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Your Detailed Baby Nursery Checklist: 16 Essentials
Between wipe warmers, bassinets, changing pads, diaper pails, and more, it’s hard to know what you really need for your nursery. As a mom of three, I discovered that going beyond the nursery essentials can quickly create clutter and overwhelm. Experiencing the newborn stage three times helped me learn which nursery items are needed and which ones will gather dust.
So I’ve put together this checklist of nursery essentials to help you determine which items to prioritize on your registry.
Nursery Bedding Essentials
New babies spend lots of time sleeping. Create a safe sleep space for your new baby with the following nursery essentials:
1. Crib Mattress: To go along with your crib, you’ll need a firm, flat crib mattress. Ensure it fits snugly in the crib to prevent gaps where a baby could get stuck.
2. Fitted Crib Sheets: For safe sleep, you only need fitted sheets for the crib. How many crib sheets will you need? Ideally, purchase about 2 to 4 sets that are easy to change and wash. Having some extras on hand makes it easier to manage accidents like blowouts and spit-ups. Gentle, hypoallergenic materials like cotton are best for baby’s sensitive skin.
3. Light Blankets: Especially during the first few months, you’ll need light blankets suitable for layering, depending on the temperature. You’ll mostly use blankets when your baby is awake or out and about. Keep in mind that swaddling is considered safe only until your baby learns to roll over.
4. Sleep Sacks: Wearable blankets are ideal for wearing during sleep, as they are safer than blankets. Plus, if your baby’s a wild sleeper like my kids, a wearable blanket may be the only way to keep them covered and warm on cold nights.
What You Don't Need: Avoid buying pillows and fluffy bedding materials. Yes, they may look adorable but when left in the crib, these added items are unsafe for infants. When your child is one year old, you can consider using more bedding.
Nursery Furniture Essentials
The amount of furniture you add to your nursery will depend on how much space you have and your design preferences. That said, there are a few must haves including:
5. Crib: Experts recommend using a crib to create a safe sleep environment for your newborn. While a bassinet is a great alternative, your baby will grow out of it within a few months. A crib will last you throughout infancy until your little one is ready for a toddler or “big kid” bed.
The only caveat is if you prefer to co-sleep using a bassinet that puts baby bedside. While breastfeeding, I can attest that this arrangement can make it easier for everyone to get more sleep during the first few months.
6. Storage Solutions: Dressers with easy glide drawers and secure bookshelves for easy access to baby necessities. When purchasing, consider opting for a dresser that will serve your baby into childhood.
7. Changing Table: In my opinion, this piece of furniture is optional. While a changing table can reduce back strain, it’s only useful during the first year. By the time your child is crawling and walking, they can get really wiggly. At that stage, I found it more practical to change my kids on the floor. If you prefer a changing table, look for one with raised sides, safety straps, and a comfortable height to prevent back strain.
What You Don't Need: Elaborate furniture sets that crowd the room or are not versatile for long-term use. Your baby will only be an infant for a short period. Look for furniture that will last into toddlerhood and beyond. For example, a crib that converts into a toddler bed or a dresser that also works nicely in a child’s room.
Nursery Feeding Must-Haves
Welcoming a newborn into your home is an incredibly joyful yet demanding time, especially when it comes to feeding. This space goes beyond nourishment; it's where many bonding moments occur between you and your baby. For feeding, consider these nursery necessities:
8. Comfortable Chair: A rocking or glider chair with armrests and soft padding makes those late-night feeds bearable.
9. Side Table: You’ll need a convenient place to put bottles, your breast pumps, or a glass of water within easy reach during feeding.
10. Nightlight or Lamp: Soft light makes it convenient to check on the baby without disturbing their sleep.
11. Burp Cloths: Versatile and useful for anything, you’ll need burp cloths to clean up spit up, leaking milk, and even your baby’s runny nose.
12. Nursing Pillow: Choose a nursing pillow that serves two purposes. Many pillows both make breastfeeding more comfortable and also support tummy time.
What You Don't Need: You can leave some feeding items off your nursery must-haves list. I personally didn’t use a lot of gadgets like formula dispensers, bottle warmers, or a fancy sterilizer.
