Good Nursery Furniture – A Gift for your Bundle of Joy

Shopping for the child in the mother’s womb or a newly born baby is an experience to hold on to. The feeling of giving birth to life is unparalleled and the emotional bond shared by the child and its parents is beyond explanation. The first thought that runs across the minds of new parents is that of providing every comfort in the world to their bundle of joy. You wish your child were bestowed with all the worldly comforts that one can think of. Quality nursery furniture becomes the immediate necessity in your plans for the kid.

After you are done with giving attractive paint to the walls of the room decked up with baby themes like Disney characters or nature, it’s time for buying the right nursery furniture for your child. The first item on the top of your list is the crib. The styles of baby cribs have undergone sea changes from a simple crib to multi-functional and multi-featured cribs. The folding features enable the cribs to become rocking cribs to small bed to big bed.

A very small child requires lots of clothing, such as diapers and blankets that need frequent changing. Multi-storey bassinets, that form an indispensable part of nursery furniture, meet this requirement. A baby hammock is another vital equipment that pleasures your baby gently with rhythmic movements. Modern baby hammocks come with all the paraphernalia like frames, slings, and mattresses to keep your child cozy and comfortable.

The latest Amish furniture comes fully loaded with every multi-functional system. Amish made furniture provides the missing link in the modern nursery furniture. Your child needs the strength of Amish oak furniture to ensure that it can bear the load of your loved one. Moreover, the child will grow up appreciating the artistic work of Amish craftsmen that produce quality furniture articles by painstakingly working on every single piece.

Coming back to the most important nursery furniture article – the crib, make sure that it has no loose ends that could hurt the baby. Any protruded nooks in the crib mean a potential injurious situation for the child. The crib must be such that even an accidental fall is not possible. A crib with adjustable height enhances the safety of the child. The safety aspect of the crib is most vital to look out for. Always insist on the furniture that complies with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association guidelines.

The baby is your most prized possession and you’ll never want your child to accidentally lick some toxic paint on the furniture. Always insist on non-toxic paint finish on every furniture article accessible to the child. If the baby has not yet learnt to balance its own weight, use the strapped furniture articles. The chairs and tables for the kids usually come with straps that can protect the baby from accidental fall.

Here’s a list of common nursery furniture items that are an absolute must to pamper your child to the hilt – crib, bassinet, rocking chair, baby hammock, stroller, perambulator, high chair, baby swing, baby carrier…Cannot stop because you want everything for your bundle of joy!

The author has been using Amish handcrafted furniture for her home and office. Wholesale Amish furniture is made with premium quality hardwood. You can see some wonderful Amish furniture here.

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Everything You Need To Know About Baby Swings

Baby swings have been life-savers for many parents who could not get their children to fall asleep except for the soothing back-and-forth movement provided by the swing. There are lots of variations on the baby swing concept, from simple swings that the parent pushes back and forth, to swings that can be cranked, and even electric swings.

Basics of Baby Swings

No matter how you swing it, the basic idea is the same for all baby swings. A small chair is held up by rods that connect it to the top of the baby swing. The entire apparatus is usually not more than a few feet tall, and is typically meant to be kept indoors. Unlike the outdoor swings you remember from childhood, these swings have a deliberately slow movement, and cannot move very far out.

Safety Concerns for Baby Swings

Baby swings are safe for babies nine months old or younger who weigh less than 25 pounds. Even newborns can benefit from a baby swing.

Unfortunately, in the US there are few safety standards for baby swings. Every year, about 1,000 babies in the US are taken to the emergency room for injuries received while using the baby’s swing. While this number is not huge, it is cause to be careful. In particular, you should never buy baby swings that have a carrier bed attachment that allows the baby to lie down in the swing. The child can slide to the edge of the carrier and suffocate.

With regular baby swings, the biggest danger is to the baby’s head. The baby’s head can get caught between the edge of the backrest and the bars used to hold the swing up. Another danger is that the child can fall out, especially if the back of the seat collapses. Of course, this is only a danger as long as no one is there to watch the child and put his or her head back where it should be.

