When to Buy Nursery Furniture

Time Frame

• Nursery furniture should be purchased several months before a woman's due date, generally between her sixth and eighth months of pregnancy. Purchasing the furniture within this period allows ample time for preparation of the baby's room prior to his birth. If the baby arrives before the furniture is purchased, a bassinet or Moses basket can provide sufficient sleeping quarters for his first few weeks or months, according to Baby Center.

Cribs

• Cribs available in retail stores must first be tested for safety and quality standards and should have the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association certification. Also, slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inch apart, the mattress should be adjustable and fit snugly in the crib, and the overall crib should be very stable. Be aware that some drop-side cribs can pose entrapment and strangulation hazards and should be avoided, if possible, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP).

Other Furniture

• If opting to use a dresser instead of a traditional changing table, look for a short, fat dresser instead of a tall, thin one and secure a contoured changing pad to its top, according to Consumer Reports. Look for furniture pieces that provide plenty of storage space. Also, consider adding a rocking chair or glider to the nursery.