Sunday, May 31, 2009

Stocking Your Nursery: Infant Furniture to Infant Hangers

Filling the nursery with your baby furniture and all of the accessories can be an exciting task. Choosing a style that fits within your budget is the first step. Many new mothers find it best to register for many of the more expensive items, but you may want to go ahead and decorate long before your baby shower. Here are some types of furniture that you may be purchasing for your nursery. Learn what to consider about each piece and how to get your nursery baby ready.

The crib is usually the first thing that parents look at. Choosing the crib that you like will help you determine the style that you will use in the nursery. For this item in particular, it may be important to buy new. Safety standards change over time and you do not want to put your baby in a crib that could be hazardous.

Here are some basic tips for crib safety:

-Make sure that the mattress is tight fitting. You should have to squeeze the mattress in so that there is no space between the mattress and the crib.

-Crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Older cribs may not meet this standard and a baby’s head could get trapped between the bars.

-Older cribs or cribs that have been painted could have lead paint. Expect that your baby will probably chew on the bars or rails of the crib and you should make sure that no lead paint or paint that could chip has been used.

-Corner posts can pose a hanging hazard. There should be no corner posts that could snag a baby’s clothing. If the crib you choose is a four-poster or canopy, make sure that the posts are at least three feet higher than the crib rail. Do not use a canopy that has curtains or drapery hanging down the posts as a baby can become trapped, entangled or suffocated in the extra material.

Once you have a safe crib, you can add other furniture to the room. Armoires are popular for holding extra bedding and hanging clothing. Dressers and changing tables are also common additions. Make sure that you anchor these items to studs inside the walls so that you do not have to worry about them tipping over. Rocking chairs should also be free of pinch points and lead paint. Changing tables should have straps to secure the baby when they are in a high position.

Stock the closet with shelves up high for items that need to be kept out of baby’s reach. Medicines, thermometers, bottle warmers, radios and clocks with cords need to be kept out of reach. You can easily install a lock on a closet to keep baby out. Finish off the room with hooks for hanging diaper bags, decorations and infant hangers. Your nursery will be beautiful, safe and usable in no time.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of infant hangers. The right baby hangers really make the difference in kid's retail or home organization. For more information, please visit www.onlykidshangers.com.

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Baby Hangers and other Nursery Essentials

Getting your nursery ready for the arrival of your new baby is an exciting time. Whether you are nesting or planning ahead, being sure that you have everything can seem nearly impossible.

Registering for a baby shower is a great way to make sure that you have or get everything you need. Here are some categories for you to use so that you can go in with an idea of what you will be looking at.

Furniture for the nursery is a good place to start. Do not forget to get a rocking chair or glider rocker. Make it a comfortable one that can be washed if necessary. Buy a new crib, if possible, so that safety standards are current. Play yards are not always necessary, but make good, portable beds for travel. Some day cares will require them to be left at the day care for nap time, so it is possible that you will need two of them.

The next items that you will need on your list are car seats, carriers and swings. Almost everyone registers for an infant seat, but few people look beyond the newborn months. Your baby could be out of the infant seat in as little as three months. You may choose to register for a larger convertible car seat that can be used for infants and toddlers.

Strollers are another big item. Be careful if you choose a jogging stroller because they generally do not fit into the trunk of a car. Do not count on this to be your only stroller if you do not own a truck or SUV. Jogging strollers with a small, front, swivel wheel take up less room and will fit into most car trunks. Plus, the maneuverability is far superior to that of other joggers.

Bedding, clothing and blankets are next. You will need a lot of casual clothes and bedding that is not too plush. Diapers, wipes and rash ointment should be on your registry as well, because you will go through a lot of them, especially in the first few weeks.

Be sure to register for a pump and a nursing pillow if you plan on breastfeeding. Bottles are hard to register for, because you cannot predict what type of bottle your baby will take to. Many people register for one of each kind that they like and then purchase more of the ones that the baby does best with. Formula is the same way. You just cannot predict which kind will work best for your baby. Your pediatrician will give you recommendations and most likely samples of different types of formula to try.

Use the nursery closet as a storage area to keep things in order. Remember that diaper ointment, lotions, baby powder and baby oil all need to be kept out of reach. Using the closet will help you ensure that the baby cannot get to these potentially dangerous items. Use infant hangers to hang special clothing that you do not want snagged, stretched or wrinkled. Once you are registered and organized, you will be ready for the arrival of your new baby.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of infant hangers. The right baby hangers really make the difference in kid's retail or home organization. For more information, please visit www.onlykidshangers.com.

