Nursery Furniture - Needs and Choices
Consider need, cost and how long you'll use it . . .
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The bed - This is a definite need. You can choose from cradles, bassinets, standard cribs or convertible cribs as well as a few other configurations. The cost here can range anywhere from roughly $40.00 for a moses basket to around $400.00 for a convertible crib in most nursery furniture stores.
How long will you use it? Baskets, cradles and bassinets won't be used long, babies grow fast. A standard crib will last until your baby's trying to climb out of it, and the convertible crib will convert to a toddler bed, so could last up to age 4 or 5. Even then, you can use it for the headboard and footboard on a full size bed, so it's a piece of nursery furniture who's use can continue.
Are you planning to have more children? If so, it makes more sense to spend a little more now. You'll get your use out of it. Another option of course is to buy used furniture and refinish it your way!
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Clothing storage - A closet organizer is really handy, but not necessary. At least hang a rod low enough for your kids to reach easily, and get them hangers sized for their clothes.
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A dresser is pretty standard nursery furniture for storing folded clothes, especially the small pieces. And if you're tight on money and/or space, if you get one low enough, you can use it next to the bed instead of a nightstand when the baby moves into a regular bed.
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Changing Table - This could be a dresser doubling as a changing table or an official changing table. Either way, be sure there are shelves and or drawers. You'll need the space to keep all those little odds and ends out of site. If you want to use a dresser, you can easily add a pad and safety straps. Here's a Changing Table/Child´s Desk, Natural
that can serve double duty. Be sure to look at the enlarged view because it will show you how it looks as a desk, as well as how it looks when closed.
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Toy storage - Isn't it amazing how quickly babies accumulate "stuff"? The popular items in kid furniture now seem to be the shelf units with the colorful plastic bins, but inexpensive open shelf units work as well. You can add your own bins, baskets or recycled boxes covered with fabric or adhesive backed papers. See kid storage for more on kid furniture.