When you're planning for a new baby, do you keep your purchases restrained or do you go overboard? The latter might have been the case more often when the economy was in better shape. In the present, many are restrained with their purchasing, and this is the case for preparing for a new baby. Sticking to the basics is necessary, and this should be applied to purchasing baby furniture.

A nursery needs to have the basic pieces, and character to the room can be added through paint or wallpaper and wall art. When it comes to the basics, a crib is always a necessary piece of baby furniture. Because of recent crib recalls in 2009 and early 2010, however, going for a secondhand model isn't recommended; rather, a high-quality crib without a drop-side design is your best bet. For long term use, consider a convertible model that can be used as a toddler bed.

Aside from the crib, a nursery needs a few more basic pieces of baby furniture. A changing table is one of these and, much like convertible cribs, changing tables can have a two-in-one design with a dresser below for storing baby clothes. In addition, the room should have a lamp or other light source.

Other pieces of baby furniture are secondary to this ensemble. Once a child reaches toddler age, however, he or she will have more motor skills and will want to play with a variety of toys. The nursery should have enough area to accommodate a play space, which should include some floor area, a toy box, and an activity table.Irene Test