Furniture for first time parents

As we’re in the midst of decluttering, packing and sorting to move house, it’s struck me how our furniture needs change at different points in our life. I think with suddenly going back to having a baby in the house, after a 6 year break, I’ve really realised how our needs change. What was practical with three bigger kids, suddenly is less so now there is a baby in the picture {think sofa’s that aren’t wipe clean or anything white!}

Here are a few of my tips for first time parents in regards to furniture and interiors.

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Choose furniture that will grow with your child

When purchasing furniture for your first child’s nursery, think about buying pieces that will last. For example, choose a cot that turns into a toddler bed, rather than having to buy separate pieces. Some cot beds can also be used as a sofa once your child has outgrown the toddler bed.

Also, choosing good quality furniture means you can use it for subsequent children. We bought a set of nursery furniture when Lola was born, and it is still being used now – three more children on!

When you’re decorating the nursery, think long term

If you’re busy painting the nursery ready for you’re new arrival, it’s tempting to make the room perfect for a tiny baby – unfortunately that tiny baby very quickly grows into a toddler and a child with their own opinion on decor! We opt to paint the walls in a neutral colour {I’m a big fan of white walls, as they’re light and bright, and mean you can add pops of colour with soft furnishings}. There are a great variety of removable wall stickers available now, meaning it’s easy to switch them up as your baby grows into a toddler and then into a child. Quicker {and cheaper} than having to totally redecorate.

Think about how much space you have

If space is an issue, think carefully when before purchasing furniture. Rather than a separate changing unit, how about a cot-top changer? If you’re kitchen is a little small, opt for a highchair that can be folded up when you’re not using it.

Be practial

If you’re painting walls, choose a paint that is durable – being able to wash mucky finger prints off the wall without pulling your paint of is pretty much an essential with small people in the house!

Our homes grow and change at different points in our lives, Harvey’s have just launched a survey looking at how our furniture needs change through our journey, if you enter you could win a sofa and some spending money to update your living room!

post in collaboration with Harvey’s