Baby Nursery Checklist: Top 10 Nursery Must-Haves

Preparing for a baby’s arrival keeps parents and loved ones busy. And while parents want a comfortable, stylish, and practical nursery, making this dream space a reality can feel overwhelming. Ease the process with this baby nursery checklist of the top 10 nursery must-haves.

1. Crib

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents share a room, but not a bed, with their baby for at least six months to reduce the risk of any issues during the night. While many parents start with the baby sleeping in a bassinet, most parents eventually opt for their babies to sleep in cribs.

A new crib offers the safest option for a baby’s rest. Be aware of the risks if you’re considering using an older crib or a hand-me-down.

• Older equipment might not adhere to current safety recommendations.
• Used cribs might have defective parts from previous use.
• Improper repairs create a safety hazard.

Check for recalls on the crib model and see if the crib adheres to the Consumer Produce Safety Commission’s (CPSC) standards. These requirements include details such as the spacing between bars or slats, regulations on crib materials, and rules regarding sharp edges and points.

2. Crib Mattress and Bedding

The next must-have nursery items on a baby nursery checklist are the crib mattress and bedding. The CPSC asserts that a crib mattress used in a full-size crib should be at least 27.25 inches long, 5.25 inches wide, and six inches thick. Then top the mattress with appropriate bedding.

• A crib mattress encasement protects the baby from allergens. The encasement wraps around the crib mattress.
• Next, place the crib mattress pad on top of the mattress. The mattress pad prevents liquid from seeping into the mattress. It protects the mattress and makes clean-up a breeze. The pad has a fitted skirt that keeps it securely on the crib mattress.
• Finally, top the crib mattress with a fitted crib sheet. Parents will probably want at least three fitted crib sheets since they will toss these into the laundry often.

The baby’s crib should only have the mattress and the bedding – the mattress encasement, mattress pad, and fitted crib sheet. Do not place blankets, sheets, crib bumpers, and loose items such as toys into the crib.

3. Comfy and Supportive Armchair

For late-night feedings and snuggles, get a comfy and supportive armchair. Purchase a chair with armrests and a backrest at a comfortable height and thickness. You have many designs to choose from. Many parents like to use a classic rocking chair.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a glider. This armchair glides back and forth rather than rocking. The smooth motion requires less space than a traditional rocking chair and is nearly silent.

4. Blackout Curtains

Darkness helps babies fall asleep more quickly and soundly, which means they’ll help parents sleep better. Dark conditions signal to the baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep, spurring the production of melatonin, a sleep hormone.

Ensure you purchase true blackout curtains made with fabric that blocks light completely. When it’s time for sleep, the room should be dark enough that you do not see your hand in front of your face.

5. White Noise Machine

Another excellent tool that helps a baby sleep well is a white noise machine. As for many people, complete silence can unnerve a baby and make it difficult to fall asleep.

While you can use another white noise source, such as videos from YouTube, many parents appreciate the convenience and reliability of a white noise machine. Features like sound selection, a timer, and automatic shut-off help you customize the experience for the baby’s needs.

6. Sleep Sacks

Keep baby warm and secure in a soft, adorable sleep sack garment. The sleep sack is similar to a sleeping bag and helps regulate a baby’s body temperature. And this wearable blanket won’t interfere with the baby’s breathing as a standard blanket would.

The sleep sack’s loose bottom end promotes healthy hip development. Once the baby is old enough to roll over, the sleeveless design, as opposed to a tight swaddle, lets them use their arms to support their bodies.

7. Toy Box and Wardrobe Organizers

Parents, family, and friends shower babies with essential and fun gifts. Take care of everything and create a peaceful atmosphere with organizational tools. A toy box can hold stuffed animals, dolls, loveys, blocks, and other toys.

Wardrobe organizers make sense of the child’s growing collection of outfits. Use bins, baskets, and foldable vertical organizers to sort the baby’s clothes into what they currently wear, what they will wear in the future, and what the little one has outgrown.

8. Changing Table or Changing Pad

Whether parents want to use a dedicated piece of furniture as a changing station or outfit an existing dresser for the task, the nursery should have a space to change the baby’s diapers. A changing table generally has shelves and drawers for holding all the diaper-changing accessories, and it’s topped with a changing pad.

If parents prefer, they can get a changing pad to add to the furniture they already have. The changing pad provides an easy-to-clean surface for the child’s diaper changes. Whatever the choice, equip the changing station with materials such as wipes, diapers, baby clothes, creams, a diaper pail, and toys.

9. Baby Monitor

Transitioning the baby into their nursery can be challenging for both parents and baby. Gain peace of mind with a baby monitor that allows parents to keep watch over their little one.

An audio monitor lets parents hear their baby’s noises. A video monitor can send a video of the baby to a tablet or smartphone.

Many other monitors exist depending on the baby’s and parents’ needs. For example, monitors for hard-of-hearing parents use vibrations and lights to alert parents that the baby needs attention.

10. Humidifier

Finally, a humidifier will help keep the nursery environment comfortable. Humidifiers increase the air’s moisture level by releasing a fine mist.

Moisture in the air helps prevent babies from developing dry, irritated skin. Humidifiers also relieve other symptoms of dry air, such as dry nasal passages and throats. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the humidifier clean and in the best working order.

Help set up the nursery with gender-neutral baby shower gifts from Bunnies by the Bay. Our selection of soft toys, clothes, and blankets makes it easy to create a welcoming space for the baby. Shop with us today!