Buying Nursery Furniture The Smart Way: A Guide By Nursery Decor Pros

As a new parent, there are one hundred and one things running through your mind as you prepare for your baby's arrival. And perhaps the biggest and most exciting activity of them all is preparing your little one's nursery!

You want everything to be perfect, from the details as large as the colour scheme to as small as the hanging mobile. And, of course, you want to make sure you have all the essential pieces of nursery furniture, like a changing table and a comfortable place for your newborn baby to sleep.

But as you begin to shop for your new arrival, it’s easy to become a little overwhelmed or splurge on unnecessary items that you may later regret.

It's important to remember that this should be an exciting time, so we've put together a list to help you buy your nursery furniture the smart way while still enjoying the process.

Creating The Perfect Sleep Environment & Why Your Nursery Furniture Matters!

Every parent wants their baby to sleep soundly through the night, but it's no secret that this is easier said than done. Creating the perfect sleeping environment for your baby can aid their overall sleep health and help establish healthy sleep habits from the start.

A good nursery environment helps to ensure that your baby gets the correct amount of sleep they need, and sleep is essential so that your little one can grow and develop properly and healthily.

A good night's sleep leads to a happier, more well-rested baby (and parent!). It's also crucial to remember that you should be creating a safe sleep environment. A safe nursery is pivotal to eliminating SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk. Choosing nursery furniture that is safe for your baby is essential in ensuring their safety while they sleep.

But don't think that doesn't mean you can't have any fun with it! Creating a beautiful nursery with baby furniture that you love is just as important as making sure it's functional.

After all, this is a space where you'll be spending a lot of time caring for your new baby.

Colours

When it comes to choosing a colour scheme, many parents opt for a white nursery. Here at Snüz, we think choosing contrasting colours are a great idea too.

All white furniture can be stark and sterile looking, while a combination of colourful nursery furniture can add personality and life to the room.

Plus, colourful furniture can help to stimulate your baby's senses and encourage their development.

Dr Sears Wellness Institute explains, "Contrasting colours send the strongest signals to a baby’s brain to help stimulate brain growth and aid in visual development". So you should be putting some thought into the colours you use in your nursery room to make sure it has a positive impact on your baby's development.

Colours like green, purple, blue and earth-toned neutrals are all excellent choices for a nursery. They're calming and soothing, which can help your baby to feel relaxed and encourage sleep.

Themes

There are endless possibilities when it comes to nursery themes.

You can go with a classic, timeless theme like teddy bears, a stylish range of modern and contemporary, or you might want to choose something a little more unique, like a space or fairytale-themed nursery.

Select nursery furniture and decor items that fit with your chosen theme. But avoid going overboard and filling the nursery with too many objects, as this can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming for your baby.

A few well-chosen pieces of baby furniture and some carefully selected accessories and toys are all you need to create a beautiful, inviting space for your child.

Materials

The type of material you choose for your nursery furniture is important for both safety and comfort reasons. Baby furniture should be made from durable, non-toxic materials that are easy to clean.

Much of our Snüz nursery furniture is crafted from solid wood and plywood, so you can be sure it's built to last. No MDF in sight. The natural materials are also non-toxic, making them a safe choice for your baby.

When it comes to fabrics, look for natural fibres like cotton or linen that are soft and gentle on your baby's skin. These materials are also breathable, which helps to regulate your baby's body temperature and prevent them from overheating.

The Lullaby Trust advises that "the ideal room temperature for babies to sleep should be between 16 -20°C", so make sure to choose blankets and bedding that will help your baby to stay at a comfortable temperature.

Lighting

Lighting is an important consideration in any room, but it's especially important in a nursery.

You'll need good lighting so that you can see your baby while you're caring for them, whether you're changing their nappy, feeding them, or simply checking on them during the night.

But you also want to avoid harsh, fluorescent lighting that can be jarring and overwhelming for your baby. Instead, opt for soft, diffused lighting that creates a calming ambience in the room.

You might want to consider installing a dimmer switch so that you can adjust the light level to suit your needs.

A night light for your newborn is also a good idea. This can provide some gentle light during the night so that you can see your baby without having to turn on a bright overhead light.

