Introduction
Cribs
Crib Mattresses
Bassinets, Cradles, and Portable Cribs
Changing Tables
Changing Pads
Dressers and Armoires
Gliders and Ottomans
Playards
 

Introduction
Planning and arranging your baby's nursery is really the human equivalent of building a nest. And since grass, twigs, and mud won't (and shouldn't!) play a role in your preparations, most parents will probably spend a great deal of time selecting an overall theme, choosing the right color scheme, and shopping for the perfect set of furniture to inhabit baby's first room. Nurseries are largely a reflection of personal taste and style. Some parents will choose the simplicity and serenity of soft colors and sparse furnishings, while others will opt for a busier environment that features bright colors or one of the many cartoon characters or animal motifs that are very popular today. With so many choices available, the task of putting together a perfectly arranged and creatively decorated room--and doing it during a pregnancy, no less--may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, by planning ahead and beginning the project well in advance of baby's arrival, assembling your first nursery can also be very rewarding and a great deal of fun.

Cribs
As the place where baby sleeps at night, naps during the day, and just plain hangs out on a regular basis during their first two or three years of life, a crib will most likely become the centerpiece of your baby's nursery. Although they typically come in a standard rectangular shape, cribs are available in a number of different styles and can differ widely in price depending on the materials used in their construction.

Most cribs are made of wood, but the quality of wood can range from the softer, more porous woods like pine, to more durable hardwoods like oak, ash, maple, and other imported woods. Parents shopping for a new crib are also likely to encounter a huge selection of colors and finishes, from pure whites and natural wood colors to a whole range of deeper wood stains, including lighter maple and cherry stains to the much darker mahoganies. Regardless of the color you select, the finish should be nontoxic and should not be prone to chipping or peeling.

Some cribs can be purchased as part of a furniture suite, which can include matching chests, dressing tables, and armoires. While this may be an attractive option for parents who want to have a completely coordinated set of nursery furniture, these matching suites can be expensive. Some cribs are equipped with built-in storage drawers, a convenient feature that raises the overall price.

Unfortunately, the price you pay for a crib doesn't always match up with the quality of what you get. So learn as much as you can about the different components and the required safety features, and then try to find the best possible crib that fits your budget.

In addition to three basic crib types, there are a number of different options and features to consider. Here is a breakdown of what to look for when you start shopping:

Crib Types:

• Standard cribs: The most common style of crib, standard cribs usually have either one or two drop sides--a side of the crib that can be easily lowered and raised so that you can place baby inside without waking or disturbing her. Double drop sides offer more versatility for caretakers, while single drop sides tend to be more stable. Look for drop sides that work smoothly and quietly (and look out for potential "pinchers").
• Canopy cribs: A stylish alternative to a standard crib, canopy cribs come equipped with a large post at each corner, with a metal frame over the top to secure a fabric canopy. Canopies are often available in a variety of styles and colors that can be matched up with the rest of your nursery furniture and accessories.
• Convertible cribs: Designed to convert from a standard crib to a toddler bed, love seat, or double bed, a convertible crib can be a good choice for parents who don't plan on having another child. Along with saving you money over time, these adjustable cribs can also make the move from a crib to a bed a little less stressful for your child by making the transition in stages.

Key Features:

• Mattress support: As your bouncing baby grows into a bouncing toddler and discovers the joys of jumping in his crib, it will be tested, repeatedly, for strength. Attaching to the mattress height clips located at each corner of the crib, the mattress support is a metal frame that is designed to withstand all the abuse your child may dish out.
• Adjustable mattress height: Holding up the mattress support at each corner of the crib, multiple mattress height adjustments allow you to raise or lower the height of the mattress, a versatile feature that becomes increasingly important as your child grows larger and inevitably tries to climb out of the crib.
• Release mechanism: The release mechanism is a very important component of a crib and performs a dual role: it allows parents to lower the drop sides of the crib for easy access, while preventing baby from lowering them accidentally. You'll find this essential feature in one of three forms--metal rods, trigger releases, and knee releases. Regardless of the configuration, a release mechanism should always be childproof.
• Teething rails: These aptly named strips of plastic fit over the top of the crib's railings and prevent little ones from gnawing directly on the wood. Teething rails are usually installed by the manufacturer, but they can also be purchased separately in 12-inch sections and attached at home.
• Rolling casters: Available in either plastic or metal, rolling casters should come with a locking mechanism. The ability to lock down the wheels will become more important as your baby approaches toddlerhood and begins to stand upright while holding onto things--including the side of the crib.

