Essential baby furniture?
Hi there!
My husband and I are planning the nursery and are debating over the best way to go about purchasing furniture. My first thought was to buy a matching crib and dresser/changing table, but one with a convertible crib that can grow with our baby. Then I got to thinking that in the future, it would be really hard to find a matching nightstand, depending on the style we go with.
Therefore, now I am thinking that it might be best to buy a relatively inexpensive crib and matching changing table, and buying a new furniture set when she's older. That leads to my next question - which pieces of furniture are essential for a baby? A crib, obviously, and a changing table (with shelves or drawers) but is there anything else we'd need?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Essential baby furniture?
DD 1/29/07 -
I would suggest skipping the convertible crib. I think when it's time to get a bedroom set, you'll want your lo to have a nice matching set. Also, as far as changing tables go--I would suggest either getting a dresser that will double as a changing table or an extending changing table where the baby actually faces you vertically. Those little "change from the side" ones get more and more difficult as baby becomes mobile.
In addition to a crib and changing table/dresser I would also recommend a glider with a footstool and some sort of bookshelf or "cubicle" unit for books, toys, extra storage.
I think that's the smartest decision, especially if you plan to have more kids. We did this with our first and are SO glad we did. Expecting our second baby now, and setting up the nursery will be a breeze - move the original crib and dresser to the nursery and that's it, no big expenses. Plus, you can still sell the crib when you're done with it.
Everyone I know who bought expensive convertible furniture to grow with their kids has regretted it for various reasons (bed too high for toddler, big gashes in wood/finish from rough play and teething, dresser and nightstand ruined from how kids treat furniture, can't find matching additional pieces like armoire or nightstands, could've spent less on a regular bedroom set, etc). I like the look of a solid headboard better than the look of the ones with open slats, anyway.
With our first, we spent $150 on a white Graco Lauren crib, $30 for a rocking chair, $70 on a white dresser from a consignment store which we topped with a changing pad, and $30 for a cute little nightstand to hold the baby monitor, books, nursing supplies and lamp for bedtime stories and nursing. We were really happy with how it turned out. I'll be excited to choose nice furniture for my kids when we feel like they are ready and old enough to take good care of it.
FYI, the set that DH and I picked out was a convertible crib and dresser set. There was a nightstand in the line if parents wanted to get it as well, so it would match later. We opted not to, as we have a spare nightstand we're just going to paint/stain to match, but wanted to let you know it is an option!
Really, the only essential thing is a crib. That is if you are okay with changing your baby on the floor (some women find it easier) and you have some sort of storage solution (closet, bins etc) for the baby's clothes and things.
I bought a convertable crib with a matching change table/dresser combo in espresso. This way I can use both items when the baby is a a toddler. I figure the longer I can use the items, the better the value. I bought a rocking chair from a different company but it matches close enough - it's espresso with beige cushions. For now, I didn't see the need for a night table, but I have a small table that I'll put next to the chair where I can put a lamp and whatever items I might want handy when I'm sitting with baby.
I really wouldn't worry about buying anything matching - unless you find a good deal. Pick neutral items colour you like (cherry, white, espresso, natural wood) and then you'll be able to find stuff later on that is a close enough match - even if it's not perfect.