Dressing Tables - Not Just for Convenience

When choosing a dressing table (or changing table if you prefer) safety must be your first concern. Make sure any dressing table you consider is sturdy and secure, no wobbly legs or movement side to side. If there is either of these, pass on such a purchase and keep looking. Look for a table with a fully enclosed top to help ensure your baby will not roll off. The changing pad should have fully adjustable straps and you should be sure to use them. Never, never, never, leave your child unattended on a dressing table.

A dressing table is one of the best investments you can make for your nursery. This will save you countless hours bending over a bed or some other flat surface while you dress or change your child. Typically, changing tables are approximately 3 1/2 feet tall which will put the child about waist level for most people. A good dressing table with have at least one drawer to use in putting items you use each day such as wipes, layette items, thermometer, etc. If you find a dressing table with a drawer and two shelves, you will have bought yourself a great deal of storage for all those diapers.

There are also dressers available with changing pads on top. These are an excellent idea as you can then remove the changing pad and use this piece of furniture as a dresser. You will find there is a great deal of difference in price range between a dresser with changing pad and a regular dressing table. That is a choice you need to make after looking at what is available and what is within your budget.

One of the dressing tables I really like and I sell in my store is shown above. It is available in 4 finishes and is from Child Craft Industries, one of the leading baby furniture manufacturers in the United States. This is the Rosette style dressing table, and, it is complete with fully enclosed changing area for extra safety and includes a changing pad with security strap and buckle. Table also includes 1 storage drawer with special “drawer stop” feature which will help keep all baby changing items within reach. 2 shelves provide additional storage are below drawer and can be used to hold blankets, baby bathtub or storage baskets. Assembly required. All necessary hardware and instructions are included. Available in Antique Vanilla, Matte White, Pine cone or Cherry. Set up size: 43 ½”H, 38 3/8” W, and 19 ¾” D.

You may purchase this dressing table at our store Baby's Own Room, or Buy It Now.

Your Baby Needs and Deserves a Safe Crib

One of the most important purchases you will make for your nursery is your crib. In our prior article we talked about buy the best crib you could afford within your budget. Your baby needs and deserves a safe crib, and a great crib. Now, it may be that your great crib will be a family heirloom, or a gently used crib from a friend or a thrift shop purchase. That is great, you have saved yourself money that can be used in another area of your nursery. Please be aware, however, that sometimes your used crib may have been the subject a safety recall, or just may not have all the safety features you would like. It is has been my experience and observation over the years that you frequently pay almost as much at a thrift store for a used crib as you do for a lower end new crib at one of the big box stores. Shopping and comparing is so important.

If you decide to purchase a new crib for your baby, there are several things to consider. The main issue, even more important than your theme, finish, color, etc., is safety. Is the crib you think you would like to have, safe. Here are some things you should look for, does your crib:

1. Meet or exceed all industry standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission?

2. Has it been approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials?

3. Has it been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers’ Association?

4. Does it have a warranty? If so, how long is the warranty, is it a full or partial? What does it cover? Is it a manufacturer's warranty?

5. Has it ever been the subject of a recall?

Chances are if it is a brand new crib you will not have this problem; however, you can check on this or any other recall concerning children's products with the Consumer Products Safety Commission. To reach this website you can Click Here.

Please remember, this article is in no way intended to be an authority on crib buying. Its purpose is to give you some guidelines and points to consider when purchasing a crib that will be your precious baby's bed. In my store, Baby's Own Room , I sell Child Craft Cribs. Why? Because Child Craft Industries has been manufacturing and selling baby furniture for over 70 years. My own children slept in Child Craft cribs. They are an industry leader with a great reputation. The cribs are sturdy and made of quality products and meet all of the safety guidelines for the watchdog groups show in points 1, 2 and 3 above.

A great crib to consider is the Child Craft Lifetime Bed. This crib will convert to a toddler bed and then to a full bed as your child grows. It is available in many styles and finishes. You will see one fine example advertised on this page. For additional information or to purchase any of the fine Child Craft cribs, please visit Baby's Own Room.

Getting Started on Baby's Own Room

Hello, and Welcome to Baby's Own Room blog and link page. Here, you will find helpful information and products to assist you in setting up your precious little one's first room. Doesn't it seem from the moment the world finds out a wee one will be moving into your home that everyone has advice or something to sell you? You are bombarded with mail offers, catalogs, magazines, books, e-mails, and spam. You name it, you receive it in some form or fashion. If you are not a first time parent, you have figured out how to weed through it all and get what you need and/or want. But, if you are a first time parent you may be confounded by all that is presented to you.

Here, we will attempt to clear away some of the confusion and offer just plain tried and true facts on what you need and don't need to set up a space for your baby. Every parent wants to give their baby the very best they possibly can afford. But, there is a very natural tendency to overspend your budget and buy more than you or your baby truly need. Remember, your baby is small and his needs are basic. He or she needs, of course, feeding and diapering, but most of all your baby needs constant love and care from you. That said, what are some of the basics you should consider.

1. Space Available - do you have a room to dedicate to a nursery, or will your baby be sharing a room with you. This will certainly dictate how much furniture you buy. If sharing a room, you may want to buy only a crib and dressing table. Look for a dressing table with drawers to double as both a dresser and changing table. If you have a room to function as a nursery, you, of course, have more space and therefore, more options.

2. Budget - This is perhaps your most important item. Whether you have a large or small space to outfit for baby, set a budget within your means. It is all well and good to count on shower gifts and gifts after the baby is born, but for setting up your nursery, I say again, set a budget within your means.

3. Furniture - look for quality, well made, durable baby furniture. There are so many options available to you do not buy the first thing you see. Shop, shop, and shop some more. Look in your local stores, the big box stores such as Wal-Mart and K-Mart and other department stores, discount or otherwise. Visit local baby furniture specialty stores if there are any in your area. And, don't forget to surf the internet, there are many, many baby stores online, mine included. Look at what some of your friends might have, and research the safety features of the furniture items you see. Whatever choice you make, buy the best furniture available in the budget that you have set and you will not have any regrets. Buying quality baby furniture means it will be there for your first and your last baby.

In coming articles, we will talk about various furniture items you may need or want to purchase for your baby's room. For now, whether you are beginning or ending your search for baby furniture, I invite you to stop in see us at Baby's Own Room.