My family has got to get serious about shopping for nursery furniture soon.  In the last few months, I have gotten very fond of modern-style cribs.  Unfortunately, I don’t think my partner is going to go for it.  This Blu Panel Crib from Bratt Decor is a great example of the clean, modern designs that I really admire.

Made by Bratt Decor, a favorite with numerous celebrity parents, including Halle Berry, this crib is well-made, with sleek, contemporary lines that will really make your nursery stand out.  The crib is available in either mocha (shown above) or wheat finishes.  Optional suede panels are available at an additional cost to add color to the crib.  For an additional $130, you can purchase a kit that allows you to convert the crib into a toddler bed so that it will grow with your child.  All you need are some crisp, modern linens to make this the perfect bed for your infant.

You can purchase the crib for $1048 at 2sweetsisters.com.

This Travel Wall Panel by educo is a different way for your youngster to find his way through a maze puzzle. Usually these types of mazes are set on a wooden platform or table. Place this Wall Panel at a child’s height and he’ll naturally gravitate to the colorful print and moving parts.

This would also be helpful if you’re a little tight for space. It eliminates the need for a table or floor space. And it makes a bright and cheery wall mural also.

The Travel Wall Panel is designed for ages 2 and up. It is made of wood and wire and encourages imaginative play and cooperative play. There are no removable parts. The toy measures 33.5″ H x 1.375″ W x 40″ D and costs $159.00 at allchildrensfurniture.com.

The Dashboard Driving Activity Wall Panel by Anatex has a key and ignition, steering wheel and horn, gearshift, speedometer and a pretend window with an open road ahead. All you have to do is pull up a comfortable chair and your child is on his way.

All children want to get a hold of the steering wheel. One day I drew a picture much like the one for the Dashboard Driving Activity Wall Panel on poster board and taped it to the wall. It didn’t have working instruments but I improvised. I used a cardboard roll from a Christmas wrap and taped it to the chair as a gear shift. I think I cut out a steering wheel from cardboard also and attached it to something my kids could pretend to steer. My three children took turns being the driver. We set up more chairs for a passenger seat and back seat, and whomever was driving pretended to be a taxi driver. We placed a stereo radio by the steering wheel and played music. It was fun!

With all the extras and sounds, I’m sure this Dashboard Driving Activity Wall Panel will really help your child to imagine he is behind the wheel. If you get in the “car” with him you’ll really enjoy listening to his imagination.

This toy is designed for ages 3 and up, and measures 23.5″ x 27″ x 2.” Purchase one for $149.87 at 1888toys.com.