That’s why it is especially important for parents to stay with any children who are in a baby swing, and not to leave them alone for a second. Baby swings are not mechanical babysitters. Children are not necessarily safer in them than they would be if left alone on the floor.

Even more so than with other devices for babies, you need to be extra careful to make sure baby swings are assembled correctly and are sturdy. Each time your baby is using the swing, you should take the opportunity to check that all the screws and other fasteners are tight, that the unit is well-balanced, and that the unit is generally in good shape.

When using baby swings, parents should be extra careful to make sure the baby’s head stays upright. With newborns, you may want to roll up a towel to use as a headrest.

Make sure that children in baby swings are securely buckled in with both a seat belt and a crotch strap. Some of the older swings don’t have the crotch strap; don’t use these swings or your baby might slide out or even be strangled.

Still, despite the safety concerns, you just might find yourself one restless night thanking whoever invented baby swings and the sleep they provide.

For lots of helpful information on baby books and other baby related topics, visit Nr1 Baby Products at http://www.nr1-baby-products.com

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Consumer Reports: Baby Swings

Designed for indoor use, baby swings typically consist of a seat suspended by a pair of arms attached to a frame with wide-standing, tubular-metal legs. Swings come in windup and battery-operated models. To make a windup model swing, you crank a handle at the top or side of the frame, which provides 20 to 30 minutes of movement. Battery-operated swings are driven by a motor that generally uses four D batteries. Such models emit a low churning noise with each passage of the swing. Most of the swings on the market today are battery-operated.
With either a windup or battery-powered mechanism, swings are lightweight and can be easily moved from room to room, although some are more maneuverable than others. Standard-size swings eat up a fair amount of room, so they may not be for you if floor space is scarce.

Some parents of colicky babies swear by swings. Other parents say they get by just fine without one. You may find that a swing comes in handy if your baby needs to sleep in a semi-upright position due to a cold or stuffy nose (although a bouncer seat may do the trick as well).

SHOPPING SECRETS

Decide whether you want a windup or battery-operated swing. A windup model may be perfectly adequate as long as it's stable and has a well-padded, reclining seat that affords easy access. Battery-operated models usually have a sleeker design plus more features, such as speed controls, baby-sound activation, and toys attached to a front play tray. However, many parents find the motors noisy. If possible, try display models in the store (with batteries) or double-check the store's return policy. Then, test the swing as soon as you get home so you'll have the option of taking it back within the time allowed.
Try your baby out in a friend's swing or bring baby to the store with you for test runs when you're shopping. Keep in mind that your baby may not like the motion of a swing at first, although that could change after a few tries. Your baby's reactions may help you decide on one brand over another, or whether you're even a candidate for a swing in the first place.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The major brands of baby swings are, in alphabetical order: Fisher-Price, Graco, J. Mason, and Kolcraft. Prices for windup swings range from $40 to $65. The price range for battery-operated swings is $70 to $100.

TO CONSIDER

Crotch post. A built-in crotch post prevents a baby from sliding out of the seat--an extra safety measure. There should also be a safety belt, which most models have.

Frames. Swings without a top crossbar make it easier to put your baby in and take him or her out again. At the very least, look for a swing that has a wide, sturdy stance and folds or dismantles for storage.

Seat cover. Look for plush padding that's machine-washable.

Seat settings. Multiple reclining positions can help you find the most soothing posture for your baby, which is especially important if baby likes to nap while swinging (a common combo).

Speeds. Some battery-operated swings give you up to eight speeds, but more than four is overkill. The faster speeds may annoy rather than relax your baby.

Swinging motion. Some swings have two swinging motions: side to side and front to back. That's nice but not essential.

Timer. Some models feature a time-remaining indicator that can help you keep tabs on the action.

Toys. Many swings come equipped with toy bars or trays, which is an option your baby may enjoy. But make sure they're within reach so your baby can actually touch them. Also check that they're safely attached and have no small parts that might cause choking.

