How to Choose Baby Furniture That’s Actually Worth It

First baby? Welcome to the wild world of nursery planning.

Suddenly you’re choosing between crib mattress heights, dresser hardware finishes, and whether or not a glider should swivel. It’s a lot—but you’re not alone.

At Galt Baby, we’ve been helping new parents design safe, beautiful nurseries for over 50 years. We only carry brands we trust with our own families—Romina Furniture, Natart Juvenile, Tulip Juvenile, and Monte Design—all known for their quality, safety, and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Here’s what to actually look for when shopping for baby furniture—and why it’s worth investing in quality pieces.

1. Safety First — Always

Babies are busy, curious little explorers. They pull up, grab everything, and eventually test furniture in ways no adult ever would. That’s why the basics just aren’t enough—you want furniture that goes above and beyond safety standards.

Here’s what to look for:

  • GREENGUARD Gold Certification: All of our core brands meet this gold standard, meaning your furniture has been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and supports cleaner indoor air.

  • Non-toxic finishes: No strong smells or sketchy chemicals—just water-based, low-VOC finishes that are baby-safe.

  • Anti-tip kits: Dressers and shelving units should always include anchoring hardware.

  • Soft-close drawers: Prevents pinched fingers (and noisy surprises during naptime).

  • Rounded corners and edges: Safer for when your baby starts walking, falling, and walking again.

2. Why Custom, Made-to-Order Furniture Is Worth the Wait

We know you’re excited to get everything set up. But here’s the truth: the best nursery furniture isn’t boxed up in a warehouse waiting to be delivered. It’s being built—just for you.

Brands like Romina, Natart, and Tulip handcraft every piece to order. That means:

  • Your furniture hasn’t been collecting dust or dings for months

  • It hasn’t been rushed through production

  • Every drawer, slat, and joint has been carefully inspected before it reaches you

Yes, custom furniture takes time—about 10 to 12 weeks—but it’s absolutely worth it. You’re getting a fresh, never-been-sat-on, made-for-you piece that’s safer, higher in quality, and more durable than anything mass-produced.

3. Solid Wood Makes a Big Difference

If your dresser’s made from particleboard, you’ll probably find out the hard way (usually when the bottom of the drawer falls out or a corner chips down the road).

That’s why all our core brands use solid hardwoods, sustainably sourced and beautifully finished.

Why solid wood is worth it:

  • It’s naturally more durable and structurally sound

  • It holds up better to everyday wear (and toddler tantrums)

  • It’s lower in toxins than synthetic materials

  • It just feels better—heavier, sturdier, and built to last

These are pieces you’ll want to hang onto, and maybe even pass down someday.

4. Look at the Construction (Because That’s What Lasts)

When you’re shopping for baby furniture, it’s easy to get caught up in color palettes and nursery inspo. But don’t forget to flip a drawer open or look underneath—because the real story is in the construction.

Here’s what to check:

  • Dovetail joints (especially on dressers): This classic joinery method holds drawers together better than glue or staples. It’s a hallmark of craftsmanship and built to handle years of use.

  • Full-extension, soft-close drawer glides: You should be able to open the drawer all the way without it tipping or sticking.

  • Solid drawer bottoms and back panels: Cheap furniture often has thin, stapled backs or drawer bases that bend. Not ideal.

  • Smooth sanding and finish: Run your hand along the edge—quality furniture won’t feel rough or splintery.

When in doubt, test it. Tug gently on drawer fronts. Sit in the glider. See how the crib feels when you shake it a bit (gently, of course). It should feel solid, not wobbly.

5. Convertible Cribs Are Your Nursery’s MVP

A good convertible crib is a nursery staple—and a smart long-term investment. These cribs are designed to grow with your child, transitioning from infant bed to toddler bed, daybed, and eventually a full-size bed.

What makes them great:

  • Long-term value from one piece

  • Timeless style that grows with your child

  • Fewer purchases as your child gets older

  • Coordinated furniture collections that make bedroom upgrades easy

Romina and Natart offer beautiful convertible crib collections made from solid wood, with matching dressers, nightstands, and more.

Pro tip: If you're planning ahead, consider purchasing the conversion kits at the same time. It guarantees a perfect match down the line.

6. How to Inspect Nursery Furniture In Store (Visit Us in Northbrook)

Seeing furniture in person can be a total game-changer—especially if you're new to nursery planning. At our Northbrook store, you can explore our most popular collections and get a real feel for quality craftsmanship.

Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

  • Open and close drawers: Feel the glide. Does it open smoothly? Does it close softly and fully?

  • Look underneath and inside: Solid drawer bottoms, clean joinery, and dovetail corners are all green flags.

  • Give the crib a gentle shake: It should feel sturdy, not wobbly or creaky.

  • Feel the finish: Smooth wood, no splinters or rough edges. Everything should feel baby-safe.

  • Sit in a glider: Is it supportive? Comfortable? Quiet? Imagine using it during a midnight feeding—and decide if it’s your perfect fit.

Our team is always on hand to answer questions, walk you through safety features, or explain the difference between a convertible crib and a traditional one (or anything else on your mind).

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