How to Purchase Baby Furniture

The right baby furniture will keep your baby safe and happy.

Parents purchase baby furniture to meet the needs of their babies. A well designed crib should keep baby safe even when unsupervised during the night. A high chair should make feeding easier and more comfortable for both parent and baby. Investigate carefully before purchasing any baby furniture to be sure all items meet safety standards and are made of non-toxic materials. Look for items that are easy to use, adjustable and well made. Baby furniture should not only be attractive but also help to make infant care easier for parents.

Instructions

1. Bring the baby with you when you shop. If you have already given birth, you can easily judge the effort you must make to lift the baby in and out of a crib. Watch how the baby interacts with the furniture whenever possible. A seemingly harmless corner or furniture detail may pose more of a health hazard as your baby becomes a toddler.

2. Measure the furniture to make sure the item will fit in the baby's room. Measure the area where you intend to place the furniture before you go to the store. Although baby furniture is sometimes smaller than regular furniture, the nursery is often the smallest bedroom in the house.

3. Compare the features of each piece of furniture. Cribs are available that can convert into a bed as the baby grows up. Storage units designed for a small baby can have expandable units that enable you to add more shelving as needed. Convertible items can save you time and money by allowing for multiple uses.

4. Research available customization options. Baby furniture stores often have stock that can be ordered in different colors and finishes. Some parents incorporate a decorating theme in their baby's room or use specific finishes such as a cherry stain or an antique finish to coordinate with other decor in the home.

5. Purchase baby furniture that has been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Look for a seal indicating the product has met testing standards required by the JPMA. Products that have this seal have been tested yearly and determined to meet safety standards requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid buying used baby furniture unless you know the product is safe. Check with the manufacturer and consumer product safety groups to make sure any used furniture has not been subject to recall.

References

• Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
• Healthy Children: How to Buy a Safe Stroller
• US Consumer Products Safety Commission: Infant/Children Product Recalls