Foundations Safe Rocker Glider: $449.99 $399.99

Foundations’ SafeRocker Glider features a fully enclosed tip-resistant base that prevents your curious little ones from accessing the gliding mechanism.  An extra-wide seat and extra-thick high-density foam cushions keep you comfortable while you rock babies to sleep.  Side pockets in the arm cushions let you store supplies close at hand.  Removable fabric cushions are easy to clean.  Sturdy hardwood is sure to withstand heavy use for years.  Meets strict California 117 fire standards.

Foundations Lullaby Glider Rocker: $229.94 $179.99

The Foundations Lullaby Glider Rocker features a spring-reinforced seat that offers a smooth, quiet glide.  Durable hardwood and a tip-resistant base make this a safe, sturdy choice.  The extra-wide seat and extra-thick high-density foam cushions keep you comfortable while you rock babies to sleep.  Deep pockets in the side panels let you store supplies close at hand.  Remove the fabric seat cover and side panels for easy cleaning.  Meets strict California 117 fire standards.

Rock on!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more adult rocking chairs.

KidKraft Dollhouse Bookcase Flip Top $159.95 $87.72 on sale - ToyTownDreams.com is featured on Smarter.com with an even lower price of $74.99

Kidkraft’s Flip Top Dollhouse Bookcase is not just adorable, it can hold a ton of books and other knick knacks.  Little girls can play with their dolls in it, so it’s like a cool toy and a bookshelf in one!

KidKraft Puzzle Book Shelf: $129.95 $77.39

This one is so fun and is unisex.  I love the bright colors.  The bookcase is “virtually untippable” and made from hardwood.  The paint is lead free and non-toxic.

Guidecraft Safari Collection Book Display: $79.95 $52.92

I love this one because it displays the book covers, so it entices kids to read.  The shelves are canvas, so you can throw then in the washer.   The safari theme is really cute!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more kids’ bookshelves and baby shelving.

Deborah Lin-Dyken, pediatric sleep disorders expert says:

“There’s no set time when you have to replace your child’s crib with a regular or toddler bed, although most children make the switch sometime between ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2.  It’s best to wait until your child is closer to 3, since many little ones just aren’t ready to make the transition.  Of course, you’ll need to move your toddler to a bed when he’s simply too big or too active to sleep in a crib anymore.  And once he’s potty-trained, he’ll need to be able to get out of bed to use the toilet.  Another reason parents make the switch to a bed is the impending arrival of another baby.  If this is your situation, make the switch at least six to eight weeks before you’re due.  You want your toddler well settled in his new bed before he sees the baby taking over “his” crib.”

Here are five fun and functional toddler beds:

Kidkraft Princess Toddler Bed: $104.23

Is this not the most precious bed ever?  Perfect for little princesses!  It is low to the ground so toddlers can easily get in and out.  A standard crib mattress fits the bed and bed rails help to keep them from rolling out.  Gold crowns and decorative painting make it something special!

DaVinci Sleigh Toddler Bed: $129.00

Classically styled, this bed comes in several colors including hard to find black.  The sturdy frame is made from New Zealand Radiata Pine and fits a standard crib mattress.

KidKraft Firefighter Bed: $109.95

KidKraft’s Firefighter series will make any boy or girl feel like a little hero!  The Fire Truck bed is brightly colored and has cool ladder cut-outs that also work as bed rails.  A special storage compartment is great for keeping a special bedtime story close at hand.  The silkscreened fire truck details really stand out.  Fits a standard size crib mattress.

Little Tikes Lightning McQueen Roadster Toddler Bed: $196.00

This is the toddler version of the hugely popular twin sized model!  Great for little fans of the movie!  The bed accepts a standard crib mattress.  Beds like this one make it easy to create a theme room for your toddler!

Kidkraft Nantucket Bed: $80.00

Low to the ground for safety, this bed is simple and fresh looking.  It fits a regular crib mattress and is solidly build from MDF and has a non-toxic finish.  It’s very attractive, even down to the affordable price!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable toddler beds.
Discounts on Da Vinci kids’ beds and KidKraft kids’ beds.

Safety First!

All new baby cribs available today will meet minimum government standards regardless of price.  A safe crib should have tight-fitting mattress with almost no space between the mattress and the frame.  Carefully check that the crib has no cracked or broken slats.  Make sure all the hardware is included.

Antique or used cribs are desirable to many, but you must make sure that slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart (approximately the width of a soda can) and corner posts should not be higher than 1/16″.  Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts on the headboard or footboard.

Convertible crib?

Convertible cribs that turn into toddler beds are very popular and seem like a great bargain but consider whether or not you will have more children—you may end up having to buy a toddler bed so a sibling can use the crib.  Also, most cribs require the purchase of a special kit to be convertible which adds to the cost.

