15 Essential Items Every Expecting Parent Should Have in Their Baby’s Nursery
Preparing for the arrival of a newborn is one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences for expecting parents. Among the many tasks to complete before the baby arrives, setting up the nursery is a priority. Creating a comfortable, functional, and safe space for your baby to sleep, play, and grow is essential. However, with the endless list of baby products available, figuring out exactly what you need can be challenging.
To make this task more manageable, we’ve compiled a detailed list of 15 essential items every expecting parent should have in their baby’s nursery. These items will ensure that you and your baby have everything you need, from daily necessities to tools that help create a soothing and nurturing environment.
1. Crib or Bassinet
The crib or bassinet is arguably the most crucial item in the nursery since your baby will be spending a lot of time sleeping, especially during the first few months. Deciding between a crib and a bassinet largely depends on personal preference, but both serve the same fundamental purpose—providing a safe and comfortable place for your newborn to rest.
Cribs are the more permanent option and can last until your baby transitions to a toddler bed. They typically come with adjustable mattress heights, allowing you to lower the mattress as your baby grows and becomes more mobile. When purchasing a crib, look for models that meet modern safety standards, including no drop-side rails and slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting stuck.
Bassinets are smaller, more portable, and ideal for the first few months when you want to keep your newborn close. They provide a cozy environment, but most babies outgrow bassinets by the time they are around six months old. Some bassinets even come with the added convenience of being attached to the parents’ bed, which is perfect for nighttime feedings.
2. Changing Table
A changing table is a practical addition to any nursery. Although you can change your baby anywhere with the help of a portable changing pad, having a dedicated space makes diaper changes more organized and comfortable for both you and your baby. Many changing tables come equipped with built-in storage, making it easy to keep diapers, wipes, creams, and extra clothes within reach, minimizing disruption during diaper changes.
Safety is paramount when choosing a changing table. Look for tables with raised edges and safety straps to prevent your baby from rolling off. Always keep one hand on your baby while changing them to ensure their safety. Some parents prefer to combine the changing table with a dresser to maximize storage space. In this case, a changing pad on top of a sturdy dresser is an excellent solution for smaller nurseries.
3. Rocking Chair or Glider
A rocking chair or glider is a nursery essential, offering comfort and functionality. Whether you’re soothing your baby to sleep, feeding, or simply enjoying some quiet bonding time, a comfortable chair is indispensable. The gentle rocking motion of a rocking chair or the smooth glide of a glider helps calm fussy babies and encourages relaxation, which is particularly helpful during nighttime feedings.
When selecting a rocking chair or glider, consider your own comfort as well. Look for a chair with cushioned seating, a high back for support, and armrests at a comfortable height for holding your baby. A matching ottoman is also a great addition, providing a place to rest your feet during those late-night feedings or naps.
4. Dresser or Wardrobe
Babies may be small, but they certainly require a lot of clothes, blankets, and accessories. A dresser or wardrobe is essential for keeping your baby’s clothing organized and easily accessible. You’ll want a space to store onesies, pajamas, bibs, and other essentials, which need frequent changing, especially in the early months.
In smaller nurseries, you might choose a dresser that can double as a changing station. By placing a changing pad on top of a dresser, you save space and make the most of a single piece of furniture. Be sure to choose a dresser that is stable and, if possible, secure it to the wall using an anti-tip kit to prevent accidents as your child grows and starts to explore the room.
5. Diaper Pail
Diaper changes happen frequently, and having a diaper pail in the nursery ensures that diaper disposal is quick, convenient, and odor-free. Unlike a regular trash can, diaper pails are designed to trap and seal odors, so you won’t need to empty the trash after every diaper change.
Look for a diaper pail that’s easy to use, preferably with a foot pedal for hands-free operation, so you can hold your baby while discarding the diaper. Make sure the diaper pail has ample capacity and uses refill bags that are easy to replace. While diaper pails vary in size and design, all should offer excellent odor control, making diaper changes more pleasant.
6. Baby Monitor
A baby monitor provides peace of mind by allowing you to keep an eye on your baby from a distance. Baby monitors come in various types, from audio-only monitors to more advanced video monitors with two-way communication, temperature sensors, and even heart rate tracking.
When choosing a baby monitor, consider the size of your home and the range of the monitor to ensure you can monitor your baby from different rooms. Some models connect to your smartphone, allowing you to check on your baby from anywhere. Opt for a monitor with night vision and clear sound to ensure you can see and hear your baby clearly, especially at night.
7. Soft Lighting and Night Light
Creating a peaceful and calming environment for your baby is crucial, and soft lighting helps achieve that. A night light or dimmable lamp provides a gentle glow that’s perfect for nighttime feedings or diaper changes, without overstimulating your baby or disrupting their sleep cycle.
