erincohen Creating a cozy and functional nursery for your baby is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your little one’s arrival. Whether you’re a first-time mom or dad, or looking to update an existing space, having a clear baby nursery essentials list can make the process much easier. Here is everything you need to create a safe, comfortable, and stylish nursery for your newborn.
We used the registry at Pottery Barn Kids for everything we needed for the baby’s nursery furniture and more. They even extend a service where they have an in-house PBK designer come out and measure your space, and then offer guidance from there at no additional charge.
Let’s begin with the ultimate baby item checklist for first-time moms and dads.
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First, Pick a Theme
Before diving into the actual baby item checklist, start by selecting a theme or color palette for the nursery. A cohesive theme will help guide your decisions when it comes to decor and furnishings. You can use Pinterest for inspiration, and here are some popular nursery themes:
- Nature-inspired: Think greenery, woodland animals, or floral accents.
- Minimalist: Neutral tones like white, beige, or soft pastels with simple, modern furniture.
- Whimsical: Fairytale-inspired decor, soft colors, and playful patterns.
- Gender-specific or neutral: Depending on your preference, you can go for traditional blues and pinks or choose gender-neutral shades like yellow, gray, or sage green.
Choosing a theme early on will make it easier to shop for baby nursery essentials.
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Baby Crib & Mattress
The crib is the centerpiece of any nursery and one of the top essentials for a baby nursery. When selecting a crib, look for one that meets safety standards, such as fixed rails and non-toxic finishes. Convertible cribs are a popular choice as they can grow with your baby and transform into a toddler bed later on.
Equally important is choosing the right mattress. Opt for a firm, supportive mattress specifically designed for infants. Make sure it fits snugly in the crib with no gaps along the edges to ensure your baby’s safety.
Bedding
While it’s tempting to go all out with cute bedding sets for your baby’s nursery room, simplicity is key. A fitted crib sheet is one of the newborn must-haves and is all you need for your baby’s sleep surface. Avoid pillows, blankets, and crib bumpers as they pose safety risks. Consider having multiple fitted sheets on hand for easy changes.
Nursery Wall Decor
Decorate the walls with items that enhance your theme or compliment your color palette, such as murals, framed artwork, or a classic wooden name sign or initials. Keep it simple and baby-friendly. Avoid hanging heavy items above the crib.
Use these newborn baby captions when showing off your nursery.
Nursery Dresser
A dresser serves as both storage for your baby’s clothes and, in many cases, a changing station. Choose a sturdy dresser with smooth-gliding drawers and enough compartments to organize everything from onesies to socks.
Rug
If we talk about newborn must-haves, you might find it surprising that a rug is on the list. A soft rug adds warmth and style to the nursery while providing a comfortable spot for tummy time and playtime as your baby grows. Choose a rug that’s easy to clean and complements the room’s theme.
Curtains
Blackout curtains are essential for your baby’s nursery room for creating a dark, cozy environment for naps and nighttime sleep. Choose stylish but practical curtains, with easy-to-operate mechanisms for adjusting light levels.
Storage
Babies come with a surprising amount of stuff! From diapers and wipes to toys and blankets, having ample storage is key. Options to consider include:
- Baskets and bins
- Shelving units
- Under-crib storage drawers
First-time mom tip: Invest in storage options. Organized storage makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
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Hamper
A dedicated hamper for your baby’s laundry will save you time and effort. Look for a compact, easy-to-carry option that fits neatly in the nursery.
Diaper Pail
A diaper pail is a baby nursery essential that helps contain odors from dirty diapers. Choose one with a lid and a mechanism to seal in smells. This will keep your nursery fresh and hygienic.
Baby Monitors
On your newborn essentials list, baby monitors should be included. They give you peace of mind by allowing you to keep an eye (or ear) on your baby from another room. Video monitors with night vision and two-way audio are especially helpful.
Rocking Chair or Glider
A rocking chair or glider is one of those baby nursery room essentials that you cannot live without, perfect for feeding, soothing, and bonding with your baby. Choose a chair with a comfortable cushion and armrests. Bonus points if it comes with a matching ottoman or if it reclines for those late-night feeding sessions.
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Baby Toys
Baby toys are essentials for a baby nursery, despite what you might be thinking about your child’s age. Introduce your baby to the world of play with a few age-appropriate toys. Soft, colorful rattles, plush toys, and teething rings are great options for newborns. As your baby grows, you can add more interactive toys.
Night Light
A night light is a small but important nursery essential. It provides just enough light for nighttime feedings or diaper changes without disturbing your baby’s sleep. Opt for a dimmable or soft-glow option.
Nursing Essentials
If you plan to breastfeed, having a nursing station in the nursery is helpful. Stock it with essentials like:
- A comfortable nursing pillow
- Burp cloths
- Water bottles and snacks for you
Position your nursing chair near an outlet so you can plug in a phone charger or lamp.
Changing Table
A changing table or a changing pad on top of a dresser is key for diaper changes. Look for one with raised sides for safety and storage space for your newborn baby supplies, such as diapers, wipes, and creams.
Pregnancy can feel overwhelming and you may wonder if you’re using the right products. See my top non-toxic pregnancy skincare essentials.
Sound Machine
A sound machine can help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep by drowning out household noises. White noise or soothing lullabies are great options to promote restful sleep.
Day Bed
If space allows, adding a day bed or sleeper sofa to the nursery can be incredibly useful. It provides a place for you or a partner to rest during those sleepless nights and doubles as a cozy spot for reading or cuddling with your baby.
You may enjoy these new baby captions when posting your quality time with your newborn.
Baby Nursery Essentials
Setting up a nursery is an exciting milestone for parents-to-be. By following this baby nursery room essentials checklist, you’ll create a space that’s functional, safe, and full of love. Remember, your nursery doesn’t have to be perfect from day one. As your baby grows, you’ll discover new items to add and ways to make the space even more special.
Be sure to read my maternity bag checklist as well, so you know what to pack before you go to the hospital. You can be so busy organizing the nursery that you can easily miss something!
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