8 Baby Nursery Must-Haves: A Checklist for New Parents

As a new parent, shopping for a new baby can feel intimidating. After all, there are so many products and brands on the market that it’s hard to differentiate between what you need and what’s not necessary. In light of that, we have created a list of baby nursery must-haves for expectant parents.

Keep reading to learn about the most important items that you may want to buy for your new baby.

The must-have items for your baby nursery

1. Crib furniture and bedding.

If there’s one item that is more important than the rest on this list, it is your crib furniture and bedding. Even if you are planning on using a bassinet for the first couple of months, it’s a good idea to start planning where you will get your crib. The fact is that babies need a lot of sleep. You’ll want to be sure that the place where you put them down to rest is both safe and comfortable.

At a minimum, you will need a crib and a crib mattress. When looking for cribs, you’ll definitely want to take current safety recommendations into consideration, especially if you’re thinking about getting an older model. As far as the mattress, if you can, it’s best to buy a new one.

2. Changing pad or changing table.

Every parent needs a place to take care of diaper duty. Whether you’re thinking of investing in a stand-alone changing table or a space-saving changing pad, you’ll absolutely want to choose an option that comes with a washable cover. Suffice it to say that there will be plenty of messes along the way and you’ll be glad you have the ability to throw the cover in the laundry.

If you are going for a changing table or table-dresser combination, be sure to think about storage when making your purchase. At a minimum, you’ll need somewhere to store all of your extra diapers. However, there are plenty of lotions and potions that come along with diaper changing and you’ll need somewhere to keep those as well.

3. Baby monitor to see in the baby nursery.

The last item in the must-have section of our list is a baby monitor. Even if you live in a small space, you’re going to want to have the certainty of knowing what’s going on in the baby nursery when you’re not there. It will give you the freedom to get things done while still feeling confident that your little one is safe and sound.

Traditional baby monitors only transmit sound. However, these days, you also have the option of upgrading to a model with a live video feed. Some even work off an app on your phone in order to give you access even when you’re on the go.

The nice-to-have items in a baby nursery

4. Rocker or glider.

If you have some money to spare, you’ll want to get a rocker or a glider to go in the nursery. While it may seem like an added expense just to lull the baby to sleep, this item is more about giving you a place to rest during late-night feedings. In this case, a rocker or glider is more about meeting your needs than the baby’s, so feel free to let comfort be the main driver behind your decision-making process and choose a model that feels good to you.

5. Diaper pail.

Next up on the list is a sturdy diaper pail. While it’s not an absolute necessity, having one will definitely make your life easier. Put simply, if you don’t end up getting one, you may find yourself taking out the trash much more regularly. When shopping for this item, look for a model that promises to reduce odor. Trust us when we say that you will be glad you did!

6. Black-out curtains.

If there’s one universal truth, it’s that babies sleep at odd hours. Black-out curtains in your baby nursery can help you make sure that your little one gets the best possible rest, no matter when they decide to hit the hay. Those who travel often should look for portable versions that can be put up no matter where you are calling it a night.

7. Music maker or white noise machine.

Along those same lines, a music maker or noise machine may not be the most essential item on this list, However, if you have the cash, it’s certainly a worthwhile investment. On the one hand, the noise will help lull the baby to sleep. On the other, it will also help block out any external noise that may wake the baby up before it’s time for them to get out of bed.

8. Baby swing or soother.

Lastly, you may want to consider getting a baby swing or soother. At its core, this item is designed to give busy parents’ arms a break. While your baby may only staying in for a few minutes at a time, it still gives you the opportunity to get ahead on some household tasks or take a much-needed rest.