Baby Room Basics

When it comes to designing and decorating a baby nursery, there are certain baby room basics to keep in mind. Whether your budget is large or small, your style simple or sophisticated, your newborn a boy or a girl... here some basic baby room necessities to consider.

Baby Cribs, Cradles, Bassinets, and Baskets

The number one rule in baby cribs is "safety first." In fact, baby crib manufacturers are required to follow strict regulations issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. One major safety issue concerns baby crib slats, which by law cannot be spaced more than 2.375 inches apart in order to prevent babies from becoming trapped within the slat spaces. The second safety area of concern are drop-side cribs, which have reportedly been the cause of many infant deaths by suffocation, as babies get trapped between the mattress and the crib drop-side. Although drop-side cribs are still popular consumer products, baby experts advise purchasing cribs with four secure, stable sides.

For very young infants, you may opt to rock your baby to sleep in a bassinet or cradle. Select high-quality, well-constructed cradles in which babies can sleep safely and soundly. Some cradles feature the option of converting a stationary cradle into a rocking cradle, and many come with baby-friendly mattresses. Finally, Baby Moses baskets are also popular items for laying your infant down for a nap, and are often sold as a set including mattress pad, fitted sheet, and fitted baby blanket for your baby to snuggle into.

Baby Crib Tip of the Day

Buy a crib large enough to accommodate your child even as he/she grows, or invest in a convertible bed - a baby crib which can later be converted into a toddler bed.

Baby Blankets

Baby blankets should be made of smooth, soft material that is soothing to your baby's skin, and which is machine-washable. You can buy designer or wholesale baby blankets, as well as baby blankets as part of a baby bedding set. Alternatively, many moms-to-be crochet or knit their own baby blankets!

However, certain baby bedding has been known to cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants under the age of one. Therefore, the experts advise against baby pillows, duvets, and blankets at this young age, and instead recommend a wearable blanket or a sleep suit that is not too large, as babies are less likely to get tangled and/or suffocate in them.

Baby Change Tables

Safety and comfort are the name of the game when you change your baby's diaper! Baby changing tables come in a variety of styles, from convenient to classy. You can select from high-quality wood, iron, vintage, or classic baby changing tables. Alternatively, if you are on a budget and don't require a full-size change table, baby changing table pads fit the bill nicely! These pads are non-toxic, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic mattresses that protect your baby's health and safety. Moreover, they are waterproof and can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge.

Baby Nursery Accessories

Once you have covered the basics, you can begin to think about and plan the rest of your baby room. Items and accessories to consider include baby storage closets/organizers (to hold baby clothes, diapers, wipes, powders, linen, and more), baby room color (paint, wall paper, decals), wall art (pictures, decals, clocks, light switch plates), decorating themes for baby boys and baby girls, mobiles and activity mats, toys, rugs, and much, much more.