| Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is one of the | | | | operations continually entering and leaving this market, I |
| most exciting times of your life. There is so much to | | | | have found the quality of their merchandise, relative to |
| do - some things fun and exciting; some not. Most new | | | | the price, to be unacceptable. It is just impossible for |
| moms find the process of decorating the nursery to | | | | them to match the enormous economies of scale |
| be one of their most enjoyable tasks. The variety of | | | | enjoyed by the major manufacturers. These |
| options available can also make it a little overwhelming. | | | | economies enable the major manufacturers to |
| I suggest focusing on just one or two fundamental | | | | incorporate very creative features into their collections |
| nursery decorating themes to quickly make the | | | | at a fraction of the cost of smaller start-up operations. |
| process more manageable. | | | | And their collections are normally around for years, |
| The jungle safari theme has been one of the most | | | | making it very simple to replace items in the future if |
| popular nursery themes selected by new moms for | | | | that becomes necessary. |
| many years. The jungle theme is very versatile. Mom | | | | Following are just two examples of the jungle safari |
| can choose a very subtle but delightful approach that | | | | themed nursery collections made available by major |
| incorporates the theme through creative combinations | | | | manufacturers:o Zanzibar, by Kidsline, is in keeping with |
| of color and selective use of jungle themed decorative | | | | what distinguishes this manufacturer from the rest - |
| pieces. Or Mom can go "over the top" by filling the | | | | namely, an unbelievable number of coordinating |
| nursery with jungle animals depicted on quilts, bumpers, | | | | accessories. Including everything from standard |
| lamps, mobiles, light switch plates, pillows, wall | | | | mobiles, valances, and pillows to waste baskets, toy |
| décor - the list can go on and on. Mom can be | | | | boxes, upholstered chairs, and car seat covers. The |
| creative by hunting around herself for different items | | | | six-piece crib bedding set itself, retailing for under $200, |
| that communicate the African safari theme; or take | | | | features giraffes, monkeys, and other jungle animals |
| advantage of the creativity of a host of baby bedding | | | | rendered with embroidered appliques. Zanzibar is for |
| designers and manufacturers that have developed | | | | those seeking a very playful and "babyish" approach |
| extensive groups of crib bedding and coordinating | | | | to a jungle safari nursery.o At the other end of the |
| nursery decorating accessories in the jungle safari | | | | spectrum is Baby Cheetah, by Glenna Jean. Featuring |
| theme. The jungle theme can be easily incorporated | | | | high quality fabrics that communicate the safari theme |
| into a formal, sophisticated, or playful decorating mood | | | | through colors and patterns, including a dramatic |
| - whichever appeals to you. | | | | cheetah print, this collection is for those seeking a more |
| If you choose to take advantage of the coordinating | | | | sophisticated look for the nursery. |
| collections created by designers and manufacturers, | | | | These are just two of over forty jungle safari |
| you will have much to choose from. My experience in | | | | collections offered by the following major |
| the baby bedding industry suggests that it would be | | | | manufacturers: Kidsline, Lambs and Ivy, Cocalo, Nojo, |
| best that you limit yourself to a relatively small number | | | | and Glenna Jean. Limiting yourself to these designers |
| of designers/manufacturers that have much | | | | will give you plenty to choose from while being |
| experience with this product category. While you will | | | | comfortable that you are working with a proven |
| discover that there are many "mom-and-pop" | | | | supplier. |