When selecting a crib there are several factors to consider. First, should you choose a natural finish or a painted one? Many new parents are faced with this tough decision and usually decide on styles that fit in with other furnishings in their house and are within their budget. Some parents have heirloom cribs handed down from their parents or other family members. Whatever the case, be sure to inspect the crib for durability and safety. Particularly on antique furniture, you will want to ensure that the construction is solid and any openings, such as slats or decorative carvings do not pose a hazard to the infant.

More traditional cribs are designed to be used until the child is 1-2 years of age and then are to be replaced with a toddler’s bed. More innovative models convert from a crib into a larger bed when your child is old enough and then into a twin-sized bed when entering late childhood. Many parents also choose to have a smaller crib, or bassinet in their room during the time right after the mother and child have come home from the hospital. This furniture usually remains in place only a short while, but some mother's, particularly those who are breastfeeding, find an in room crib to be extremely convenient at feeding times.

The changing table and dresser you select should compliment the crib you select and many furniture manufacturers design entire suites of furniture to coordinate. Many places where you may have purchased furniture for your own home have branched out into children's furniture. Pottery Barn and The Bombay Company both have children’s furniture lines. The styles compliment their full-sized adult furnishings and are reasonably priced. Depending on your budget, you may choose to decorate and paint your nursery yourself or have a professional decorator lend a hand to make the room extra-special. Painting a mural in lively colors on one wall of the nursery is just one simple idea. It allows you to express yourself artistically and choose a theme that may not be widely available commercially.

Keep in mind that as your child grows, their likes and dislikes begin to dictate how you redecorate the nursery into a child’s room and then a teen’s room. Choosing furniture and decorations that cover many age ranges is a great way to save time and money in the long run.