Budget

When you're furnishing a nursery, it's important to stick to a budget. There are a lot of costs associated with having a baby, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending.

But just because you're being sensible with what you spend your nursery budget on doesn't mean you can't be smart with how you spend it.

You can definitely find some good pieces of second-hand nursery furniture if you know where to look. But be sure to inspect the furniture carefully before you commit to buying it, as you want to make sure it's in good condition and free from any safety hazards.

Bear in mind that newer, slightly more expensive nursery furniture is likely to be better quality, though. And when it comes to safety, it's always better to err on the side of caution.

No matter what your budget is, all nursery furniture should conform to the latest safety standards.

Baby’s Nursery Furniture Layout Guide

If you want to save space or create a perfect sleep environment - how you layout your nursery matters.

We've suggested three layout plans for your nursery, including a classic and modern corner layout, and a central layout that's perfect for smaller nurseries.

Sample

If you have a larger room, this classic corner layout provides plenty of space for all of your baby's needs. With furniture pushed to the corners you can fit a lot round the room including drawers, crib, chair and additional smaller storage units.

Sample

If you're short on space, this modern corner layout places the crib at an angle in the corner of the nursery to make the most of your square footage. Place a rug in the middle for somewhere to play and chair in the opposite corner for nursing and naps.

Sample

This central space layout is perfect for small nurseries. By keeping the crib and nursery furniture around the perimeter, there is plenty of free 'play' space in the centre of the room. A nice rug like a sheepskin rug that touchers on every piece of furniture is a great extra addition and will help to keep the room warm and cosy.

When planning your nursery furniture layout, consider what you'll need to store in the room and where you'll need to access it.

Nursery Furniture Sets - What Do You Get?

Baby nursery furniture sets are a fantastic way to get everything you need for your little one's room. You can save time you would have spent shopping around trying to find items that match, and you can be sure that everything coordinates perfectly.

When planning your perfect nursery, there are a few essential pieces of baby furniture you will need, both for your and your baby's needs.

Wardrobes

One of the most important pieces of nursery storage furniture is a wardrobe. This is where you will store all of your baby's clothes, blankets, and other items.

It's important to choose a nursery wardrobe that is the right size for the space you have available. You don't want it to be too big or bulky, as this can make the room feel cramped. But you also don't want it to be too small that you find yourself cramming in everything.

Our SnuzFino Wardrobe combines style with function, offering plenty of storage space for all of your baby's things. The storage functions inside are completely interchangeable, so you can move and remove the hanging rails and shelf dividers to create the perfect amount of space for your baby's clothes.

Drawers

As well as a wardrobe, you will also need some storage drawers for things like nappies, wipes, and other smaller items.

Again, it's important to choose the right size for your space. But you also want to make sure that the drawers are easy to open and close since you'll be doing this a lot!

You might find that some wardrobes come with integrated drawers, or you can buy standalone dressers.

Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your nursery. This is where your baby will sleep, so you want to make sure that it's comfortable and safe.

There are a few different types of cribs available on the market, from traditional designs to more modern ones. There are also convertible cribs that can be transformed into a toddler bed later on. When choosing a crib, make sure that it meets all the latest safety standards.

The SnuzPod4 Bedside Crib is specially designed with your baby in mind, which is why it's the UK's best-selling bedside crib.

The ComfortAir breathable system helps to regulate the temperature of your baby's sleep environment, and the secure mesh sidewalls mean you can sleep soundly, knowing your little one is safe and snug next to you.

Cots

Cot beds are larger than cribs and can be used from birth until your child is old enough to move into a toddler bed. A cot will give you more flexibility in terms of how you use the space in your nursery, as it can be transformed into a sofa or daybed when your child gets older.

Choosing cot mattresses that are the right size is important, as you want to make sure your baby is comfortable. The mattress should be supportive and firm, but also have a layer of softness to it.

Our SnuzKnot Skandi cot beds can be used for newborns up until they are ten years old - ideal for parents who want their furniture to last! The cots can easily be transformed by sliding out the sides and extending the bed base.

Moses Baskets

Moses baskets and bassinets are smaller than cribs, making them ideal pieces of nursery furniture for newborn babies.

