The anatomy of a nursery

Can’t recall the right expression when talking to a contractor? Do not worry – help is at hand. This list of useful terms will sort you out when liasing with your contractor.

Bouncer seat

A lightweight chair that reacts to your child’s movements with a spring-like up and down motion. Equipped with straps, newer models even come with an MP3 player dock that sing your favourite rhymes

Casters

Instead of dragging the crib from one room to another, opt for one with wheels. You won’t regret the mobility

Changing station

A levelled table top with drawers. Lay your tot on the platform for a hassle free diaper change with wipes, powder and other supplies at hand’s reach

Changing table

Can’t find a comfortable spot to change soiled nappies? This desk is especially designed to aid you during the process

Clip lamp

This light, which comes with a clamp on one end, can be attached anywhere and can come in handy when banishing those scary monsters from under the bed

Convertible crib

An ingenious piece, it actually grows with your baby! It transitions from a cradle to a bed with a few simple adjustments and if maintained properly, can be used until five years or more

Corner cushions

Attached at the edges of sharp furniture like tables and shelves. Baby proof your home with these soft but sturdy clamps. This anticipatory safety measure is a must-have

Co-sleeper

Clip this tiny cot to your bed and have your wee one right beside. Aimed to offer a greater sense of security, they come with adjustable leg extensions

Crib bumper

Avoid accidental bruises with this set of soft pads tied to the inside of a crib. Running the rail’s length of each side, it’s usually eight to 10 inches in height

Crib conversion kit

A contraption that changes and evolves as your little infant grows up to a toddler

Crib mobile

Also known as a musical mobile, it typically hangs over the crib and comes with suspended tiny toys or patterns, even music to entertain your tot

Decals

Wall transfers made of vinyl, cloth or paper can easily turn your child’s dull room into a fun space. Easy to apply and remove

Diaper disposal system

These gadgets minimise the smell of “the dreaded things” and only need emptying when it’s full

Diaper pail

Trash can for disposing nappies. Dump used ones in this to keep your nursery clean and odour free

Glider

A type of rocking chair that has flat base with tracks for forward and backward movement. As it sits on a horizontal plane, it’s a marginally safer bet for those curious fingers and toes

Growth charts

Affix one of these to a wall and measure the rate at which your teeny bundle of joy is becoming bigger. Comes as a sticker or as a long ruler

High chair

A tall seat that enables your toddler to reach the dining table’s height. After all, a family that eats together, stays together

Hutch

Borrowed from American English, it refers to a piece of furniture that rests on a cabinet or dresser to provide additional room for supplies. Never misplace essentials like medicines again

Infant capsule

A detachable variant of a car seat, it allows you to carry your offspring when stepping out of the vehicle without disturbing their slumber

Layette

The cutest wardrobe you will ever pick – a complete set of clothes, sheets, bed covers and other tiny accessories for your newborn cherub

Leveller

A long pillow-like cushion that rests on the vehicle seat to make it even, ensuring a safe commute for your bundle of joy

Mini crib

This portable bassinet provides all the ease your child needs when you are travelling or making a quick stop at the grocery store

Moses basket

A kind of bassinet, this wicker carrycot has handles for portability. It’s not only safe and versatile but also countlessly cute. Looks like your prayers have been answered…

Nightlight

Always end up stumbling into things during those midnight feeding sessions? Get a small illuminator with dull radiance to watch your step and keep your lil’ infant from getting overwhelmed with the dark

Nursing chair

Placed in either the kid’s room or the parents’ bedroom, it has comfortable seating and is specially designed for breast feeding mothers

Open organisers

A storage piece, it has multiple containers for assembling your wee one’s belongings and personal items.  A well arranged one can make your life infinitely better

Play yard

An area dedicated for tots to have fun with their dolls, cars and building blocks. Leave behind worries of picking them up after they are done

Paper pom-poms

To up the adorable quotient, try your hands at colourful and fluffy balls that resemble a dainty dahlia. Made of tissue, these decoratives appear to float in the air and impart cheer to a corner

Shelf apron

An edging that runs around tables and shelves and prevents items from rolling off and breaking. Use it as a measure of baby proofing your abode

Soother

An advanced version of a mobile, it lulls your babe to dreamland by creating a calm, mild atmosphere with music and light. Sometimes, a cuddle toy also serves the function

Task light

Want to highlight a specific area of your kids’ room?  Give these nifty illuminators a chance to shine bright

Trundle

Sliding out from under a bed to form an additional sleeping space, it makes for a safer option than bunkers and can double up as storage area too

Wipe warmer

This device heats the wiping cloth so that your infant doesn’t get a cold shock when getting cleaned. Ideal for use during the winters and in cold places

Local Lingo

Bal kaksh

Means nursery

Jhula

Simply, swing

Khatola

Small cot

Khel bada

Playpen

Palna

Refers to a cradle

Phatak

A small gate installed at a doorway to keep kids from running out of the room

Also read: The anatomy of surfaces