Monday, April 6, 2009

Comments for a good cause


Wow. I could NOT look at this thing every day. It’s even heart-shaped. Ahem.

Though it still might be a little early to begin registering or buying stuff, I’m one who likes to research, browse and mull over my options before making any kind of purchasing decisions. (This could be one reason why my best shopping buddy is my mom – perhaps the only one with enough patience and endurance!)

So, here’s the start to a whole series of baby gear questions. I have so many, I’ll break each topic into a separate blog post on a separate day. You won’t have a hard time believing that I am a first-timer through and through.

Hopefully, I’ll get some good volunteered information that will help someone else reading the blog, as well, instead of the less desired effect – causing those of you already tired of hearing about baby stuff from avoiding this site like the plague.

My first inquiries have to do with nursery furniture. The more browsing online I do, the more confused I become. Just take cribs for example. You’d think buying a baby bed would be a fairly simple task. You just pick out which color you want, right? Wrong! Oh so wrong.

Do I need a standard crib, a convertible crib or a mini-crib, whatever that is? What are some good things to look for/bad things to avoid in a crib?

I’m pretty sure I know what a bassinet is used for, but what’s up with cradles? Are they just cribs you can move from room to room?

I figure a changing table and a chest/dresser are both must-haves. Any advice on those?

Because I’m tight with moo-lah, my first inclination is to go for the least expensive, but maybe I’m wrong. Any recommendations on where to get furniture? Wal-Mart, Target, Babies R Us?

Comment away! And if nursery furniture is not exactly your area of expertise, don’t worry. We have several categories left to go.

Your efforts will not be in vain. Remember, you are commenting for a cause! My sweet baby will thank you on behalf of her clueless mom.

7 comments:

The Reeds said...

You need to buy the book "Baby Bargains." It is AWESOME! It rates all of the furniture, bedding, and lots of other stuff!
We bought Munire furniture, and we love it. The bed converts to a toddler bed and eventually the headboard for a double bed.

Tabitha Abele said...

Bethany,
First Congrats! Girls are great! Yes shopping for a new baby is overwhelming. However, I do have a few pointers. 1. Definitely get a convertible crib. It will last a lot longer. 2. To save money, I would get a dresser/changing table combo. It saves room and money! Also, most beds are fine from any store, just look up recalls before you go to buy. Hope this helps!

Debbie K. said...

Bethany,
Misty has purchased the convertible crib and dresser/changing table both for Jerryn Hayes & Kelley Michelle. I can't remember the exact product name or price, but she purchased both times at "Our New Baby" in Dothan as they have lay-a-away. Throw some hints to the grandparents-to-be!!!

Anonymous said...

Bet,
Your "best shopping buddy" is READY to go! I can't wait to browse! I know everything has changed since you and Benjamin were babies.
Momma

Anonymous said...

Bethany,

Some of the sweetest baby deals are found at Bass Pro Shops. Always consider versatility. Like, will the changing table be used as a weather proof turkey blind? Does the dresser have ample room to hold the Plano 375 multiple tackle system tackle box?
Will the diaper pale double for a Zebco Princess rod and real combo holder?
I think you catch my drift. I'm ready to go shopping!!!!!!!

Daddy

Heather said...

I love your dad's advice. That's hilarious.

Melissa said...

Haha! I like your dad's ideas, too!

I think the convertible crib and dresser/changing table combo are a great idea too.

But we got a hand-me-down plain-but-nice crib and changing table and use a large night stand for a dresser. They work great in our small space and cost us nothing.

With all our baby stuff, new is nice, but cheap is nicer. :) Truly, I've learned to be very content with the things God has graciously provided, even if they're not top-of-the-line or new.

Good luck on your quest for baby gear!