Nice but not necessary extras include a front tray, with or without attached toys; sound (classical music and lullabies), which may or may not be soothing to little ones and grown-ups; a light display; storage baskets on the side to hold toys and accessories; and a remote control to activate the swinging action, music, or both. Some swings try to sense when baby needs comforting and respond automatically. A built-in sound sensor "hears" baby's sounds and responds by swinging and/or playing music.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Look for a swing that has a sturdy, stable frame with strong posts and legs as well as a wide stance to prevent tipping. The bottom of the legs or frame should not protrude so far that you're likely to trip over them, however. Examine the seat. It should be well padded and have a crotch post (if it's not a travel version) to prevent your baby from sliding out. It should also offer a partially reclined position for snoozing. You'll also want a secure safety belt.

If you buy a model with a cradle or bassinet attachment, make sure it's well mounted underneath, with no potential for breaking loose. If you opt for a battery-operated swing, come equipped with four C or D cell batteries to test products in the store and hear the sound of the motor (a deal-killer for many parents). As a rule, swings don't come with batteries included.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit http://www.ConsumerReports.org
Find More Baby Swings with Easy Deal at ShopNdeal.com
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Your Little Gourmet: Baby's Fifth Month Guide

Baby smiled her real smiles at you and you were so charmed, you decided nothing could be better. But baby has more in store for you in her fifth month. Endless entertainment coupled with increasing interest in her surroundings makes your five month-old baby an ideal playmate.
Squeals and smiles
You will be amazed by the repertoire of sounds your baby can produce now. She is always eager to communicate with you with her smiles, and squeals of delight. Laugh and your baby laughs with you. Baby babble is almost at its peak now.
In baby's fifth month, she can sit with support and haul herself up a little bit when she is laid on her tummy. She can pay attention to tiny objects, but it is wise to keep such objects well out of your curious baby's reach.
More sleep, yet less rest for you
Your five month-old baby sleeps for longer stretches at night, which means your under-eye circles might soon go away. But when he is awake, he loves your company and wants all your attention. His daytime naps continue and give you a few short breaks to get that pile of laundry done.
Are you ready for real food?
Probably. Once your baby's tongue thrust reflex has disappeared and she seems interested in what you are eating, you might want to premiere with solids. Start feeding baby when he neither has a full tummy nor a ravenous appetite. The trick is to know when to begin, and more important when to stop. When she looks disinterested and turns her head away, it is time to abandon project cereal until the next meal.
In baby's fifth month, she will be open to the idea of trying out a cup. Pour a few drops into her mouth. Most of it will probably be spilt, but the earlier you start a cup, the fewer the spills later in childhood. A sippy cup has its own advantages, but it might be tough to wean an older child from a sippy.
Unfortunately, along with your dimples and your lovely golden hair, your baby also inherits some of your food allergies. Wheat, cow's milk, soy, peanuts and fish are common culprits.
Feeding your five month-old baby is one of the messiest tasks you will ever perform. The baby-on-your-lap method is by far the most logistically tricky. An infant seat can double as a feeding chair. Make sure you strap baby in and never leave baby unsupervised in an infant seat even for a moment.
Get some exercise
Most mobile walkers and jumpers are unsafe and some have even been banned. A safer option would be an exersaucer or a stationary walker. A baby swing can work miracles as it calms your baby while you are occupied. But too much use of the baby swing can impair his practice of motor functions such as walking, crawling and cruising.
Health is wealth
In baby's fifth month, a medical examination is generally not scheduled unless you have specific health concerns or questions. Read all about environmental hazards that can affect your baby both at home and outdoors. Try to minimize your baby's exposure to environmental hazards by adequately childproofing your home, monitoring baby all the time and following safety measures.
Parenting is a demanding job and there are no job regulations or specifications. Keep yourself informed so that you know what is best for your baby.
About The Author
Michelle Higgins
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