You just found out you're pregnant. What do you do now? How do you begin to shop for and purchase baby furniture: cribs, changing tables, dressers, etc.? My first suggestion is to shop the internet: last I heard, 80% of all shoppers shopped the net before purchasing, and I imagine it is even greater now. This will give you a sense of what is available, and for what price.
Bed Rail For Convertible Crib
Once you have a sense of the prices that you'll need to pay in order to purchase a quality crib and mattress, determine a budget for yourself and plan the items you'll need for the space you have. The must-have items are a crib, crib mattress, crib bedding set, changing table, and dresser, and often the changing table and dresser can be combined into one unit. Once you've planned for the basics, you can add whatever else you need that fits into the budget, to fill the remainder of the nursery: an additional dresser, bookcase, rocker, night stand, play table, throw rug, wall dcor, window treatment, etc.
Bed Rail For Convertible Crib
There are ways to skimp, but please don't skimp on the quality of your baby crib and crib mattress. This is a matter of safety for your child, and actually, the quality of the crib mattress is just as important as the crib itself. As your infant becomes a standing, then a jumping toddler, both your crib and mattress will need to be strong and sturdy to resist weakening with a possible collapse. Some children are vigorous crib rockers and jumpers to the point of nearly destroying the cheaper, lesser brand of cribs. Your better brand of cribs will provide the security you need, brands such as Bratt Dcor for metal and wood furniture, Child Craft and Atlantic Furniture for wood products, Ducduc and Nurseryworks for wood, modern and eco-friendly nursery furniture, Corsican for metal and wrought iron cribs, and Little Miss Liberty for round cribs.
If you're considering purchasing a used crib, or gaining a hand-me-down, please be aware of the safety factors involved. Drop-side cribs can no longer be legally sold; wholesale, retail, or second-hand. Many have been recalled due to safety factors related to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other forms of tragic accidents that lead to infant injuries and deaths. Additionally, used cribs, or cribs that have been in storage, may have missing or worn pieces that weaken the structure of the crib, causing additional hazards and possible injuries.
New government legislation was recently issued and became effective in June of 2011 setting new standards for crib manufacturers that include stationary side rails, a maximum two finger width between the mattress and the side of the crib, and the slats/bars no more than 2 3/8" apart.
There are several ways to economize, but please don't sacrifice your child's safety in the process. For instance, there are convertible cribs: cribs that convert to a toddler bed, then either a twin or full-size bed when the child outgrows the toddler or day bed. There are also dresser/changers-dressers that have coordinating changing trays that can be removed, again, when no longer needed (also called changing stations). And most cribs have matching accessory pieces that are stylish enough and sturdy enough to accompany the child into adolescence, even adulthood. Child Craft has introduced a new twist to economizing: several of their cribs and nursery collections are shipped unassembled--perfect for the handyman in your life! They even have a changing table that converts to a twin bed when no longer needed.
Purchasing on the internet is another way of economizing. Overhead is at a minimum, so prices are often lower than in the brick and mortar stores. A few online stores will even pay the cost of shipping. Be cautious, however, of online stores that have drastically lower prices than the rest, for they usually add shipping at check out, and it is often considerable. Additionally, online stores do not charge sales tax, unless they are based in the same state where you reside. Both these factors can amount to a substantial savings when outfitting a nursery.
Wondering about the personal service of online stores verses the brick and mortar stores? Many of the smaller, individually-owned and operated online baby stores take pride in their customer satisfaction, together with the quality of their merchandise. Their competition is much greater than the brick and mortar stores, so they usually make customer service their primary focus.
Preparing for your new arrival and outfitting a nursery can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a helpful guide and summary:
1. First, get a picture of what's available by shopping online.
2. Plan your budget.
3. Plan what you'll need for the space available.
4. Shop the online stores for the best deals that include free shipping and no sales tax.
5. Order your crib and mattress early in the process, as most deliveries range from 8 to12 weeks. Allow plenty of time for delayed deliveries, which happen occasionally.
6. If you're ordering accessory pieces that match the finish of your baby crib, it's best to order them at the same time as the crib so they'll come from the same manufacturer's stain/paint dye lot.
7. Once your crib has been decided upon and ordered, choose and order the crib bedding. Nearly all crib bedding sets are made to order, with an average delivery time from 4 to 8 weeks.
8. Plan on having at least the crib, mattress, bedding, changing table and dresser in place by your 7th month at the latest-Mother Nature does have a mind of its own and babies often come early.
9. Have fun now accessorizing the nursery with other desires and necessities in order to complete the nursery for your baby's arrival.
10. Finally, relax and enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy until you have that precious little person in your arms, heart and life to cherish forever!
By the way, Congratulations! May you and your new family be blessed abundantly!
When Buying Baby Furniture: Cribs, Etc
Bed Rail For Convertible Crib
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