baby furniture basics

cribs

Here are some tips when looking for the perfect crib for you and baby.

• No matter what type of crib you choose, never use one with corner posts that are more than 1/16'' tall (unless they're over 16'' tall and used with a canopy).
• Make sure the slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8'' apart and all hardware and fittings are tightly secured.
• Keep the crib free of pillows.
• The mattress must fit snugly, with space between the crib and the mattress no wider than two adult fingers.
• For important safety guidelines and information about various types of cribs, please see the Babies"R"Us Crib and Crib Mattress Buying Guide.

changing tables

You'll take care of baby's every need in the nursery, including the often lively diaper changes. So, it's important to ensure you have all the essentials in place. A changing table helps you do just that. Keeping everything you need handy and at the right height, it enables you to change and dress your newborn with ease. There are three types of changing tables to choose from:

• The open-shelf style allows you to keep baby at a convenient height with a protective guardrail for added safety. All your changing needs are available at a glance in the open shelves below.

• A dresser-drawer changing table has spacious, concealed drawers and shelving to keep diapers and other necessities out of sight. Then, as your child grows, it does double-duty as a dresser!
• A great space-saving solution, the changing table/dresser combo is designed to accommodate a contoured changing pad on top, with drawers for storing layette and essentials below. This versatile piece can has longevity and can continue to serve as a dresser through the years.

Though a changing table may feel like a safe place while you're changing baby, never leave him unattended, even for a moment. For more important safety guidelines and information about various types of changing tables and changing pads, please see the Babies"R"Us Changing Tables Buying Guide.

chests, dressers and nightstands

Everything has a place and everything in its place with chests and dressers built to hold all of baby's adorable layette. You'll find chests generally come in three- to six-drawer styles, while dressers may come in single or double styles. If you have enough space in the nursery, you may want to invest in a nightstand to hold some more of baby's little treasures. As you browse these furniture storage options, look for sturdy construction to prevent toppling, drawers with safety stops, easy-to-clean surfaces, and non-toxic finishes.

Once you have your furniture essentials lined up, you can start making your little one's space as unique and adorable as he is. You'll find themes ranging from zoo animals to sports and transportantion of all sorts. Keep it fun and fill it with love.