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Saturday, May 30, 2009

Baby Hangers and other Nursery Essentials

Getting your nursery ready for the arrival of your new baby is an exciting time. Whether you are nesting or planning ahead, being sure that you have everything can seem nearly impossible.

Registering for a baby shower is a great way to make sure that you have or get everything you need. Here are some categories for you to use so that you can go in with an idea of what you will be looking at.

Furniture for the nursery is a good place to start. Do not forget to get a rocking chair or glider rocker. Make it a comfortable one that can be washed if necessary. Buy a new crib, if possible, so that safety standards are current. Play yards are not always necessary, but make good, portable beds for travel. Some day cares will require them to be left at the day care for nap time, so it is possible that you will need two of them.

The next items that you will need on your list are car seats, carriers and swings. Almost everyone registers for an infant seat, but few people look beyond the newborn months. Your baby could be out of the infant seat in as little as three months. You may choose to register for a larger convertible car seat that can be used for infants and toddlers.

Strollers are another big item. Be careful if you choose a jogging stroller because they generally do not fit into the trunk of a car. Do not count on this to be your only stroller if you do not own a truck or SUV. Jogging strollers with a small, front, swivel wheel take up less room and will fit into most car trunks. Plus, the maneuverability is far superior to that of other joggers.

Bedding, clothing and blankets are next. You will need a lot of casual clothes and bedding that is not too plush. Diapers, wipes and rash ointment should be on your registry as well, because you will go through a lot of them, especially in the first few weeks.

Be sure to register for a pump and a nursing pillow if you plan on breastfeeding. Bottles are hard to register for, because you cannot predict what type of bottle your baby will take to. Many people register for one of each kind that they like and then purchase more of the ones that the baby does best with. Formula is the same way. You just cannot predict which kind will work best for your baby. Your pediatrician will give you recommendations and most likely samples of different types of formula to try.

Use the nursery closet as a storage area to keep things in order. Remember that diaper ointment, lotions, baby powder and baby oil all need to be kept out of reach. Using the closet will help you ensure that the baby cannot get to these potentially dangerous items. Use infant hangers to hang special clothing that you do not want snagged, stretched or wrinkled. Once you are registered and organized, you will be ready for the arrival of your new baby.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of infant hangers. The right baby hangers really make the difference in kid's retail or home organization. For more information, please visit www.onlykidshangers.com.

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Friday, May 22, 2009

Baby Hangers and other Nursery Essentials

Getting your nursery ready for the arrival of your new baby is an exciting time. Whether you are nesting or planning ahead, being sure that you have everything can seem nearly impossible.

Registering for a baby shower is a great way to make sure that you have or get everything you need. Here are some categories for you to use so that you can go in with an idea of what you will be looking at.

Furniture for the nursery is a good place to start. Do not forget to get a rocking chair or glider rocker. Make it a comfortable one that can be washed if necessary. Buy a new crib, if possible, so that safety standards are current. Play yards are not always necessary, but make good, portable beds for travel. Some day cares will require them to be left at the day care for nap time, so it is possible that you will need two of them.

The next items that you will need on your list are car seats, carriers and swings. Almost everyone registers for an infant seat, but few people look beyond the newborn months. Your baby could be out of the infant seat in as little as three months. You may choose to register for a larger convertible car seat that can be used for infants and toddlers.

Strollers are another big item. Be careful if you choose a jogging stroller because they generally do not fit into the trunk of a car. Do not count on this to be your only stroller if you do not own a truck or SUV. Jogging strollers with a small, front, swivel wheel take up less room and will fit into most car trunks. Plus, the maneuverability is far superior to that of other joggers.

Bedding, clothing and blankets are next. You will need a lot of casual clothes and bedding that is not too plush. Diapers, wipes and rash ointment should be on your registry as well, because you will go through a lot of them, especially in the first few weeks.

Be sure to register for a pump and a nursing pillow if you plan on breastfeeding. Bottles are hard to register for, because you cannot predict what type of bottle your baby will take to. Many people register for one of each kind that they like and then purchase more of the ones that the baby does best with. Formula is the same way. You just cannot predict which kind will work best for your baby. Your pediatrician will give you recommendations and most likely samples of different types of formula to try.