Crib Safety Guidelines: The crib you select should always meet all current national safety standards. Many older cribs do not meet all current safety standards. You should not purchase an old crib at a garage sale or accept a hand-me-down as a gift. Parents should always read through and follow the manufacturer's instructions pertaining to both assembly and daily usage before setting up and using a new crib. Here are some additional crib safety guidelines, as compiled by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA):

• Infants should always sleep in a crib which meets current federal and ASTM standards. Never place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for sleeping infants.
• Remember to always keep the drop side up when baby is in the crib.
• Take rattles, squeeze toys, teethers, plush toys, and other items out of baby's crib when baby is sleeping or unattended. Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillowlike stuffed toys, and other pillowlike products from the crib.
• Never place your crib near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall-mounted decorative accessories with long cords.
• Select bumper pads that fit around the entire crib and tie or snap securely into place
• Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.
• Mobiles should also be removed when baby can stand up.
• Make sure there are no missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets, or other hardware on the crib or mattress support.
• Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2.38 inches apart, and none should be loose or missing.
• Never use a crib with corner posts over 0.06 inch above the end panels (unless they're over 16 inches high, for a canopy). Babies can strangle if their clothes become caught on corner posts. These should be unscrewed or sawed off and the remaining end panels sanded smooth.
• There should be no cutout areas on the headboard or footboard, so baby's head can't get trapped.
• There should be no cracked or peeling paint.
• There should be no splinters or rough edges.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Crib Mattresses
When it comes to crib mattresses, you essentially get what you pay for. Manufactured in a standard 52-by-27-inch size, most are 6 inches thick and typically come with a white or off-white cover. But that's where the similarities end. There are two types of mattresses on the market, foam and innerspring, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here's a look at the differences between the two:

Mattress Types:

1. Foam: Made of polyester or polyether material, foam mattresses typically weigh less and are less expensive than their innerspring counterparts. Their weight depends on the density of foam used in their construction: the denser the foam, the heavier the mattress. A denser foam mattress will provide a firmer surface for baby and will keep its shape longer, while a lighter mattress makes changing baby's sheets every week a little easier on the back.
2. Innerspring: Like most adult mattresses, innerspring crib mattresses come with an innerspring unit containing rows of steel coils. These coils can vary in both number and in quality and directly affect the firmness and weight of the mattress. Innerspring mattresses also have an insulator layer that sits on top of the coils to prevent them from penetrating the top layers, a cushioning layer or layers of foam or natural cotton, and a mattress cover.

Buying Tips:

• For both foam and innerspring mattresses, the quality of the material and the number of layers that are used in the padding, or ticking, will help determine how long the mattress will last. Some mattresses have double- or triple-laminated ticking, and many have a layer made of heavy-gauge nylon that is bonded to a layer of waterproof material. In addition to providing water resistance, a nylon layer will make the mattress more resistant to tearing.
• Apply the two-finger sizing test: place the mattress in the crib and try to fit two fingers between the outer edge of the mattress and the rods or spindles that run along the sides of the crib. If you can fit two fingers into this space, the space is too big and the mattress is not the right size for the crib. Baby could potentially get trapped between the mattress and the side of the crib.
• An overly soft mattress is a suffocation hazard, especially for infants and newborns, so choose the firmest mattress that you can afford to buy. When shopping for a foam mattress, it is a good idea to test the mattress for firmness by pressing your hand on it and seeing how quickly it regains its original shape.
• Look for a crib mattress with vent holes, typically located on either side. By allowing musty odors to escape, these will help keep a mattress smelling fresh over years of use.