Nursery Décor and Comfort
Nursery decor helps create a soothing atmosphere that supports your baby's development. Here are some nursery essentials for decor:
13. A Mobile: A mobile over your baby’s crib not only looks cute but can also soothe and entertain your baby.
14. Stuffed Animals and Toys: Within a few months, your baby will be able to grab toys and shake rattles. In the nursery, toys can conveniently distract your baby during diaper changes. As your child grows, stuffed animals also provide other benefits. You don’t need many toys or stuffed animals at first, but it’s nice to have a few.
15. Wall Decor: Add some interest to your baby’s walls with framed photos and artwork or wall decals. Your baby will enjoy having something to look at.
What You Don't Need: You can skip most nursery decor. Just do what you feel like doing. Also, keep in mind that your little one’s interests are unpredictable and will change quickly.
When my daughter was a toddler, she was obsessed with ammonites because we read a book about prehistoric creatures. However, by the time she was three or four, her interests switched to elephants. Try using one picture frame, and you can switch out the photo or artwork based on your child’s interests.
Bath Time Nursery Essentials
What about bathing your little one? Managing a slippery, squirmy infant during bathtime is no small feat. Here’s what to include to make it easier:
16. Bathtub: When your baby is an infant, you will need some sort of mat or bathtub to make the bathing process easier. In my experience, infants are slippery, squirmy, and aren’t always thrilled with bathtime. A bathtub or sponge can help hold your baby steady as you bathe them.
What You Don’t Need: Although baby towels are cute, they’re not essential. Any smaller or mid-size towel will work perfectly and serve multiple purposes.
How to Budget When Building Your Nursery
Budgeting is easier when you stick to a baby nursery checklist. Here are some other strategies that can help you stay on budget in the long term:
Buy Convertible Options
Choosing options that will grow with your child can ensure you get the most out of your nursery essentials. For example, choose a convertible crib that turns into a bed. Or, choose a combination dresser and changing table.
Choose Quality
Paying a little more upfront for quality can ensure you can use the product throughout your little one’s childhood. This is especially important when considering items like a dresser or a rocker. Your child can use the same dresser throughout childhood, and you can add a quality rocker or glider to your living room.
Don’t Overdo It
For smaller items like bottles, clothing, or burp cloths, consider buying a small amount to get started. Then, once you know what works best for you and your baby, you can buy more.
Nursery Necessity FAQS:
Still have questions about nursery essentials? I’ve answered some of the most common questions below:
How much does it cost to create a nursery?
How much it costs to outfit your nursery depends on your budget and what you’ll include. If you plan on buying all new furniture, parents can expect to spend about $2,000. This includes essentials like a crib, mattress, changing table, and a comfortable chair for feeding, as well as decorative items to create a warm, inviting environment for your baby.
If you’re working within a strict budget, there are several ways to reduce costs without compromising on comfort or safety. Shopping for second-hand baby furniture is a great option; And don’t forget to explore local parenting groups, online marketplaces, and thrift stores to find gently used nursery items.
How should you lay out a nursery?
The ideal nursery layout features space for a crib, a rocker, and a dresser. Experts recommend keeping the crib away from outlets and window dressings that may be hazardous as your baby grows. Include a comfortable rocker or glider in the layout, ideally positioned for easy access to both the crib and the dresser. This setup will help with smoother transitions during feeding and bedtime routines. The rocker should be placed in a cozy corner of the room where you can enjoy quiet moments with your baby.
When should I start building my nursery?
You can start getting your nursery ready a few months before your baby is due. Keep in mind that your baby can be born anytime after about 37 weeks. Ideally, you’ll want everything set up before then. Many people enjoy setting up their nursery during the second trimester before their baby bump gets big enough to get in the way.
Build your Dream Nursery with Lambs & Ivy
Are you ready to start preparing for your little one’s arrival? For over 40 years, Lambs & Ivy has been at the forefront of nursery design, offering parents a blend of innovative, high-quality products tailored for their new arrivals. Shop with Lambs & Ivy to find quality nursery essentials, from crib sheets to stuffed animals and decor. We’re thrilled to help you create a dream nursery.
