Feathering your nest: choosing nursery furniture

With a little one on the way, you’ll want to create a nursery that’s cosy, welcoming and practical. From the colour of the walls to softness of the blankets, every detail needs to be perfect for your new arrival... and for you. Nursery furniture plays a crucial role in this, and that’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you make the right choices.  

Getting started

When you’re thinking about buying nursery furniture, here are a few things to take into account:

• The size and shape of the room: work out whether the furniture will fit in the nursery, and whether it will be in proportion with the size of the room. Remember to allow enough space to open doors, and to move around.
• Existing furniture: if you already have furniture in the nursery, consider whether your purchases will co-ordinate with this.
• Style, colour and finish: think about the style of your house and the colour of the room. Will the furniture be in keeping?
• Safety: is the furniture sturdy? Are there gaps or lids that could trap little fingers? Do drawers pull out completely? And what about sharp edges?
• Practicality: consider whether the furniture will do the job it’s intended to. Will it fulfil its function efficiently, and well?

 

Storage

There’s no doubt that babies come with a lot of accessories. Clothing, nappies, bedding and toys: all will need a place to live, if your nursery is to be clutter-free.

Dressers, wardrobes and tallboys offer the ideal home for your baby’s gear. If you choose carefully, they can be used throughout childhood and beyond.

Choosing what’s right for you

Before making your investment, think carefully about what you’re looking for. For instance:

• What space do you have available? If space is limited, consider furniture that’s tall, rather than wide.
• What will the furniture be used to store? It may sound obvious, but make sure your purchase is large enough to hold everything it needs to. Are the drawers deep enough, the cupboards tall enough and the shelves wide enough?
• How long do you intend to use it? If you intend your child to use the furniture in the future, make sure that all drawers and doors are within easy reach. Also consider whether you’d like to continue using it once your child has grown up.
• What are your nappy-changing plans? If you don’t have space for a dedicated changing table, consider buying a dresser that accommodates a changing tray. Make sure that the height is right, and the surface large enough.

 

Changing tables and trays

If there’s one thing that’s inevitable when you have a baby, it’s that you’ll have an awful lot of nappies to change. There’s no denying that it’s a messy job. But, in our view, that provides all the more reason to make the task as convenient and comfortable as possible.

Changing tables

A changing table fulfils a variety of useful functions. It provides a safe surface on which to change and dress your baby, and usually offers plenty of space to store nappies, wipes and creams. It also minimises the bending involved in nappy changing, which can ease the strain on your back.  

Features to look out for

• Storage space: this could be open shelves, enclosed drawers, or a mixture of both. Each type of storage has its advantages: shelves keep everything within easy reach, whereas drawers store your changing accessories out of harm’s way. What’s more, you can continue using a dresser-type changing table for storage once your baby has grown out of nappies.
• Safety belt: to prevent your baby from rolling off the table.
• Protective rails: these are usually located along the sides of the table, and offer extra security for your little one.
• Waterproof changing pad: providing comfort for your baby, and a surface that’s easy to clean. 
• Height: changing tables come in a variety of heights. Be sure to choose one that suits your stature.

 

Changing tray or mat

A changing tray or mat can be used on the floor, on top of a dresser or table, or over a cot (where it’s designed for this). It can be a good option if you’re on a budget, or short of space.

When buying a changing tray, keep your eye out for safety rails and a waterproof mattress.

 

Rocking chairs and gliders

Who doesn’t love the gentle motion of a rocking chair? It soothes and calms your baby, and helps you unwind from the stresses of everyday life. And whether you’re feeding, relaxing, or rocking your baby to sleep, a rocking chair provides safety, comfort and support.  

Alongside the baby essentials you’ll need to buy, a rocking chair may seem like an extravagance. But do bear in mind that, once your child has grown up, you can put the chair to good use elsewhere in the house. If you buy it with this in mind – and choose the style and upholstery accordingly – you can consider it a long-term investment.

 Rocking chairs

This is the traditional style of rocking chair. It rocks in an arc, and doesn’t contain any moving parts.

Gliders

Gliders move forward and backward in a sliding motion, with very little effort on your part. They tend to be highly padded, and are usually more comfortable than traditional rocking chairs.

If you like to put your feet up, many gliders come with matching ottomans to allow you to do just that.

Features to look out for

• Cushioned armrests: these will provide comfort and support while you’re cradling your baby.
• Generously proportioned seat: to accommodate you, your partner or anyone else who may use it.
• Cleanable cover: so that you can easily mop up any stains or spills.
• Good back and head support: invaluable features that add to your comfort and protect your posture.

 

Bouncers and loungers

When you’re ready for a rest or need to get on with your chores, loungers and seat bouncers provide a safe and comfy place for your baby to chill out.

A bouncing or rocking motion soothes your baby, while an angled lift provides a good view of everything that’s going on – ensuring that your baby can interact with you, even when you’re occupied elsewhere.

A high-quality bouncer or lounger will support your child’s developing spine, while safety straps ensure your peace of mind.

 

Why choose from Born?

All of our nursery furniture is:

• Durable
• Adaptable
• Safe
• Ethically produced
• Made from sustainably-produced, non-toxic organic wood
• Painted with chemical-free, environmentally-friendly paint

We stock a selection of furniture in our London and Bristol stores , and welcome you to come along and try it out. We have buckets of nursery-furnishing experience, and would love to share it with you!