What kind of baby furniture do we actually need?

[coliebird]

Another vote for the Glider. It made the nighttime feedings so much easier and more comfortable. Now it's home for about 12 Care Bears LOL.

I also used the dresser for a changing table. I was able to attach the changing pad to the top. Now we added the hutch and it's a really nice piece of furniture. I'll be buying the same thing for this coming baby.

 

[tar heel]

We also used a changing table/dresser -- it has been in continuous use for 21+ years. The youngest child has always had it has his dresser. That -- child is now 11 and I don't think he has any idea that it used to be a changing table..

I don't know if they still make it, but Little Tikes used to make a tabletop changing center that worked wonderfully. By the time we got to the third child, the original pad/belt was long gone, and the Little Tikes thing was great.

We used a swing and a bassinet, but in the family room, not the baby's room.

 

[Chicago526]

My SIL has a dresser/changing table combo. She (and I, when I babysat) loved the table and now that both boys are out of diapers, it looks just like a dresser for a child's room.

A rocking chair or glider would be a good idea, and I've yet to meet a baby that doesn't like one of those swings.

 

[disykat]

I just got fairly inexpensive baby furniture - a crib and changing table - at Target. I got good use out of both for five years and then sold them at a neighborhood garage sale along with the high chair etc. I spent more money on dressers and they still have them.

I loved my changing table. I used it for pretty much every diaper change for two years. Then it held stuffed animals for about a year before going into use for another two years. It was definately well worth the money. Using it established a routine for diaper changes and kept the mess in one location. This is a whole different issue - but I hated it when people came to my home and changed their babies on my couch or floor. Yuck!

 

[disney funseeker]

I'm another one who used the dresser with the change table attachment on top.
It was a real back saver.
Thought it was expensive at the time but realized it was worth every cent.

Because the attachment is the same width & length of the dresser, it is much larger than your average change table only type furniture (at least ours was). Our girls could lie comfortably on it until they were out of diapers. I put a bath towel over the pad for softness and warmth. No need to buy special pad covers.

The dresser is being well used and will for a long time.

 

[EthansMom]

We purchased a dresser/changing table. I used it to change a diaper exactly once! We bought the water-resistant changing pads and have always changed our children on a bed or on the floor.

In fact, since DS was born 4 years ago, I've kept my changing supplies (changing pad, diapers, wipes, and ointment) in the livingroom.

Count me as another person who says that one dresser is enough.

Also, a baby swing and bouncy seat are invaluable.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I was also told a changing table wasn't worth it but was given one by a relative and I love it! My SIL is due to have a baby when my dd is 11 months and asked to "borrow" it. I told her only if I was done using it and she has to give it back when we have our 2nd child. It is wonderful for us.

I was also told a bassinet is not worth the money but was given one as a gift. I loved it even though dd only used it for 11 weeks. It gave me peace of mind having her beside my bed in her bassinet for a couple months. I don't know if I'll use it for my next one though. I don't think I'll be quite as paranoid as I am w/my first.

2 things I was told I had to have right away- a baby swing and a rocker. Dd HATED her swing until she was 3 months old! And the rocker basically just collects dust as she never really needed it to fall asleep or for any other reason.

One thing that was a lifesaver during the 1st 3 months was a bouncer. Don't know what I would have done without it!

Basically you will get lots of advice but it will mainly depend on you and your baby what works for both of you. Some things mentioned may be a godsend for you and others a waste of money. But then your next child (if you have another) may be the exact opposite!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

In DS's room we have a crib, bookcase, 5-drawer dresser, and a combo unit (changing table/dresser). I love the changing table. I find changing DS on the floor to be a back-breaker (plus we have a nosy cat - gross!) and I'd never change him where he sleeps (and like someone else said, changing the sheets in the crib is a pain). We have a contoured changing pad and two covers so if one is dirty, I'll use the other. I live in a ranch, so I don't need supplies in the living room - we just walk down the hall to his room to change.

 

[Rex Rules]

Oh, I loved the changing table. It was very handy. And I could keep all the changing things - diapers, wipes, etc right in that area.

I do love the new convertible cribs that make a toddler bed down the road. That is the greatest idea!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

We have a crib, dresser, and glider in her room, we didn't get a changing table. We figured we would get it at a later time, but our Graco Pac N play has a changing table on it and since that is on the living room we use that! the play pen part just holds her toys! So we never did buy a changing table and with DSs arrival we doubt we will.

Autumn LOVED her swing and her bouncy seat!! many a naps were taken in both haha!!

 

[Planogirl]

We had a changing table but it had many uses for us. It had drawers where I kept odds and ends that weren't clothes like wipes, diapers, lotions and so on. We also bathed the baby on it since we had little counter space in our bathrooms.

I also picked up a low cost but sturdy portable bassinet. This was a wonderful item particularly when the baby was colicky and I could keep him close at all times. It was also easy to take along when we traveled or visited people.

 

[leighe]

I definitely want a glider. I'm going to add a swing to my registry. I didn't know so many people used them!

This is all great advice! I'm dragging DH to go and look at some furniture this afternoon - he thinks we can let her sleep in one our our dresser drawers!