Mattress Accessories: Along with the bedding you select, there are a number of accessories you can purchase to protect your crib mattress and make it more comfortable for the diminutive person who will be sleeping on it. Crib sheets, sheet savers, and waterproof mattress pads can extend the life of the mattress and are usually available in either a fitted form or with zippers. Always use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.

Bassinets, Cradles, and Portable Cribs
As an alternative to a full-size crib, an infant or newborn can bed down in a bassinet for the first three or four months of life. These can be very convenient for Mom and Dad because they can be placed right next to a parent's bed at night for quick feedings and diaper changes. Bassinets are often small enough to be moved around the house without difficulty, allowing parents and caretakers to work, clean, or relax in different rooms of the house during the day while still keeping a close eye on baby.

Like bassinets, cradles are small sleeping beds that can be placed near a parent's bed at night or used during the day as a portable sleeping bed for babies during their first few months at home. These are almost always equipped with some kind of mechanism that will produce a side-to-side motion designed to lull your little one to sleep. Although most traditionally styled cradles have two floor rockers that allow you to rock the cradle from side to side, some cradles come with a frame suspended on hooks that will gently sway rather than rock.

Key Features:

• Look for a wide, stable base on the bassinet or cradle and follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines for babies' appropriate weight and size. Because they are closer to ground level than a full-size crib, bassinets and cradles can sometimes pose a problem in a household where there are large pets or other young children. Cradles should have a wide base that remains stable when the cradle is in motion.
• Make sure that the bottom is strong enough to hold a mattress and that the mattress is sized properly. As with a crib mattress, you should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the bassinet or cradle.
• Because most bassinets are made of wicker or woven wooden splints, always check to see that there are no sharp edges or loose splints that could potentially injure your baby.
• Bassinets or cradles with folding legs and/or wheels should have locking mechanisms so that the legs don't collapse and the bassinet doesn't move while baby is sleeping inside.
• Parents should follow all of the same guidelines for SIDS prevention that they would follow in a full-size crib.
• Baby should be moved to a crib once she approaches the upper weight limit recommended by the manufacturer, or at any time if she appears crowded or uncomfortable.

Portable Cribs: Compact versions of their full-size counterparts, portable cribs can be easily folded up for storage at home or thrown in the back of a car for short trips and outings where you'll need a place for baby to take a nap. Portable cribs can be made of metal or wood and are usually small enough to fit through doorways, making them a good choice for travel and extended visits to Grandmother's house.

Changing Tables
Although you can change a baby on nearly any flat surface, by establishing a safe, designated diapering and changing area in the nursery, changing tables can make it easier for parents and caretakers to keep this regular activity neatly organized and sanitary. These specialized tables should be able to hold all of the supplies you will need on a day-to-day basis to take care of baby's diaper-changing needs, including clean diapers, wipes or washcloths, diaper creams, waterproof pads, and clean clothes. Because they typically stand around waist high for the average adult, changing tables can also eliminate some of the back strain that results from repeatedly bending over to change a baby inside of a crib, or crouching down to change a baby on the floor.

Changing tables are typically made of wood and come with high protective rails, a waterproof pad, and a sturdy safety belt on top, along with some kind of storage area underneath. Because they are generally used until baby is potty trained, or for an average of about two years, parents should look for a changing table that feels sturdy, has a wide, stable base, and has all of the built-in features they want.

There are three different styles of changing tables, each with a different type of storage area beneath the changing surface. Some have an open-shelf system where everything on the shelves is in sight and easy to reach, while others are equipped with a set of dresser drawers. Changing tables with dresser drawers offer a little more versatility, as they can be used for storage after your child has outgrown the table itself. Combination-style changing tables come with both open shelves and built-in drawers.

