When you have a new addition to your family, it brings many changes even before your bundle of joy arrives. One of the biggest projects your family will have in the months leading up to the event is preparing the baby’s room. For young mothers this is called nesting and is an important emotional process to prepare for the newborn.
For future fathers it’s about getting the job done and getting it done right. Furnishing the nursery is often a point of disagreement between young couples, if not at least something that brings them hours of additional stress. In some cases, the young couple is fortunate enough to receive antique baby furniture handed down over generations. For the rest of us we have to go out and search for something. But there are many of us who would prefer something of heirloom quality.
For anyone in this position, the most important question is “Will antique baby furniture work for us?” This can be answered by considering the needs of your family, the quality of the furniture and finding something that can meet that standard. While antique baby furniture is without a doubt stylish and functional, it is not the right choice for everyone. There is no “one size fits all” type of furniture. The most questionable item is the crib in most cases.
The crib can be the most dangerous place your baby ever goes. Your baby will be in this place for many hours unattended. When shopping for antique baby furniture, this is one area that you must pay special attention to. If you were to compute how much time to research time you need to spend on the crib, experts tell us to plan for at least sixty five percent. There is nothing more important than your child’s safety. And you would feel awful if bad planning put your child in danger.
The mattress can be the part that sends many antique cribs packing. Many old mattresses are lumpy and don’t breathe well. Using an antique mattress is dangerous because of the danger it presents of suffocation. Most health experts recommend replacing a mattress at least every 20 years and for children with allergies every ten years or less is the best way to go. If you can find a new mattress to fit your antique crib, then that would be the best course of action to take.
Finally, you must be sure the crib stands up to modern safety standards. Check to see if there is any danger of splintering in the wood, or any piece of wood that sticks out from the frame. Make sure that the slats aren’t too far apart and that none are cracked or broken. If you are sure of the quality and antique baby furniture fits your style, then you are one-step closer to completing your nursery.
However if you came up with any bumps or snags along the way don’t despair, you can still have antique baby furniture. There is always a place in either a decorative or light use for antique baby furniture. These items include dressers and changing tables. In all you do just remember if it isn’t quality, it doesn’t deserve to have a place in your home.