Drop sides?

Cribs are available with single side drop or double-drop sides that slide down.  Recent safety concerns have caused Toys R Us to begin phasing out the sale of drop side cribs.  Another option is a drop-gate crib with a fold-down side.   The safest choice would be to stick with a crib with fixed sides.  If you do end up with a drop side crib, make sure that it’s easy to lower the side while you’re holding baby.  The knee push lowering method is the easiest.  Make sure that the sides do not lower so much that baby can climb out.

Adjustable Mattress:

Adjustable crib mattress height is important so that you can easily put a sleeping newborn to bed at the highest setting and lower when the baby is older and mobile.  Look for a crib with at least two or three mattress heights is nice.  How is the mattress supported?  Avoid vinyl straps that could wear out.  Look for metal bars or a metal spring system to support the mattress.

One thing that many parents overlook is whether or not the crib can be wheeled around the room.  Look for sturdy casters when you’re shopping for a crib.  They make vacuuming MUCH easier!

Now that we’ve talked about the important stuff, let’s talk about the fun part: style!  Do you want a big fancy cherry wood crib?  How about something sleek and modern?  With possibilities are endless!  I recommend that you choose something fairly simple that will blend with whatever décor you choose for baby’s room.  My daughter’s crib has simple lines and is black and it looks great in her pink room.

Here are some great cribs:

The Da Vinci Kalani 3-1 Crib: $307.64

The sides do not move, ensuring stability and safety.

The Oeuf Sparrow Crib ($690) meets or exceeds all safety standards and has a sleek modern design.

The Dream On Me Contemporary Crib ($114.75) is proof that you can get everything you’re looking for in a crib and stay within budget.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable baby cribs.

Kids’ Race Track Table and Chair Set: $199.99 Now: $119.99

Not only does it serve as an area for kids to color, draw and do other activities, but it is also an entertaining place for them to race around their cars.

Little boys and girls always seem to be intrigued by cars and other vehicles. I have never met a child who does not pause in amazement as they hear a car speed by, or see a motorcycle zoom across the road.  After the movie Cars came out, my little godson became obsessed with cars. I know he would absolutely love this fun and clever table set.  Children can use their imagination as they race their cars round the wooden tabletop speedway, then zoom them down the yellow spiral track down the middle of the table.  I can even imagine children moving their cars threw the tunnel-looking legs of the table and chairs.   In the center of the table is a convenient storage area in which your little driver can park his or her favorite vehicles.  This set is easy to clean, and is suitable for children ages 2-6.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more baby kids’ furniture sets.

I feel it’s always best to furnish and decorate baby and kids’ rooms with furniture and decor that will help inspire creativity.  Like this set of fun safari themed table and chairs.  Kids can sit among their friends and favorite animals while playing with their toys, eating nutritious meals or coloring.

Safari Table and Animal Chairs: $249.99 Now: $219.95

If you want to stick with the safari theme, here is an cute bean bag set….

Animal Bean Bag Toss - Lowest price on Smarter.com: $45.85

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more kids’ tables and kids’ chairs.
Discounts on bean bag toss games.
Buy safari nursery decor.

Add this to your list of New Year’s resolutions: Get organized!  That includes the nursery.  Help encourage your children to keep a tidy and organized nursery with these rolling canvas bins from Pottery Barn Kids.  The rolling trays are sold separately, but if you don’t feel like spending the extra cash, I think the bins alone will still look great in the nursery and will still help make some much needed extra space.

Rolling Low Tray Storage: $29 Now: $19.99 for the tray/ $44 for the bins

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more nursery storage.

The Cube Collection - 8” Cube Bookcase - Save $150!

You can create whatever type of shape you want by arranging the pieces around.  I think this arrangement is super cute because your child has a little area to sit and read.  It’s the two bookcases in white, plus a Media Base (on sale for $149.00 - was $289.00) in the middle.

The Cube Collection  - Media Base:  Save $140!

Shop for more baby furniture.
Buy baby bookcases and shelves.

I love when I can present you all with deals that will save you…over $100!  Every child should have a sturdy and safe bed.  This toddler bed comes in pretty much every wood finish you can possibly want:  cherry, natural, oak, espresso, black, cognac and antique white.  The removable wooden rails are perfect for toddlers who aren’t super secure just yet without some kind of support.

Today’s Tot Austin Toddler Bed: $199.99 Now: $99.99

Use this coupon code TODDLER at BabyAge.com to get free shipping on this toddler bed! (Save $7.95 on flat rate shipping)

Shop for more toddler beds at Smarter.com.

Simplicity’s Drop Side Cribs

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should return the recalled crib to the place of purchase for a refund or store credit. SFCA Inc., of Reading, Pa. is working with retailers to carry out this recall program.”

Click here to read the full press release.