Once you've made your way through the baby equipment maze and bought a buggy, celebrity-endorsed or not, you have to move quickly on to decor.

With designers and manufacturers targeting the mini market, there's been an explosion in the number of products available for infants' and children's spaces.

While a shopping trip can make it difficult to see the wood for the trees, it's best to start out by buying the absolute basics and work from there, bearing in mind that products from companies such as Norwegian brand Stokke, that grow with the child, are the best longterm investments.

Reclaim and restore Some parents go on a refurbishment drive in advance of baby's arrival, providing a dedicated nursery with sink.

That will be helpful but it's not essential.

A nappy changing unit can be worthwhile, especially for mums suffering from back problems.

However, avoid Bob the Builder, Barney or Dora emblazoned styles and go for an adjustable model with storage, such as the Stokke Care, or for a ledged chest of drawers on which a plastic padded changing mat can be placed.

When the nappychanging days are over, it can still be used. If, as time goes on, pester power results in a favourite cartoon character being featured, you can always confine it to a beanbag.

For a cheap and cheerful alternative, interior designer Wendy Doyle suggests giving an old chest a new lease of life by covering it in funky but child-friendly wallpaper.

Imagine Wallpaper in Kilkenny has some really cool digital designs or will work with supplied images.

Cots and bedding When looking around for a cot and bedding, VHI Healthcare advises buying products that meet Irish and EU safety standards. The advice is to try out cots to see how easy they are to adjust and to ensure that bars are a proper width apart and won't jam little limbs.

VHI Healthcare also advises that those using a secondhand cot should check it has been painted with lead-free paint and isn't missing screws or slats. Parents should always buy a new mattress and natural fabrics and cellular blankets should only be bought for the first few months, according to VHI. It is also in favour of baby sleeping bags as baby can't wriggle out of them or end up with their head under the covers.

The Stokke Sleepi Cot is a nifty multi-functional piece that evolves from a mini cot that can be rolled from room to room to a full-sized cot, junior bed and finally two comfy chairs. The mattress can be set at four different heights and all four wheels can be locked for safety. Otherwise, a traditional cot could be followed up with a custom-made platform bed that will incorporate storage and save space.

Clever storage Smart storage is an important consideration as young children need plenty of floor space. One option is to have a carpenter make a combination of cupboards, easy-access shelving and pullout surfaces or a bank of floor-to-ceiling cupboards with flush-fitting doors.

However, there are plenty of readymade solutions out there that work well. Stokke's Keep storage system adapts to your child's needs from birth to school. Based on flexible modules, it can be configured to meet specific and changing requirements.

Violette at Goldsmith Terrace, Quinsboro Road, Bray also has lots of stylish storage solutions that are perfect for childrens' spaces.

Cheap cubed storage can also be kitted out with colourful baskets.

Design and decor When it comes to the overall scheme of the nursery, try not to be swayed by flamboyant room sets in shops.

While themed looks are popular, they can quickly become redundant. Keeping your walls neutral, possibly with a blackboard painted feature wall, and adding a colour hit through inexpensive bunting, available from Violette in blue or pink polka dots, can be really effective. Baby bunting can also be a great way of demarcating the baby's area in a shared bedroom.

Emma Kelly, managing director of Elevate Public Relations, decided to keep her children's nurseries simple but fun. Tom, now three, and Kitty, one, were treated to an imaginative slumber space that didn't involve a big spend. The walls were kept white, the wooden floorboards stained and all-important blackout blinds added.

"It was hard to source a plain cot but I found one and dressed it with inexpensive cot linen from Zara Home in Spain. I used a vintage sideboard as a changing table and fabric shelves on wheels from Ikea for their clothes, " Kelly recalls.

"As they have gotten creative, I have decorated the walls with their paintings.

They now share a room with two single beds with underbed drawers on wheels to hide their toys.

There is also a perspex book trolley on wheels from which they can easily choose a goodnight story, along with a couple of small chairs and table at their height, " says Kelly.

"There is such a great selection of furniture for kids.

I recently bought some miniature Panton chairs from Haus. I also have my eye on the bed and dressing table in the Habitat VIP for Kids collection and Lignet Roset's new miniature furniture."

Simple and safe Violette, in Bray has some gorgeous chandeliers for those who want to indulge their little princesses. However, before you find yourself running up a big bill as doting parents or grandparents, it's important to put safety and practicality first.

"Furniture should be simple and well-constructed, " says parent and child coach Helen Sholdice.

Anticipate the inquisitive crawling stage by using socket covers, clipping trailing cables and removing any furnishings that could easily be pulled over or that have sharp edges.

Also be careful when buying beds to ensure that the child can not get their head stuck between wooden or wrought-iron bars.

Keep blind cords short and windows locked.

Radiator covers are recommended by VHI to avoid burning.

Finishing touches Small touches such as dimmer switches can make a real difference.

Opt for floor covering that is reasonably robust, can be easily cleaned and will facilitate play. Wooden floors, softened by a rug, are ideal.

Hooks in the room should be low enough for children to hang up their own clothes, Sholdice advices.

Check out the brightly coloured designs at B&Q.

Small child-sized hangers will also hopefully foster tidiness, she says.

"A night light and a small bedside lamp can become a permanent fixture in the bedroom and be a comforting symbol of continuity for children, " counsels Sholdice.

Her must-have for children's rooms is a rocking chair.

"Infants can be rocked and toddlers too. Eventually children can use the chair to rock themselves while they are listening to music or simply day dreaming."

Finish with a few sensory pieces such as fairy lights, Chinese lanterns or wooden puppets on the ceiling for a bit of magic.

USEFUL CONTACTS

>> Habitat Dublin 01-677 1433; Galway 091 569 980; Belfast 04890-249 522; www. habitat. ie
>> Haus Dublin 01-679 5155
>> Imagine Wallpaper Kilkenny 056-772 4760; www. imaginewallpaper. com
>> Stokke www. stokke. com