The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Children's Furniture

What kid's furniture should I buy for my baby's nursery?

Preparing for the arrival of a baby, especially your first child, can be expensive. However, long-term planning can turn your children's furniture purchases into good investments. By buying the best-quality furniture, you ensure that the furniture can be used for more years, can be passed down to another child, and can be sold when you no longer need it. Items such as cribs that will be used by your baby for up to three years are among kid's furniture purchases that can be passed down and eventually sold. However, children's furniture such as dressers can stay with your children even into their teen years.

What factors should I consider for long-term furniture purchases such as dressers?

Nurseries can be small, and as your child gets older, he or she needs room to play, so using space wisely is a good plan. Furniture that can provide dual purposes saves space and money. Dressers that offer removable changers fit into this category. Because you will be using the changer even when your child gets older and more active, make sure that it fastens securely. A dresser is sturdier than a changing table and adds storage to your baby's room. The top drawer can be used for changing supplies. If you are short on closet space, some dressers have cupboard space where you can hang clothes.

Since your children could use the dresser into their teen years, pick a style and design that they will not outgrow and that won’t go out of style. Choose a dresser made with quality materials and quality construction. This will ensure that you make a good investment

What safety precautions should I consider with kid's furniture?

• Look for sturdy furniture that will not tip over, but anchor it to the wall anyway.
• Place furniture against the wall away from registers, windows and doors.
• For the changing area, look for a 2-inch guardrail on all four sides, a concave center, and a safety strap, but keep a hand on your child during the changing process. Supplies should be easily accessible for you but not your child.
• Buy furniture with American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) certification, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certification, Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) certification, or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification.

How do I know that I am getting eco-friendly and non-toxic furniture?

You can buy formaldehyde-free, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) furniture; solid, unfinished wood furniture; or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood and use non-toxic water-based paint, non-toxic latex paint, or milk paint.