Use the nursery closet as a storage area to keep things in order. Remember that diaper ointment, lotions, baby powder and baby oil all need to be kept out of reach. Using the closet will help you ensure that the baby cannot get to these potentially dangerous items. Use infant hangers to hang special clothing that you do not want snagged, stretched or wrinkled. Once you are registered and organized, you will be ready for the arrival of your new baby.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of infant hangers. The right baby hangers really make the difference in kid's retail or home organization. For more information, please visit www.onlykidshangers.com.

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Sunday, May 10, 2009

Stocking Your Nursery: Infant Furniture to Infant Hangers

Filling the nursery with your baby furniture and all of the accessories can be an exciting task. Choosing a style that fits within your budget is the first step. Many new mothers find it best to register for many of the more expensive items, but you may want to go ahead and decorate long before your baby shower. Here are some types of furniture that you may be purchasing for your nursery. Learn what to consider about each piece and how to get your nursery baby ready.

The crib is usually the first thing that parents look at. Choosing the crib that you like will help you determine the style that you will use in the nursery. For this item in particular, it may be important to buy new. Safety standards change over time and you do not want to put your baby in a crib that could be hazardous.

Here are some basic tips for crib safety:

-Make sure that the mattress is tight fitting. You should have to squeeze the mattress in so that there is no space between the mattress and the crib.

-Crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Older cribs may not meet this standard and a baby’s head could get trapped between the bars.

-Older cribs or cribs that have been painted could have lead paint. Expect that your baby will probably chew on the bars or rails of the crib and you should make sure that no lead paint or paint that could chip has been used.

-Corner posts can pose a hanging hazard. There should be no corner posts that could snag a baby’s clothing. If the crib you choose is a four-poster or canopy, make sure that the posts are at least three feet higher than the crib rail. Do not use a canopy that has curtains or drapery hanging down the posts as a baby can become trapped, entangled or suffocated in the extra material.

Once you have a safe crib, you can add other furniture to the room. Armoires are popular for holding extra bedding and hanging clothing. Dressers and changing tables are also common additions. Make sure that you anchor these items to studs inside the walls so that you do not have to worry about them tipping over. Rocking chairs should also be free of pinch points and lead paint. Changing tables should have straps to secure the baby when they are in a high position.

Stock the closet with shelves up high for items that need to be kept out of baby’s reach. Medicines, thermometers, bottle warmers, radios and clocks with cords need to be kept out of reach. You can easily install a lock on a closet to keep baby out. Finish off the room with hooks for hanging diaper bags, decorations and infant hangers. Your nursery will be beautiful, safe and usable in no time.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of infant hangers. The right baby hangers really make the difference in kid's retail or home organization. For more information, please visit www.onlykidshangers.com.

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Thursday, April 09, 2009

The Time for Baby Hangers

Finding out that they are expecting a baby can be one of the happiest times in a couple’s lives. But, with the hustle and bustle of all of the doctor’s appointments and baby showers and making their home safe for the impending baby’s arrival—not to mention their daily routines—the soon-to-be parents can overlook a few things when preparing for the arrival of their child.

Many parents set aside a nursery—an entire room devoted to the baby. Children’s nurseries are often furnished with a crib, rocking chair, changing table and—if there is not a closet in the room—a separate wardrobe or armoire. There are a lot of details to consider when preparing a nursery, such as décor, bedding, storage, comfort and convenience. When gathering everything needed for the baby’s nursery, baby hangers are at times forgotten, missed among the shuffle of paint colors and stuff animals and other items fussed over when putting together a nursery.

New babies and even toddlers have clothes so small that separate baby hangers are necessary, because the clothes just won’t fit on clothes hangers sized for adults. While it would be possible to simply drape the baby’s clothes on adult-sized hangers, it is better for the clothes if they are hung on baby hangers. Some wardrobes or armoires intended for nurseries are scaled to fit children’s hangers, anyway. If parents-to-be make sure that they are well stocked with baby hangers, they can be sure that their baby’s clothes will be neat and organized—which is perhaps more than can be said for the state of the rest of their home in their first few months as parents.

As the baby gets older and becomes first a toddler and then a child, their nursery is often updated into a bedroom appropriate for a child rather than a baby. The crib is replaced with a bed, the changing table is removed and the décor may receive an update as well. The baby clothes are packed up and donated or set aside for the next baby—and some are perhaps saved for sentimental reasons. While baby hangers may be too small for some of the child’s clothes as they age, children’s hangers come in larger sizes and will continue to be useful for that child’s clothing for years.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of baby hangers. The right infant hangers really make the difference in kid's retail or home organization. For more information, please visit www.onlykidshangers.com.

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