Design 101

The Ultimate Guide to All the Nursery Furniture You’ll Need

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY The Havenly Team

Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Published on May 16, 2018

As most new parents know, kids don’t come with an instruction manual. Lucky for you, when it comes to kid’s bedroom furniture, we’ve got the low down on all the pieces you’ll need until you’re shuffling them out the door for college. For all you new (or soon-to-be) moms, here’s the guide to nursery basics you’ve been looking for.

Babies spend more time in the crib than anywhere else, so while comfort is important, safety is essential for any nursery. Look for manufacturers that use a non-toxic finish on their pieces, free of lead and other toxic elements. The sides of your crib should be stationary, as drop side cribs are a safety hazard. As baby grows, you’ll want a crib that features an adjustable mattress height and slats that are no more than 2 3/8″ apart, so their head or limbs don’t get caught. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and sides of the crib, then your mattress is too small.
For versatility, consider a crib that offers conversion kits to both toddler and full size beds. This is an especially good idea if you’re purchasing a coordinating suite of furniture for the bedroom and would like the bed to continue to match the rest of their bedroom set!
For really little babiess, a bassinet is a great option for infants and can conveniently move from room to room in your home.

Dressers are a must for baby’s essentials, and if the room allows for it, look for an option that’s large enough to grow with your child as they get older. Many full size dressers from retailers like Crate & Kids and Pottery Barn Kids have coordinating changing table toppers that sit perfectly on top of dressers, giving you added functionality and versatility. You can even purchase changing table covers that  coordinate with your crib sheets! Wardrobes, armoires, and chifforobes are also great options for larger clothing storage, especially if the inner shelves are adjustable so you can re-organize your storage as your needs change over time.

With all nursery furniture, it goes without saying that safety is of the utmost importance. Along with looking for non-toxic finishes, avoid sharp corners, and for any taller pieces of furniture along the walls, ensure you have the proper fixtures to attach them to the wall.

For toy and book storage, modular pieces are a great option for flexibility in terms of becoming a piece that can be used as your child grows older. Cubby systems like the KALLAX shelf unit at Ikea are also super customizable in terms of adding doors or bins to suit your storage needs.

Not sure where to start when designing your child’s room? Our designers are experts at marrying form with function and can help you design a room that your child can grow with.

Words by Elyza Brillantes

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