Top Tips on Choosing Furniture for your Nursery

Feathering your nest.

With a little one on the way, you’ll want to create a nursery that’s cosy, welcoming and practical. Nursery furniture plays a crucial role in this, and that’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you make the right choices.

Getting started.

When you’re thinking about buying nursery furniture, here are a few things to take into account:

• The size and shape of the room: work out whether the furniture will fit in the nursery, and whether it will be in proportion with the size of the room. Remember to allow enough space to open doors, and to move around. 

• Existing furniture: if you already have furniture in the nursery, consider whether your purchases will co-ordinate with this. 

• Sustainability: is the furniture made from sustainable or FSC-friendly wood? Is it ethically sourced?

• Safety: is the furniture sturdy? Are there gaps or lids that could trap little fingers? Do drawers pull out completely? And what about sharp edges? 

• Practicality: consider whether the furniture will do the job it’s intended to. Will it fulfil its function efficiently, and well? 

Tidy Books Bookcase at Borndirect

Storage.

Babies inevitably take up lots of space for ones so small! Clothing, nappies, bedding and toys all need a place to live, so think about storage - are the drawers deep enough? Can every day essentials be reached easily?  Can your furniture be adapted and used for other things, when your baby is older? 

Changing Tables.

If there’s one thing that’s inevitable when you have a baby, it’s that you’ll have an awful lot of nappies to change. What are your nappy-changing plans?

A changing table fulfils a variety of useful functions. It provides a safe surface on which to change and dress your baby, and usually offers plenty of space to store nappies, wipes and creams. It also minimises the bending involved in nappy changing, which can ease the strain on your back.

Features to look out for:

• Storage space: this could be open shelves, enclosed drawers, or a mixture of both. Each type of storage has its advantages: shelves keep everything within easy reach, whereas drawers store your changing accessories out of harm’s way. What’s more, you can continue using a dresser-type changing table for storage once your baby has grown out of nappies. 

• Safety belt: to prevent your baby from rolling off the table. 

• Protective rails: these are usually located along the sides of the table, and offer extra security for your little one. 

• Waterproof changing pad: providing comfort for your baby, and a surface that’s easy to clean. 

• Height: changing tables come in a variety of heights. Be sure to choose one that suits your stature. 

A changing mat can be used on the floor and can be a good option if you’re on a budget, or short of space, but think about having all your changing gear close by in an easy-to-reach box.

Leander Changing Table at Borndirect

Rocking Chairs and Gliders.

The gentle motion of a rocking chair soothes and calms your baby, and helps you unwind from the stresses of everyday life. And whether you’re feeding, relaxing, or rocking your baby to sleep, a rocking chair provides safety, comfort and support.

Alongside the baby essentials you’ll need to buy, a rocking chair may seem like an extravagance. But do bear in mind that, once your child has grown up, you can put the chair to good use elsewhere in the house.

Rocking chairs rock in an arc, and don't contain any moving parts.

Gliders move forward and backward in a sliding motion, with very little effort on your part! They tend to be highly padded, and are usually more comfortable than traditional rocking chairs.

If you like to put your feet up, many gliders come with matching ottomans to allow you to do just that.

Features to look out for:

• Cushioned armrests: these will provide comfort and support while you’re cradling your baby. 

• Generously proportioned seat: to accommodate you, your partner or anyone else who may use it. 

• Cleanable cover: so that you can easily mop up any stains or spills. 

• Good back and head support: invaluable features that add to your comfort and protect your posture. 

Olli Ella Go-Go Gliding Nursing Chair with On-It Ottoman at Borndirect

Bouncers and Loungers.

When you’re ready for a rest or need to get on with your chores, loungers and seat bouncers provide a safe and comfy place for your baby to chill out.

A bouncing or rocking motion soothes your baby, while an angled lift provides a good view of everything that’s going on – ensuring that your baby can interact with you, even when you’re occupied elsewhere.

A high-quality bouncer or lounger will support your child’s developing spine, while safety straps ensure your peace of mind. 

Levo Baby Rocker by Charlie Crane at Borndirect

Why choose your furniture from Born?

All of our nursery furniture is:

• Durable 
• Adaptable 
• Safe 
• Ethically produced 
• Made from sustainably-produced, non-toxic organic wood 
• Painted with chemical-free, environmentally-friendly paint 

We stock a selection of furniture in our Bristol store, and welcome you to come along and try it out. We have buckets of nursery-furnishing experience, and would love to share it with you! Don't forget to call first, just to make sure we've got stock!

View our range of Nursery Furniture at Borndirect