11 Nursery Must Haves: Baby Nursery Checklist

As a new parent, you want everything for your baby to be perfect. This includes a safe, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. After all, a well-rested baby is a happy baby. Furthermore, well-rested parents are better prepared for the challenges of parenting that lie ahead.

To achieve this blissful, rested state, you need a baby nursery conducive to healthy sleep. But with the sheer number of nursery products out there, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure of what you need.

Don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate nursery must-haves for your baby. This guide will cover the eleven essentials you and your baby need.

Start with the Right Furniture

Nursery essentials begin with the big things. The furniture in your nursery sets the stage for your decor and other needed elements. Depending on the size of the baby’s room, you might add more pieces, but the following are must-haves:

• Sturdy crib
• Rocking chair
• Changing station

You may also wish to add a dresser, bookshelf, or another storage piece.

#1: Crib

The first piece of furniture you may need is a crib. For the safest sleeping environment, babies are encouraged to sleep in cribs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a crib with a firm mattress and no loose blankets for a safe sleeping environment.

If you like, you can keep the baby’s mini crib in your bedroom for the first few months before moving it into the nursery.

#2: Chair

Whether you begin with the crib near your bed or in the baby’s room, you’re going to want a soft, comfortable chair nearby. A rocking chair is perfect for late-night feeding sessions and pre-bedtime snuggles.

A few qualities you’ll want in a nursery chair include:

• Cushioning for your comfort
• Fabric that’s easy to clean off
• Gliding or rocking mechanism for movement
• Durable construction that lasts

If it works with your nursery aesthetic, a dark-colored fabric is also a wise choice as it will help hide stains.

#3: Changing Station

The final piece of furniture you need in your nursery is a changing station. There are many different set-ups you can pick from, but some of the essentials include:

• Diaper disposal system – A secure place to put your dirty diapers is the first component your changing station needs. Baby diapers can get messy and you don’t want to have to carry them to a distant location. A diaper disposal system can also keep your nursery from getting smelly—a must for a cozy sleeping environment.
• Wipe warmer – This isn’t a must-have but it’s a nice little luxury your baby will love. A wipe warmer keeps your wipes nice and toasty so there’s no cold shock when you clean up during diaper changes. If you opt to include a wipe warmer, look for a model that seals properly and holds a lot of wipes.
• Changing pad – Changing pads have come a long way from the simple rubber mats of the past. Now, you can select a high-tech changing pad that tracks your baby’s weight to give you peace of mind that your baby is growing properly. You also want a thick and comfortable pad with a wipeable cover for easy clean-up.

It’s helpful to keep all of the tools you need to change your baby within the table's reach. You don’t want to scramble around the room, especially when you’re doing a quick middle-of-the-night change.

Craft an Ideal Sleeping Atmosphere

After furniture, your next set of baby nursery must haves includes items that will help you create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.

Parents know that every hour of sleep for a baby is gold—whether it’s 2:00 P.M. or A.M. Therefore, you want to make sure the baby's nursery is conducive to sleep at any hour of the day (or night).

#1: Baby Monitor

A baby monitor allows you to take advantage of those daytime naps while still keeping an eye and ear on your little one. Instead of the old style of walkie-talkie baby monitors, you can now purchase models that offer:

• A camera you can connect to a smartphone app
• 24/7 live video feed
• Night vision so you can peek in at any time

These features offer more peace of mind since you can see your baby whenever you’d like a quick peek. And don’t worry—sound is still an important part of baby monitors so you can also hear when your little one starts to fuss.

#2: Mobile

A mobile that offers soothing images, rhythmic movement, and peaceful sounds can help lull your baby into a restful slumber.

Plus, by placing your mobile slightly to the left or right of your baby’s crib, you can encourage your baby to sleep with their head turned to the left or right, helping to prevent a flat spot from developing on the back of their head.

#3: Sound Machine

It’s also extremely beneficial to have a sound machine in your baby’s nursery. This is because sound machines mimic the whirring and whooshing sounds your baby heard while in the womb. By recreating these familiar sounds, you can comfort and soothe your baby, helping them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Some sound machines even come with a night light. That will allow you to see what you’re doing during those late-night changing or feeding sessions, without having to turn on a bright overhead light.

Add Cozy and Fun Elements

Now that we’ve gotten the practical things out of the way, it’s time to have a little fun. This is where decor and toys come in. There are countless elements you can add to personalize your baby’s nursery. However, some items are a must. These include:

#1: Bedding and Blankets

As a new parent, you’ve probably done your fair share of reading about baby sleep safety. Thus, you know that there are specific items you may want for your baby’s crib, such as:

• A firm mattress
• Safe baby blankets
• A tightly fitted sheet
• A wearable sleep bag

Remember, less is more when it comes to baby bedding. A firm mattress with a cute patterned, tightly fitted sheet is all your baby needs in their crib.

Fortunately, you can still take advantage of soft, cozy baby blankets for tummy time and pre-bedtime snuggles. A double-layer muslin blanket can provide plush, cushiony comfort for your little one, whether they’re using it to learn to crawl or wrapped in it during storytime.

#2: Toys

Speaking of tummy time, outfitting your nursery with a few exciting toys will promote your baby’s brain development while providing them with hours of fun. A few of our favorite nursery toys include:

• Rattle – Colorful, noisy, and ideal for developing fine motor skills, baby rattles have stood the test of time for a reason. To help keep your baby safe, choose a rattle. This way, you don’t have to worry when your little one tries to put it in their mouth.
• Bouncer – Need to rest your arms for a minute? A bouncer can securely hold your baby while keeping them entertained so that you can fit in a quick 15-minute yoga session (or finally brush your hair).

#3: Rugs

You might not put much thought into your nursery floor, but we assure you that a soft, comfortable rug is a worthy investment. When you have to get up in the middle of the night and pace back and forth with a fussy baby, your feet will appreciate a warm, plush rug underneath them.

Furthermore, a bright, playfully patterned rug can brighten your nursery. You’ll have fun picking out the perfect piece to tie your nursery decor together.

#4: Baskets

Baskets might seem like an ancillary item, but they’ll be lifesavers when you need to keep your baby’s room organized. Baskets are an excellent way to add pops of color and function. You can store many items in baskets, such as:

• Soft, plush toys
• Baby socks
• New diapers
• Pajamas
• Books
• Clean towels

All of these items are handy to have within reach without having to dig through drawers or a closet to access them.

#5: Clothing

After you’ve outfitted your nursery with everything else, don’t forget to stock it with all of your baby clothing essentials. By shopping at Monica + Andy, you’re guaranteed baby clothes that offer:

• Adorable patterns
• GOTS certified organic cotton that’s free of harsh chemicals
• Durable, wash-tested fabrics
• Cloudlike softness

Monica + Andy: For All Your Nursery Must Haves

Working through your baby nursery checklist is exciting. Each purchase brings you closer to the big day when you finally get to meet your little one. However, trying to find the best baby nursery must haves can also be overwhelming.

Fortunately, Monica + Andy can take away the stress of shopping for your nursery essentials. We provide quality nursery items made from durable and safe materials. You’ll love our wide selection of modern nursery furniture and products—and your baby will, too. Shop Monica + Andy today.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics. SIDS and Other Sleep Related Infant Deaths. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162938/60309/SIDS-and-Other-Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated

Stanford Children’s Health. Infant Sleep. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=infant-sleep-90-P02237

Parents. Should You Have a Humidifier in Your Baby’s Room?https://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/how-close-should-a-humidifier-be-to-baby/

Healthy Children. How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx