Create a safe and comfy newborn nursery with these essentials. They include a crib that will grow with your baby into toddlerhood, a rocking chair to trigger a calming reflex during feeding or cuddling sessions and a diaper caddy basket to keep supplies organized.
A white noise machine mimics soothing womb sounds and blocks out abrupt background noises that can wake your newborn. Shop the full collection of nursery furniture and accessories for more must-have items.
1. Crib
A safe place to sleep, the crib is one of the most essential baby nursery items. Between bedtime and naps, your baby will spend much of their early days in their crib, so it’s important to select a durable and attractive model that fits their space. Choose from a wide range of styles, including some cribs that convert into a small bed as your child grows (ideal for extending the life of the piece and saving money).
Companies like Home Kartz offer a wide selection of baby nursery essentials, including cribs, changing tables, storage, and décor. Provide various styles and price ranges to help parents create functional and stylish nurseries for their babies.
A crib mattress is another must-have item. Be sure to select a firm and well-fitting mattress that is the right size for your baby’s crib. Ensure that it is free of excess padding and materials, which could pose a risk of suffocation or entrapment. A mattress cover is also a good idea, as it will keep your mattress clean and fresh.
To create a comfy, cozy sleeping environment, invest in quality sheets that are soft on your baby’s skin. Choose from a variety of kid-friendly designs and colors, including organic options. Consider picking up a few sets, so you can wash them often and easily.
An important accessory for naptime and nighttime is a baby monitor. These devices can be paired with a standard video monitor or can work independently as a simple sound and light alert system. Having a baby monitor will help you feel more at ease during late-night feedings or diaper changes, since it will allow you to stay in the room with your baby without disturbing them.
Another useful tool for your newborn’s bedroom is a diaper pail. A streamlined pail with an odor-resistant bin and dual air-lock disposal system can trap smells and keep your space fresh. Pick a design that complements your nursery decor, such as this sleek model from Skip Hop.
2. Bassinet
Whether you’re a first-time parent or shopping for a new baby in your life, creating a nursery is an exciting rite of passage. There are many must-haves for a newborn’s room, including a crib and diaper pail. But, there are also a few other essential items to have on hand that can make the experience more comfortable for both you and Baby during those precious early moments.
A bassinet is an infant bed that can be moved easily from place to place in your home. It’s commonly used for the first few months of a newborn’s life, until they can safely transition to a crib. Some parents find them very useful, while others prefer a crib to be their baby’s sleeping spot.
If you’re planning to breastfeed, a comfy nursing chair or glider is a must-have for the newborn nursery. It will help ease the strain on your back while you cradle your newborn during feedings. Plus, it will serve you well once your baby is older and doesn’t need to be nursed anymore.
Even if you’re not breastfeeding, a nursing pillow can be very helpful during those first few weeks. It’s especially useful during late-night diaper changes, as it helps support your back and arms when you’re changing a soiled diaper or outfit. While there are many types of pillows to choose from, a Moses basket-style one is both convenient and comfortable.
Having a stash of infant bottles is an important nursery accessory for those late-night feedings while your partner is at work or you’re on call. If you’re planning to breastfeed, keep a few different nipple sizes on hand to try out to see which ones baby likes best. It’s also a good idea to have a couple of empty bottles on hand in case you need to use formula as well.
Having a diaper pail in the nursery is an absolute must-have, as it’ll make poop cleanup much easier for you and baby. Skip Hop’s streamlined pail is an ideal choice, as it features an odor-resistant bin and dual air-lock disposal system that keeps smells trapped.
3. Dresser
Dressers are a nursery essential, providing storage space for baby clothes and bedding. Look for a design that offers ample drawers and shelves to keep everything organized, especially when it comes to diapers and wipes. You’ll be changing your little one often, and a well-organized dressing table will keep things in reach so you can easily grab a fresh diaper or a new outfit during those late-night feedings. Opt for a changing table dresser that can transition into just a regular dresser later on in life, too.
Getting your nursery dresser set up is a big task but it’s also a rewarding one. It’s the place where you’ll fold tiny onesies, tuck away adorable socks and sift through the baby shoes you’ve collected. It’s the room where you will create lasting memories and cherish this new chapter of your life.
A good dresser is sturdy, and it should be easy to clean. Look for a dresser that is made from durable wood or plastic and features a smudge-resistant finish to resist stains and fingerprints. If you choose a wooden dresser, consider a sanded and sealed finish that will protect it against scratches and dents.
Make sure the drawers open and close smoothly and quietly. A squeaky or stuck drawer isn’t a good sign and could be a sign of a more serious problem. Choose a dresser with a durable glide mechanism that will continue to work even when your baby grows up and starts pulling themselves up on the furniture.
If you’re going with a themed nursery, a painted dresser is a fun way to tie the room together. A neutral color like soft grays, whites or pastels will give the room a clean and serene appearance that will remain timeless as your child grows. You can also add accent pops of color through accessories or dresser liners. For example, a coral drawer liner against a white dresser body or pink dresser can give the room a fresh and inviting aesthetic.
Don’t forget to include a comfy rocker or glider in the room, too. It’ll give you a comfortable spot to feed your baby, snuggle during late-night feedings and soothe them back to sleep.
4. Storage
Storage is an essential baby nursery essential for keeping daily items organized and accessible. Over-the-door organizers, drawer dividers, and clear bins are great for organizing small baby items like pacifiers, nail clippers, creams, and other necessities. Baskets are also a great way to store toys and blankets while still being visible for easy grab-and-go access.
A baby monitor is also an important nursery addition for ensuring your little one can be monitored at all times. With so many different types of monitors on the market, it’s important to find one that works for your family’s needs and budget.
To help make diaper changes and dressing your baby more comfortable, you’ll need a changing pad and a changing table or dresser to use as a changing station. Look for a changing table that includes a safe changing surface and ample storage space for diapers, wipes, and clothes.
In order to ensure the baby’s safety, be sure to properly anchor all furniture in the nursery. This includes cribs, dressers, and bookshelves. This is especially important as your baby grows and becomes curious, which can cause them to reach or climb into pieces of furniture that could fall over. Furniture anchors, such as the Dreambaby Furniture Straps, are an inexpensive solution that can be easily installed in your nursery and help prevent injuries and accidents.
Another helpful nursery item is a rocking chair, which can be used for both feeding and soothing. It’s a great place to bond with your baby and create an inviting environment for restful sleep. Choosing a rocking chair that aligns with your nursery theme will make it more cohesive.
Becoming a parent is an amazing journey that’s filled with love, cuddles, and lots of milestones for you and your baby. To help make the transition to parenthood as smooth and stress-free as possible, having all of these key nursery items on hand will ensure you have everything you need to care for your newborn.
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