A Moses basket is a great option for parents who are always on the move, thanks to its lightweight and easy portability function. Many come with the option to purchase a Moses basket stand, so you can place the basket at a comfortable height next to your bed or in the baby's nursery.

Ideally, babies should only use a Moses basket up until 3-4 months of age, and no older than 6 months. After this, they can be moved to a crib or cot bed.

A SnuzBaskit is bigger, stronger, lighter and more breathable than a traditional Moses basket. A combination of style, comfort, quality and practicality, the SnuzBaskit has been expertly designed for you and your baby's needs.

Changing Units

A changing unit, or dresser changer, is a great piece of nursery furniture to have, as it provides a dedicated space for you to change your baby's nappy.

There are many different types and styles of changing units available, so you'll be able to find one that fits in perfectly with the rest of your nursery furniture. If you're short on space, you might want to consider a wall-mounted changing unit or a compact design.

Our SnuzFino Changing Units come with plenty of storage space for all of your baby's essentials, including nappies, wipes, and creams, while also proving to be a stylish and practical addition to any nursery.

It can even be converted into a standalone dresser when your child gets older!

2-piece Nursery Sets

A 2-piece nursery furniture set is a smart and cost-effective way to furnish your baby's nursery. Nursery sets usually include a matching crib or cot bed and changing unit, ensuring that your furniture coordinates perfectly.

If you're looking for a complete nursery solution, we have an impressive range of 2-piece furniture sets that have been expertly designed to create a stylish and coordinated nursery.

Our SnuzFino 2-piece sets include a SnuzFino Cot Bed and SnuzFino Changing Unit, both of which are made from high-quality materials and finished in a stunning selection of contemporary colours.

3-piece Nursery Sets

An even smarter and more cost-effective way to furnish your baby's nursery is with a 3-piece nursery furniture set. These sets usually include a crib or cot bed, changing unit, and wardrobe, providing you with everything you need to create a functional and stylish nursery.

Don't be put off by the slightly higher price tag of 3-piece baby furniture sets - you'll actually save money in the long run as you won't need to buy additional pieces of furniture to complete your nursery.

You'll also get more value for money as the individual pieces of nursery furniture are usually cheaper when bought as part of a set.

Our SnuzKnot Skandi 3-piece nursery furniture sets come complete with a SnuzKnot Cot Bed, SnuzKnot Changing Unit, and SnuzKnot Wardrobe.

The 2 pieces of nursery storage furniture and the cot bed are made with solid wood and finished in a beautiful selection of Skandi-inspired colours.

Choose Nursery Furniture With Storage - Trust Us!

As you start to plan and prepare for your baby's arrival, one thing you'll quickly realise is that babies come with a lot of stuff!

To help you stay organised and keep your baby's nursery tidy, we highly recommend choosing baby furniture that doubles as nursery storage furniture. A good changing unit/dresser changer will usually come with plenty of storage space for all of your baby's essentials.

Baby Centre UK say, "make sure baby wipes, nappy sacks and toiletries are within your reach but out of your baby's", and a changing table is an ideal place to store these items since they are within reach but away from your baby.

A nursery wardrobe will provide you with a place to store clothes, blankets, and towels. Many wardrobes come with drawers built into the bottom, providing you with even more storage space for clothes, accessories and any smaller items that you need to keep out of your baby's range.

If you're short on space, wall-mounted shelves are a great way to add extra places for storage to your nursery without taking up too much room.

You can get creative with how you arrange your choice of baby furniture, but ensuring you have enough storage is key to keeping the nursery tidy and organised.

At Snüz, our furniture is designed with both style and functionality in mind, so you can create a beautiful nursery that works for you and your family.

Top 5 Must-Have Nursery Accessories

As well as baby furniture, you'll want to make sure you have some essential nursery accessories to hand to help you care for your little one.

Nursery accessories can include everything from nappy changing essentials to nursery decoration and storage solutions. They really complete your nursery and can make your life as a parent that little bit easier.

