Don't know what you real need? and How to determining the right furniture for your
angel(s)?

We have made it simple for you to find and buy. You can be reassured that all of our 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. Just Click the fellowing links:

| Cribs | Cradles | Changers | Gliders & Rockers | Chests | Beds | Mattresses |

NOTE: This guide is informational only and you should consult your medical professional with any questions.

Baby Cribs:

The crib you choose for your baby is one of the more important furniture buying choices you will have to make. With your baby sleeping in a crib until it’s time to move on to a full sized bed around the age of 2 or 3, you should take your time in choosing a crib. Be sure that you are satisfied with the safety features, style, finish and quality.

It is best to avoid second hand and old cribs, especially cribs made before 1973. Cribs made before this time may contain lead paint, have splinters, have slats that are to far apart and many other dangers. Cribs that were manufactured even as recently as 1990 can have safety problems. If you are thinking of using or buying a second hand crib, make sure it has not been recalled.

Safety:

• Distances between crib slats are no more that 2-3/8 inches.
  
• Dropsides when lowered are at least 9 inches above the mattress support.
  
• When dropsides are raised, they are at least 22 inches above the mattress support.
  
• Crib mattress fits snugly with no more than two fingers width between crib side and mattress.
  
• Secure dropside locking mechanism.
  
• No loose or peeling paint, rough corners, edges or splinters.

Drop-Side:
Many 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.

Mattress:
Sturdy mattress supports that connect to the crib sides securely. Keep in mind metal mattress supports will support a jumping toddler more than wood mattress supports. 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.

Rolling Casters:
At least two must be lockable, and should always be locked when not in use. Convenient feature when changing sheets.

Teething rail:
Clear non-toxic plastic fits over the top rail of the crib and protects your baby’s gums once he’s teething and has started to chew.

Types:

Standard:
There are two types of standard cribs.
1) Cribs with a single drop side (One side drops).
2) Cribs with double drop sides (Both sides drop).

Convertible:
Convertible cribs convert from a standard crib to a toddler bed and then to a day or full sized bed. Although convertible cribs can be more expensive, it will save you from having to buy a full sized bed when your child outgrows the crib.

Canopy:
Canopy cribs have four posts on the corners of the bed, which hold up a metal frame on which you can place fabric canopies. This type of crib can give your nursery room a more elegant and classic look.

Round:
Round cribs are becoming a popular option for new parents. These cribs usually have a single drop side.

Travel Cribs:
Folding 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.

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Cradles

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. 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.

• Make sure the bassinet or cradle has a wide base and sturdy construction.



• If you are looking at a bassinet or cradle that has wooden slats or spindles, make sure the space between the slats is no more than 2 3/8 inches.
  


• If you're looking at a folding model, make sure the locks or latches that hold the legs in place are well made and secure.



• If the bassinet or cradle has wheels, be sure these wheels can lock.
  


• Make sure the mattress fits tightly in place. You don't want to be able to fit any more than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the bassinet or cradle.



• If the bassinet or cradle has a hood, make sure it folds back. If it doesn't fold back you will find it gets in the way when putting your baby down to sleep.
  


• Make sure their are no rough edges on the inside of the bassinet or cradle where your baby will be sleeping.

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Changing Tables

A changing table is a specially designed unit to use while changing your baby's diaper or clothing. It may not be an essential purchase as a simple changing mat may serve you just as well but it is very nice to have a specific area for storing diapers and diaper products and for being able to stand and change your baby.

Changing tables often include a storage area for diapers, wipes and creams, while those that combine a chest of drawers offer even better storage facilities. Look for ones with guard rails for extra security. In general, you'll find that open shelves running the length of the unit are more convenient than small high-sided baskets.

This piece of furniture can be especially important if you have had a caesarean or anticipate trouble sitting and bending post delivery. If you intend to buy a changing table, make sure you buy it before your baby is born. It will be of most use in the early months and must be used with extreme caution once your baby can roll.

Shopping Tips:

Sturdiness - This is the most important quality to look for in a changing table. Look for a table with solids legs and one that doesn't look weak and fragile.

Safety Straps - While most changing tables come with safety straps, this is a must have feature when using a diaper changing table. These safety straps allow you to strap down your baby so he or she can't roll off the table.

Guardrails - The higher the guardrails are around the table the safer your baby is going to be. But even when your changing table has high rails, always use the safety strap and keep one hand on your baby at all times.

Changing pad - Changing pads are usually purchased separately from the table and come in a variety of styles (flat, contoured, waterproof, disposable). The main thing to keep in mind when choosing a pad is that you will want a changing pad that can be easily cleaned. TIP: Buy a changing pad; cover it with a fabric that you like and then iron-on a waterproof plastic. This iron-on waterproof plastic can be purchased at your local fabric store and is very easy to apply. With your changing pad covered in waterproof plastic all you have to do is wipe off the pad with soap and water and some type of sanitizer.

Storage - You will need a place to store diapers, wipes, creams, ointments and washcloths. While some parents prefer storage drawers; most parents prefer the open shelves on the majority of changing tables. This allows you to have everything in reach when your changing your baby's diaper.

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Gliders and Rockers

Rocking chairs have long been a fixture in the nursery because babies (and parents) find the back-and-forth motion soothing and sleep inducing. A glider is simply an updated rocking chair that most parents find much more comfortable -- if you've never sat in one, you have a treat in store. The smooth-as-silk gliding motion requires almost no effort. Gliders tend to be safer than rockers because they sit flat on the floor instead of on rounded rockers that can pinch your child's toes, or yours. A rocking chair can be invaluable for rocking your baby to sleep.

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Chests of Drawers

Some of these are designed to double as a place for diaper changing and usually feature a plastic mat on top plus a raised section at the back and sides to protect the baby from falling. If you decide to use the chest of drawers as a changing table we would recommend a 3 draw model so that is at a good height for changing and that you use a lipped changing pad with a safety belt. If your budget permits, you can usually buy a chest of drawers to match your crib.

Combo Tower

Versatility is perhaps the important aspect of your nursery furniture because your baby won’t be an infant forever. The combo tower offers both a changing area and storage for diapering essentials and toys or clothing. Putting a changing pad with safety belt on the lower end of the combo tower works great as a changing table. Many combo units also have a matching hutch that can be added later to transform the combo tower into a dresser and bookcase. All in all this is a great space saver and our favorite.

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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.

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Mattresses

Crib mattresses, like adult mattresses, vary in price. Some high priced mattresses offer all natural qualities others coil and others are basic foam with a vinyl covering. It really is your preference but we do suggest a firm mattresses for babies.One thing you can do to help prevent your baby from having allergies is to use dust mite barrier bedding. Usually this is only needed with natural mattresses as most other mattresses have a vinyl cover which will act as a barrier—An encasement provides a barrier between your baby and the places dust mites live. A mattress encasement easily slips over your baby's crib mattress and under your stylish crib sheet to provide the ultimate in allergy relief and prevention.

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More Information? Check these sources to look for baby products:
Consumer Reports - http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/index.htm
Consumer Product Safety Commission - http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html