Choose warm-toned lights rather than bright, cool-toned ones to create a cozy, restful atmosphere. Many parents also find it helpful to have a light with adjustable brightness levels, so they can lower the light as the baby prepares for sleep. Additionally, having a night light with a timer or automatic shutoff feature can be convenient and energy-efficient.
8. Swaddles and Receiving Blankets
Swaddling is a tried-and-true method for calming fussy newborns and helping them sleep more soundly. Swaddle blankets mimic the snugness of the womb, helping babies feel secure and reducing the startle reflex that can wake them up. Swaddling can also help regulate your baby’s temperature, making them feel cozy without overheating.
Receiving blankets are another nursery essential, offering versatility for swaddling, burping, and covering your baby when needed. Choose breathable, soft fabrics like cotton or muslin to ensure comfort. Having a handful of swaddles and receiving blankets on hand is ideal, as they often need to be washed frequently.
9. White Noise Machine
A white noise machine can work wonders when it comes to helping your baby sleep through the night. The gentle hum of white noise mimics the comforting sounds of the womb, blocking out distracting background noises and helping your baby fall asleep faster.
Many white noise machines offer a variety of sounds, including ocean waves, rain, or heartbeat sounds, allowing you to choose the one that best soothes your baby. White noise machines are particularly helpful for light sleepers or homes where ambient noise can disrupt sleep. Some models come with timers, dimmable lights, and lullaby features to enhance the overall sleep environment.
10. Boppy Pillow or Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow such as a Boppy pillow is essential for making feedings more comfortable for both the parent and the baby. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a nursing pillow provides support by elevating the baby to a comfortable height, reducing strain on your back, neck, and arms.
Beyond feeding, nursing pillows are versatile and can be used during tummy time to support your baby’s developing muscles or to help them practice sitting up. Choose a pillow that’s easy to clean, with a removable, machine-washable cover.
11. Storage Bins and Baskets
Keeping a nursery organized can be challenging with all the toys, diapers, clothes, and accessories that babies require. Storage bins and baskets are essential for maintaining order and ensuring everything is within easy reach.
Bins and baskets can be used to store toys, extra blankets, books, and other miscellaneous items. Look for lightweight, soft-sided storage options that are easy to move and safe for babies to interact with as they grow. You can also label the bins for quick access to the items you need, making nursery organization both practical and attractive.
12. Baby Clothes Hamper
A baby clothes hamper is essential for managing the frequent outfit changes and laundry loads that come with having a newborn. Babies can go through several outfits a day due to spit-up, diaper leaks, and general messes, so having a designated hamper in the nursery makes it easier to keep dirty clothes off the floor and organized for laundry day.
Choose a hamper with handles for easy transport, and opt for a design that fits in with your nursery’s aesthetic. If possible, select a hamper that allows for breathability, preventing odors from accumulating between laundry days.
13. Pacifiers and Clips
Pacifiers can be a soothing tool for babies, helping them calm down and self-soothe between feedings or naps. Keeping pacifiers in the nursery ensures that you always have one on hand when your baby needs comfort. Additionally, having a pacifier clip helps prevent pacifiers from falling to the floor or getting lost, which is especially helpful during nighttime or while traveling.
When choosing pacifiers, opt for orthodontic designs that support the natural development of your baby’s palate, teeth, and gums. Make sure to sterilize pacifiers regularly to keep them clean and safe for use.
14. Books and Toys for Stimulation
Introducing books and toys early on can foster your baby’s cognitive and sensory development. Babies benefit from exposure to books with bright colors, different textures, and simple stories that help build language skills and visual recognition. Set aside a space in the nursery for board books that you can read to your baby during storytime, encouraging early literacy.
For toys, choose options that stimulate your baby’s senses, such as rattles, plush toys, and teething rings. Toys with varying textures, sounds, and shapes help engage your baby and support developmental milestones like hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.
15. Baby-Friendly Decor and Art
Decorating the nursery with baby-friendly decor and art can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that stimulates your baby’s visual and emotional development. Choose wall art or decals with soft, calming colors or playful, whimsical designs that reflect your style while creating a soothing environment for your baby.
Mobiles are also a great addition to the nursery, as they provide visual stimulation for your baby while lying in the crib. Look for mobiles with contrasting patterns or gentle, rotating motions to keep your baby engaged and entertained during quiet moments.
Conclusion
Setting up a nursery involves careful planning and thoughtful decisions to ensure that your baby has everything they need for a healthy, comfortable, and stimulating environment. These 15 essential items provide a comprehensive guide to creating a well-equipped nursery, making the transition to parenthood smoother and more enjoyable. From cribs and changing tables to pacifiers and white noise machines, each item serves a specific purpose to support both your baby’s development and your own convenience as a parent. Preparing in advance will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with your new little one.
