Are you expecting a new addition to your family? One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right sleep furniture for your baby. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out what will work best for your little one. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips and best practices to consider when selecting baby sleep furniture. Whether you’re looking at cribs, bassinets, or co-sleepers, we’ve got you covered with expert advice to help you make the best choice for your baby’s comfort and safety.
Consider your Space
Before making a decision on sleep furniture options, it’s important to carefully assess the available space. It can be tempting to try and squeeze in more than what your space can accommodate, especially if you have plans to move into a bigger place in the future. While I do encourage considering long-term use, it’s crucial to prioritize what will serve you both now and in the future, rather than solely focusing on future considerations. In smaller apartments and homes, it’s best to prioritize multi-use and convertible sleep furniture. On the other hand, for larger and multi-story homes, portable items should be your main focus.
Set a Realistic Budget
It’s important to set a realistic budget before you begin looking for baby sleep furniture. Take into account what you truly need in the furniture and make sure your budget reflects that. By doing this, you can focus on what’s essential and avoid spending more than you can afford. For instance, if you have a tight budget, you may want to prioritize getting a convertible crib that can adapt as your child grows, rather than splurging on extra accessories. See the ranking of considerations below.
Research Quality and Safety Standards
Look for baby sleep furniture that meets safety standards and is made from high-quality materials. Check for certifications specific to your country, or globally, which ensures the product meets specific safety criteria. Additionally, research the materials used in the baby sleep furniture to ensure they are non-toxic and safe for your baby. For instance, solid wood cribs are often considered more durable and safer compared to those made from composite materials. When purchasing sleep furniture second-hand, make sure the item has not been altered and that it has not been recalled.
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Designs and features of baby sleep furniture
Safety features
When choosing baby sleep furniture, safety should be your top priority. Consider the size of the furniture and opt for standard sizing and shapes. This will make it easier to find mattresses and sheets that fit properly. Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and the bassinet, crib, or travel cot. The mattress should be flat and not bulge in the middle. Additionally, choose fitted sheets without loose edges. If the furniture has wheels, ensure they have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental movement. Lastly, select non-toxic materials for the baby sleep furniture. To avoid toxins, consider purchasing locally made furniture or those produced in European or Canadian countries. If you have any doubts, check online reviews of branded baby furniture for discussions on the presence of toxins. Let us know down below if you want us to cover toxins in a future post.
Long-term use and versatility of baby sleep furniture
Opt for furniture that can grow with your child to maximize its longevity. Convertible cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds or daybeds are excellent options, as they provide long-term value. Similarly, dressers that can transition from a changing table to a regular dresser offer versatility and can be used beyond the baby years.
Ease of transport
Having a portable bassinet, crib, or cot can make your life much easier when it comes to moving your baby’s sleeping space around. Look for options that are lightweight, foldable, and have wheels or handles for easy transportation. Some models even come with carrying bags or cases for added convenience. Make sure to also consider the size and dimensions of the bassinet or crib to ensure it will fit through doorways and in your vehicle if you plan on taking it on the go. Having a portable sleeping option for your baby can provide flexibility and peace of mind in various situations.
Sleep options for baby sleep furniture
When choosing a baby sleep space, it’s important to consider a model that offers a variety of options to cater to your baby’s needs. Safety should always be a top priority, so look for a bassinet or travel cot with a drop-down side that mimics co-sleeping while still providing your baby with their own sleep space. Adjustable heights and angles are especially beneficial for babies with reflux, as it can help alleviate discomfort during sleep.
While features like rocking and vibrating may seem appealing, they are not always necessary and can sometimes be more of a distraction than a benefit. Additional storage is a nice bonus, but should not be a top priority when selecting a sleep space for your baby. Mobiles, while cute, can be too stimulating for some babies and may disrupt their sleep.
When it comes to traditional cribs, it’s important to avoid models with drop-down sides due to safety concerns. Opt for a crib with fixed sides to ensure your baby’s safety while they sleep. By choosing a model that offers a balance of options, safety, and affordability, you can rest assured that your baby will have a comfortable and secure sleep space.
Aesthetics and personalizing the nursery
Something neutral and simple will always look better than trying to force a theme on a budget. Choosing neutral baby furniture is always going to be a better choice than bold colours. This applies irrespective of whether you have furniture that will be used by multiple future children, or whether you’ve chose convertible items that will stay with one child. This way, you won’t feel the urge to replace furniture simply because your next child is a different gender than your first, or because convertible furniture doesn’t match the style of a new home or new bedroom theme.
A functional nursery, and by extension functional baby items, are always going to be your priority. Even with a larger budget now, I still prefer to keep my investment in décor low. I find it satisfying to be mindful of my purchases and have the freedom to change things up when needed. I enjoy making and framing printables, using wall stickers, and sewing basic décor items to personalize my children’s rooms. These simple and affordable methods allow me to create a functional nursery while adding a personal touch.
Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations
To make an informed purchase, it’s important to check reviews from other parents about the functionality, durability, and safety of baby sleep furniture. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or parenting communities to learn from their experiences. This will help you discover any potential issues or benefits that you may not have thought about.
Visit Showrooms and Test the Baby Sleep Furniture
It is recommended to go to showrooms or stores to personally inspect the baby sleep furniture whenever you can. Try out the cribs to see if they are sturdy, check the smoothness of the drawer mechanisms in dressers, and evaluate the overall quality yourself. This practical approach will give you a better understanding of the furniture’s construction and assist you in making an informed decision. Afterward, you can search online to find the best prices for those items.
Take Our Quiz
Taking this quiz will help you discover the ideal sleep furniture combination that suits your lifestyle. Once you have a clear understanding of the specific sleep furniture pieces you require, applying the knowledge gained from this article will become effortless. For a more comprehensive understanding, we suggest exploring our Beginner’s Guide to baby sleep furniture.
What are you best tips for selecting nursery furniture?
We greatly appreciate receiving feedback from the amazing mothers in our community. The shared experiences among us contribute immensely to our collective knowledge.
NEXT: Read our Beginner’s guide to baby sleep furniture
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