| So you're expecting a new little bundle of joy - | | | | furniture budget to purchase a high-quality crib set, as |
| congratulations! Whether this is your first child or one | | | | this is the most important piece of furniture that your |
| of many, bringing a new baby into the world is the | | | | baby will spend time in. This takes us to our next point... |
| ultimate experience for any mom and dad. However, | | | | Be Smart About Secondhand Baby Furniture. Although |
| the same certainly can't be said for finding baby | | | | many parents prefer to shop for new baby furniture, |
| furniture, especially when you haven't the slightest clue | | | | other parents tend to favor secondhand items in the |
| what you're looking for. Before you rush off to the | | | | hopes of saving more. If you're tempted to borrow |
| nearest baby store in anticipation of your impending | | | | your mother's old baby crib, you might want to take a |
| son or daughter, it's important to take the time to | | | | moment to reflect: many older secondhand items are |
| research baby furniture purchases beforehand. After | | | | often riddled with safety hazards, including splinters, |
| all, your baby will spend a majority of his or her time in | | | | peeling paint and other choking dangers. Make sure |
| furniture items like a crib, on a changing table and later | | | | that a secondhand piece of baby future is up to |
| in a high chair - and you certainly want to make sure | | | | safety standards by conducting research on the |
| that every piece of furniture that you purchase is up to | | | | furniture's manufacturer. If there have been any recalls |
| standards for the imminent arrival of your new bundle | | | | or there's a trail of unsatisfied customers, forgo the |
| of joy. | | | | item in favor of a new and modern piece of furniture. |
| Before you venture out on your next shopping trip, | | | | If you're thinking of accepting a gift of a secondhand |
| here are a few key tips that will keep your baby | | | | crib from a family member or friend, make sure that |
| happy, healthy and safe in the new baby furniture: | | | | your crib mattress perfectly fits it. An ill-fitting crib |
| Arm Yourself With Measurements. When visiting baby | | | | mattress poses a suffocation risk - as babies can get |
| furniture showrooms, it can be easy to underestimate | | | | their heads caught in between the mattress and the |
| just how large some furniture pieces can be. However, | | | | crib - so always take measurements with you to |
| a nursery that's stuffed with furniture can not only be a | | | | ensure that both crib and mattress are a match made |
| nuisance; it can pose a safety hazard to both yourself | | | | in baby furniture heaven. |
| and the baby. In order to keep the size of the furniture | | | | Leave No Stone Unturned... Or in this case, no detail |
| to scale with your own nursery, take measurements | | | | left unexamined! While most pieces of baby furniture |
| of the baby's room before you decide on a purchase. | | | | are quite safe due to strict governmental regulations, |
| Measure the length, width and height of the room, as | | | | it's still vitally important for parents to check every |
| this will help you to determine which pieces of baby | | | | detail of the baby furniture before whipping out the |
| furniture are just right for your baby's nursery - and | | | | credit card. Check to see if any hardware is missing, if |
| which items will simply be too big to fit! | | | | the screws are loose, or if the item in general is loose |
| Set Up A Firm Budget. Now that the measurements | | | | or shaky. Once you've proven that the furniture is |
| have been taken care of, it's time to sit down with | | | | safe, head over to Consumer Safety Commission and |
| your partner and determine what you're going to use | | | | Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA; |
| as a budget. Remember, you can find baby furniture | | | | to determine if your potential purchase has ever been |
| for every budget, so don't assume that you'll have to | | | | recalled or has earned dissatisfied customer reviews. If |
| spend thousands of dollars just to fill up the nursery. | | | | it has, it's best to forgo that furniture for one with a |
| That being said, you'll want to ensure that you have | | | | proven track record of quality, safety and satisfaction. |
| enough of a budget to cover the major baby furniture | | | | As you can see, shopping for your new baby's |
| expenses, including the crib, the nursery furniture, the | | | | nursery furniture takes plenty of research, patience |
| changing table and the high chair. | | | | and determination - but once you have all of the baby |
| If your budget is a bit on the lean side, you might want | | | | furniture waiting for your bundle of joy, you'll be glad |
| to consider bargain shopping online or using | | | | that you took the time to make educated nursery |
| secondhand baby furniture. However, use your | | | | purchases. |