Changing Table Safety Tips: In addition to reading all of the manufacturer's instructions, parents should read through the following safety guidelines for changing tables, compiled by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA):

• When selecting a changing table, look for one with straps that help prevent baby from falling.
• If the changing table does not come with straps, purchase them separately and install them on the changing table.
• Always use these straps to restrain baby when he's on the changing table.
• Be sure any baby products you need, such as powder or wipes, are easily accessible.
• Never turn your back on baby when reaching for baby products.
• Most importantly, never leave baby unattended, even for the shortest moment.

Changing Pads
Providing a soft surface and a waterproof barrier, changing pads come in a variety of sizes and types: vinyl, cloth, disposable, and contoured.

• Vinyl changing pads come in a variety of colors and can be easily wiped clean with a wet cloth.
• Cloth changing pads typically have a waterproof layer on the bottom to protect the surface of the changing table. They can be safely thrown in with the laundry for convenient cleaning.
• Disposable changing pads are usually available in multipacks and have waterproof backings to prevent accidental leaks.
• Contoured changing pads have a concave shape to prevent baby from rolling or sliding off of the pad. You can place these on any table or flat surface to create a convenient changing station.

Dressers and Armoires
A dresser or armoire can be used to store clothing, diapers, and baby supplies, along with smaller toys and books. A valuable addition to the nursery, these wooden storage units can make it easier to keep the room clutter-free and organized by providing additional storage space for supplies and miscellaneous items. Dressers and armoires are also a good choice for your nursery because they can be used for many years--well beyond the baby and toddler years, when the crib has been replaced by a full-size bed.

When shopping for a dresser, consider the space it will be occupying in the nursery, what will be stored inside, and how a child might potentially use it in the future. A tall dresser will work well if you're short on space or you're worried about a child reaching up and pulling out its contents, while a low bureau provides easy access to drawers for toddlers who will someday want to select their own clothes and dress themselves from time to time.

Armoires can also be a good choice for baby's nursery and provide additional storage options. In addition to a set of lower drawers, armoires are typically equipped with a horizontal pole in the top cupboard to hang small outfits, dresses, and jackets. This top section can also be left open as a display shelf for pictures, toys, books, and other decorative keepsakes.

Buying Tips: Like every piece of furniture that will live in your baby's nursery, dressers and armoires should be selected with an eye toward safety and durability. Choose one that will work aesthetically, but make sure that it is sturdy and free of obvious defects and dangerous components. There should also be no loose splinters or sharp edges that could cause injuries. Check the center guides or gliders that the drawers roll on to see that they work properly. Drawers should slide smoothly in both directions and you shouldn't be able to pull them completely out of the unit. Keep in mind that you may have to install safety locks on the drawers if, in the future, your baby or toddler decides that they enjoy pulling them out and climbing on them. With that inevitability in mind, parents should avoid dressers and armoires that have overly heavy drawers and doors that can shut quickly--and painfully--on a small child's fingers and hands.

Gliders and Ottomans
In lieu of traditional wooden rocking chairs, with their hard wooden seats and decorative spindle backs, today's ultracomfortable gliders and ottomans provide the modern parent with a luxurious and relaxing way to lull their little ones into a deep and dream-filled sleep. These smoothly operating chairs are typically much more comfortable than standard rocking chairs, and come with thick seat and back cushions and a ball-bearing mechanism that makes creating a gentle back-and-forth motion almost effortless.

A glider will probably be one of the most expensive items you will buy for your child's nursery. Fortunately, these high-end chairs are usually very well made and should offer years of trouble-free service and comfort. Most gliders are made of wood, with a wide variety of finish and upholstery styles to choose from. Because they are often used in other rooms in the house after baby has grown up, try to select a glider that matches or coordinates with your nursery décor and furnishings, and also fits in well with some of the other rooms in the house.

