The birth of a baby requires the purchase of special furniture and supplies for the new arrival's nursery. The nursery can be decorated and furnished as elaborately or as inexpensively as the parents-to-be want. The few essential items that are needed can take the baby through his first few couple years of growth and development.
Baby Crib and Mattress
The baby crib is one of the most important items for a nursery. This purchase needs to be considered carefully. A sturdy crib can last for years. Convertible cribs allow the bed to transform from a crib to a toddler bed and then becomes the headboard and footboard for a full-size bed. Sturdy baby cribs can last through several children.
The mattress is another important consideration. Most cribs don't include the mattress in the purchase price. Inexpensive mattresses are fine for a new baby to lie on, but they usually won't last through several children without breaking down.
Changing Table
The changing table is another piece of essential nursery equipment. The top surface is padded and has a strap to hold the baby in place. It's important to know that even with the baby strapped down, the baby should never be left unattended while on the changing table.
The lower shelves of the changing table allow the new parents to store supplies like extra crib sheets, baby blankets, bath towels and outfits within reach and in an organized fashion. Some changing tables come with storage containers at the end where parents can stash extra diapers, wipes and lotion. This allows parents to change diapers without leaving baby's side.
Rocking Chair
There are several types of rocking chairs a parent can choose from when it comes to decorating the nursery. Traditional wooden rockers are sturdy and can last for years and through several babies; some wooden rockers even last through several generations.
Glider chairs offer baby a smooth and steady gliding motion. Glider rockers are softly padded and usually come with a footstool that also glides. The rockers can be purchased in a variety colors for nursery decorating ease.
Plush rocking chairs that look like overstuffed easy chairs can also be found in a variety of fabrics, which allows parents to match the colors to a nursery theme. These chairs are functional well after the baby is grown. They offer a cozy place for snuggling long after the baby grows up and moves into a toddler bed.
Dresser
A sturdy dresser that matches the baby crib---especially if a convertible crib is chosen---can last a baby through the teen years and beyond. A dresser can hold clothing and extra supplies. Baby toys and baby books can also be stored there. The surface of the dresser gives parents a place to put a miniature brush and comb, framed photos of the new family, stuffed animals and other room decorations.
