Buying a set or part of one can be useful -- everything will match and the furniture can be added to over time as the child grows and its needs change. But, with so many sets to choose from, what's the best way to choose the right furniture?
Things to think about
There are various issues here, including:
Furniture options: nursery sets usually come with a cot, cot bed or bed. Standard beds can be fixed or they can be extendable so they grow with the child. In addition the set will probably have some kind of storage option such as a wardrobe and a changing table and/or dresser. Many sets have additional options in the range. These can include dressers, storage pieces, seats and benches, hampers, nursing seats, toy chests, shelving and bedside tables. Parents can buy the complete set or pick and choose according to the space available and their actual storage needs.
Materials: nursery furniture can be made from natural materials such as wood or may be made from man-made materials and/or wood veneers. Choosing the material tends to be down to preference. Many people like antique pine furniture, for example, whilst others may be happy with a cheaper veneered design that is painted. If the set is painted then check that the paint used was lead-free. In general terms sets made from wood will usually be heavier (and sometimes therefore more sturdy) than those made from other materials (although these sets will be lighter and, if constructed properly, will be perfectly safe). Some sets will be flat-packed for home assembly and some will be ready-made. Choosing here is a matter of personal opinion -- some people feel that ready-made furniture will be better constructed whereas others feel more secure putting the furniture together themselves. Make sure to only buy nursery furniture from reputable manufacturers and there should be no problem either way.
Design: there are many kinds of designs available. For example, some sets will come with a character design such as Winnie the Pooh and some will be in a specific furniture style such as shaker. In all cases, make sure that the furniture has been designed to suit a child -- so, no sharp edges and protruding accessories that could cause an accident if they have a fall.
Conclusion
Nursery furniture may not last forever as the child grows but do take the time to make sure that the furniture is of a safe construction and that it will be able to stand the test of a growing child at play! The choices available on the market today will suit all tastes so there is no reason why the nursery shouldn't look as good as every other room in the house!