To help you get started, we've put together a list of the top 5 must-have nursery accessories from the Snüz range:

  1. SnuzPod Crib Mattress - a breathable and supportive mattress to fit your baby's crib. Removable and washable for your convenience.
  2. Crib Mattress Protector - a super soft and absorbent mattress protector made from brushed cotton to keep your baby dry during the night.
  3. Changing Mat for Changing Units - a waterproof mat that fits the top of your changing units. Helps to keep furniture clean and your baby comfy during nappy and clothing changes.
  4. Snuz Baby Mobile - a stylish Skandi-inspired cot mobile designed to use with the SnuzPod and SnuzKnot. Encourage sweet dreams with the array of plush stars, clouds and moon.
  5. SnuzCloud Baby Sleep Aid - a stylish portable baby sleep aid made from super soft fabric. Helps to comfort your baby with 4 soothing sounds and 2 light options.

Assembling Nursery Furniture

One thing to bear in mind when shopping around for your nursery furniture is how easy it will be to assemble. If you're not particularly handy with tools, you'll want to choose furniture that doesn't require a lot of work to put together or look around for pre-assembled pieces.

If you decide to order your baby's bedroom furniture online, it will most likely come flat-packed and will require some assembly. However, this is usually fairly straightforward and only takes a short amount of time.

Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing you put your baby's furnishings together yourself!

Nursery furniture that can be flat-packed is also handy when it comes to moving houses or rearranging rooms, as you can easily take it apart and reassemble it in your new location.

If you have any questions about assembling your Snuz nursery furniture, feel free to contact our team of baby bedtime experts, who will be more than happy to help.

Nursery Furniture Safety Tips

Creating a super safe nursery environment for your baby is just as important as making it a comfortable and stylish space.

When putting together your baby's room, make sure to take these safety tips into consideration:

  1. Make sure any pictures, shelves, or other wall-mounted decorations in your nursery are securely fixed and out of your baby's reach.
  2. Don't hang anything heavy next to or overhead cribs or cot beds, as this could pose a serious safety risk if it were to fall. The Nationwide Children's Hospital says parents should "remove any hanging toys or mobiles when the baby is able to get up on all fours (usually around 5 months of age)", as these can be a strangulation hazard if the baby stands up in the crib and gets entangled.
  3. Keep the crib or cot bed away from windows and heaters to avoid any draughts or potential fire hazards. This will also help to ensure your baby's temperature is regulated while they sleep.
  4. Make sure all cords are neatly tucked away, so your baby doesn't pull them and cause any accidents.
  5. Remove any blankets, pillows, or toys from your baby's crib when they're sleeping to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  6. Check for any recalls on any nursery furniture or accessories you already have or are purchasing second-hand.
  7. Consider installing anti-slam devices on cabinets and drawers to prevent little fingers from getting trapped.

When you are putting together the nursery furniture, you should be following the intrusion manual at all times, no matter how confident you may be in your abilities.

If there are any missing elements or if something does not seem quite right, do not hesitate to reach out to the customer service line for the nursery furniture company in question.

Buy Nursery Furniture With Confidence With Snuz!

Planning for your baby's arrival is exciting and scary all at the same time. But with the right nursery furniture, you can set up a comfortable and stylish space for your little one that you'll both love spending time in.

Here at Snüz, we understand the importance of getting everything just right for your baby's nursery. Our nursery furniture selection is all made with safety and comfort in mind, so you can rest assured knowing your baby is in good hands. Plus, our team of experts are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about assembling or caring for your furniture.

With award-winning designs, style and quality in abundance, Snüz has all of the sleeping needs of your little one covered.



Faqs

The best place to position a cot in the nursery is away from any windows, heaters or electrical sockets. Ideally, the cot should be placed against a wall and near the door, so you can easily access your baby during the night.

When laying out your nursery furniture, always keep safety in mind first and foremost. Make sure cribs and cot beds are away from windows and heaters, and that any wall-mounted decorations are securely fixed and out of your baby's reach.

Make sure all the essential items you need to care for your baby are within good reach.

The best time to start setting up your baby's nursery is during the second trimester of your pregnancy. This will give you plenty of time to get everything ready before your baby's arrival.

The essential pieces of nursery furniture you should be purchasing include a crib or cot bed, changing table, dresser and wardrobe. You will also want to consider purchasing nursery accessories to help your baby sleep soundly, like a sleep aid and nightlight.

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