Five Baby Nursery Furniture Essentials

After all the ups and downs of birthing, feeding, changing, dressing and generally pampering four precious babies, I think I can safely say that I know what works, and what doesn't, in terms of organizing your baby nursery on a budget.

There are many baby nursery furniture options available on the market today. Most are not necessary, however. In my opinion, you only really need five items of furniture for your baby nursery. (If you do not have a closet in your baby nursery, you may need to add an armoire to the list.)

Somewhere to sleep - A baby crib.

You have many choices here, from a straight forward standard baby crib to a luxurious round or fantasy carriage crib. If you have a few dollars to spare, convertible baby cribs are great value for money.

No matter which baby crib you decide upon, remember to take baby crib safety into account. Current baby crib safety guidelines are far more stringent than in the past. For this reason, the use of a second hand baby crib is not recommended.

Somewhere to change, dress and mess with baby - A baby changing table.

Some people will tell you to go without this item and to change your baby in the crib. If you have chosen a baby crib with a drop down side rail this is entirely possible to do. However, you'll probably end up with backache.

If you do decide to purchase a baby changing table, you have a choice between the open front changing table with storage baskets, which are very pretty, or a dresser-changing table combo.

The dresser is a much more practical option, both in terms of crawling babies and nursery storage. Try to find one with four drawers or more, or three drawers plus a side cupboard. (Watch the height of the table though. Waist height is best for comfortable changing.)

All baby changing tables should have a safety rail and safety straps attached. Use these EVERY time you change your baby.

Somewhere for all the used baby outfits - A baby hamper.

Essential for keeping track of all those little baby clothes. Keeping them separate is a real time-saver if you do not wash the rest of your family laundry in the mild detergent recommended for babies.

If floor space is a concern, a laundry bag hung on the back of the nursery door works too.

Somewhere to keep feeding supplies and a lamp - A nightstand or table.

The nursery lamp and nightlight stand here, close to the feeding chair. A nightstand is better, because it has drawers for baby's feeding items.

The night time hours are so much easier if you are comfortable and have everything you need, organized and close to hand.

Somewhere to sit and feed baby - A nursery rocking chair or glider.

An absolute must for all those early morning nursing sessions. Money cannot buy the hours and hours of bonding time you will have here with your little one.

Make sure you try the rocker or glider before you buy it. You will regret a quick buy when you are sitting in the baby nursery at three in the morning and the chair is giving you a sore back.