Look for a glider that feels good, with good back support, an easy, trouble-free rocking motion, and a comfortable size. Cushioned armrests are also important when you're spending many hours cradling a growing baby in your tired arms. Many gliders are also equipped with a hand brake that locks the glider in one position. Make sure that there is no sharp metal hardware on the base or front of the glider, or exposed joints around the base or hand brake that could injure tiny fingers and hands. Finally, while it isn't a necessity, a matching gliding ottoman can add additional comfort and be used well beyond the baby and toddler years as a luxurious addition to the family room, living room, or master bedroom.

Playards
Having gradually replaced the traditional playpen in recent years, playards, otherwise known as travel yards, can provide parents with a great deal of versatility at home or on the go. Most are constructed just like a playpen, with metal tubing and mesh, but they typically use lighter materials and fabrics, which makes them much more portable. Playards are generally smaller than the traditional playpen and usually come in a space-saving rectangular shape, in contrast to a playpen's larger, square dimensions. Although they can be folded up for compact storage and travel, most playards are small enough to be pulled and pushed through doorways without having to be collapsed, and many of them have wheels that make moving them around the house even easier. Available in simple, no-frills models, you can also purchase a playard with a wide array of optional features and add-ons that will increase their versatility, while also increasing the price considerably. Here is a list of the basic options and add-ons:

Bassinet: Some playards come with a bassinet insert that fits inside the larger unit--a handy addition for parents with a newborn or smaller infant. You can use the insert until baby weighs around 15 pounds and then simply detach and remove it.
Canopy: Creating a little shade inside the playard and protecting baby from harmful UV rays, canopy attachments are a good choice if you plan on using the playard outside on a regular basis. Make sure it fits snugly into place on the playard, and never leave baby unattended while the canopy is attached.
Changing station: Some playards come with a changing station, but these can also be purchased separately and installed. They typically snap into place over one half of the playard and act as a portable changing table.
Sheets: Most playards do not come with sheets or covers, but these can be purchased separately so you have a clean, comfortable surface for baby to nap and play on.
Netting: Baby will appreciate the protection from mosquitoes and other insects a cover of light netting over the playard offers.
 

Special Safety Considerations: Because they are designed specifically as a portable play and napping area, and because they have a frame that collapses, playards with faulty components or even those that haven't been set up properly can pose a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard to a baby. With that in mind, parents and caretakers should take great care to follow very closely the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and usage. This should be followed by a thorough inspection of the playard's components each and every time it is set up and used. Make sure there are no exposed or loose threads where the floor fabric and the mesh siding are sewn together. Almost all playards have a hard floorboard with a layer of padding over the top of it. This should be inspected carefully to ensure that it fits snugly against the playard's mesh sides, leaving no room for baby to become wedged or trapped underneath.

Playards double as playpens and portable cribs for naps away from home. They should never be used for sleeping at night, and parents should never leave a baby unattended while playing or napping inside. Try to find a playard that is easy to set up and take down, but never purchase or use one that wobbles or appears unsafe. All of the playard's latching features should be securely attached and work properly and parents should never leave extra padding or other objects inside the playard, as these could be used by little ones as a way to climb out while no one is watching. Here is an additional list of playard safety guidelines, as compiled by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA):

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when assembling and using a playard, and select one with the correct recommended height and weight for your child's size.
• Always make sure that the playard is fully erected and secured prior to use.
• Make sure all latching features of the playard are in place and secure.
• Never leave baby in a mesh playard if its drop side is in the down position. The baby could roll into the space between the pad and loose mesh, causing suffocation.
• Choose a playard with mesh holes no larger than 1/4 inch. Slats on a wooden playard should be no more than 2.38 inches apart.
• Check vinyl- or fabric-covered rails frequently for holes and tears.
• Don't tie items across the top of the playard, as they can entangle baby and cause strangulation.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Chris Burns worked as a Seattle-based freelance writer for several years before becoming a Baby editor at Halfvalue.com. Fresh off 12 months as a stay-at-home dad, he has been reviewing children’s toys and baby products for more than two years, consulting with his inquisitive and enthusiastic twin daughters born in August 2000.