Kansas City, Mo., for example, are convertible, a dramatic change from just a few years ago, floor manager Colleen Speers said.
Nursery furniture is also changing in looks. Expectant parents of the high-tech generation are going for more modern, streamlined pieces that fit in with the rest of their decor.
Also, they are investing in pieces that can transition into other rooms. And they’re picking different palettes, going along with the ebonized wood trend in adult-size furniture.
The choices in this new era of nursery furniture can be overwhelming, says Alan Fields, who co-wrote the book “Baby Bargains” (Windsor Peak Press, $18) with his wife, Denise. But basically a nursery needs only a few furniture elements — a crib, a place for one or two adults to sit, a place to change diapers, and storage for clothes, blankets, toys and books.
Cribs: These days convertible cribs start at $500, slightly more expensive than non-convertible models. But despite their longevity, convertible cribs have drawbacks, according to Fields:
Some require conversion kits that add up to $200 to the price.
Some don’t look right when they transition into beds. Models with footboards shorter than the headboards tend to look best.
Fields says those interested in convertible cribs should buy one in a neutral color rather than a trendy shade that could date it.
Seating: Babies need feeding and soothing day and night, and parents need a comfortable place to sit while tending to those tasks. Fields suggests looking around the house — maybe there’s a rocking chair or love seat that could work in the nursery.
Changing area: Changing tables are a thing of the past, Fields says. They cost more than $200 and last only as long as a baby wears diapers.
Parents typically change babies’ diapers and clothes on a pad on the crib, playpen, floor or extra bed. Or they use the top of a dresser.
Storage: Babies have so much stuff, and a standard closet with a rod and shelf isn’t that useful. Fields suggests splurging on cubbies and drawers for wee shoes and clothes. A wheeled cart that rolls under the crib is a good investment for storing all those receiving blankets.
SAFETY: Bars on cribs and playpens should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. For that reason, parents are advised to measure the slats before buying used cribs or using hand-me-downs. Crib safety guidelines changed in 1999.
Buy a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly in crib. Keep cribs clear of stuffed animals and extra pillows and quilts.
Source: centredaily.com