Having a baby can be both fun and daunting so it's no wonder parents have a roller coaster ride of emotions all throughout the pregnancy process. Preparing for the arrival of a lovely new family member isn't easy in the least but it's definitely worth all the hassle. A child is a blessing and no amount of hard work will ever be too much when the welfare of a child is involved.

The most important thing to do after all the medical preparations for the birth are in place is to be sure that you have a home that will be just as welcoming to your child. A lot of parents don't realise just how unsafe their home is until the child actually comes along. It's better to be ready.

Start by child-proofing the entire house. Kids are naturally boisterous and they are bound to get into the nooks and crannies you didn't even know your house had. The usual things like sockets and sharp corners are very dangerous when you have a child in the house so you ought to find a way to child-proof these little details.

Next, it's time to take care of the nursery. This is your child's safe haven and should therefore be particularly well thought out. It has to be the perfect place that will give your child protection and comfort. It's very important to make sure that you have a clear plan for your nursery before you start working on it. Changes halfway through can be really costly.

Most parents start by thinking of a theme or a colour, but in reality it's more important to think of the layout. Don't be sentimental yet. Begin with a diagram of the room and think of how you want to use it. You'll have to include the usual children's furniture in the room, obviously, so think of how you want to set them up in the nursery. For example, where does the cot go? How about the changing station? 

You have to remember that the nursery isn't just for sleeping. You will have to prepare a play area, a changing area, and a sleeping area. This means you need riser up the layout before you can decide on anything else, hence the layout's importance. You can now pick the colours and the theme you want for the room, as you already a clearer idea how furnish it.

That said, you need to be picky in selecting your children's furniture. Kids are vulnerable so obviously you have to put their safety first. First of all, purchase your furniture only from reliable sellers. It doesn't mean you need luxury brands. Just go for brands that are known for their reliability and durability. Do a bit of research before making your decision.

Another thing to remember is to pick convertible furniture. Your child grows quickly. You might notice that you'll have to get new items in just a year or two. When you get convertible children's furniture, you'll be able to use it for much longer. A convertible cot, for example, can become a junior bed. You save money in the long run.

Be smart and practical in your children's furniture choices and have fun decorating the nursery!