Did you know? There will be more than four million babies born in the United States alone this year! Their parents will spend hours agonizing over the perfect name and getting the best medical care. But they should also find time to gather the following essentials for the perfect nursery.
A Great Baby Bed for Newborn Naps
Image via Flickr by anonymous to you
Newborns sleep for an average of 16 hours every day, so it’s vital that they have a comfortable place to do it. That makes a crib or bassinet one of the most important nursery choices you’ll make. With such a range of styles and prices available, this selection can also be one of the most difficult. Look for sturdy baby beds made from quality materials that support your little one while they sleep.
The bedding is what will give your chosen baby bed real personality. Pillows, sheets, and light blankets for cool weather are all important, while crib skirts can give your bed some real style. Bumper pads are also popular, but it’s worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics warns they can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This group claims there’s no evidence bumpers prevent injury as they’re meant to, but they can cause suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.
The Right Night Light for Evening Feeds
Many parents get a night-light because they worry their little one will be scared of sleeping in the dark. However, this phobia won’t develop for another year — if it ever does. A night-light is actually more important for helping parents make their way through the dark without stubbed toes and bruised knees for evening feeds.
A night-light is a better choice than a bright overhead bulb, which will confuse babies into thinking it’s time for action. Choose one with a mellow bluish light instead of the more stimulating yellow and white varieties.
If you’re not a fan of night lights, a dimmer on the overhead light is a good alternative.
A Changing Station for Easy Diaper Disposal
Image via Flickr by Elisa Self
Many newborns have around eight wet diapers and ten stinky ones every day, so a good changing station is essential for dealing with the diaper deluge. A good changing table is the heart of any change station. There are many styles available, but the one you pick should be stationary with a comfortable pad for your baby. If you can stretch your budget, choosing one with organizational shelves for clean diapers, wipes, and ointments will also make your life easier.
A diaper pail can also save countless trash or washer machine runs. If you’re using disposables, look for a diaper pail that seals off odors to keep your nursery smelling sweet. Unfortunately, these tend to have small openings that aren’t suitable for cloth diapers, so if you prefer the reusable kind you’ll need to choose a more open design. Use them in conjunction with a waterproof lined bag to make sure waste doesn’t leak through.
A Well Organized Dresser for Emergency Outfit Changes
Adults typically get dressed in the morning and are good to go for the rest of the day. That’s not the case with drooly, spit-uppity, poopy babies who often have three to four outfit changes each day. To cope with the demand, your nursery needs a well-organized dresser. Make sure yours has at least three drawers and features compartments so you can always find a fresh onesie, a clean bib, and a pair of socks.
You may also like to streamline your laundry with an additional clothes hamper in the nursery. Many stores offer hampers that match baby bedding for a more cohesive look.
A Parent Zone Keeps Moms and Dads Relaxed
Most new parents spend so much time thinking about making their nursery comfortable for their newborn that they forget about all the time they’ll spend there. Taking the time to set up a parent zone will make the space much more comfortable for night feeds and daytime cuddles.
A relaxing nursery for parents and babies should feature a comfortable chair, such as a rocker or glider, with a side table in easy reach. Stash this with healthy snacks, bottled water, magazines, and an MP3 player to make feeding time a bit more fun.
If you’re expecting a new baby this year, make sure purchasing these nursery essentials is on your to-do list.
Nope, I think you pretty much have it covered with this list. I found that the rocking chair was my best friend when my babies were infants. I would hold them and rock for hours.
Those are beautiful nursery and great tips on getting the essentials you need.
I like that painting style (the blocks). Looks super easy to do with some painter’s tape.
I need to share this great, informative post with my pregnant sister. Such great information
I used to think that a diaper station was unnecessary until I had a child.My back would not be able to take the bending and propping for EVERY change. It’s definitely a must!
These are definitely nursery essentials. I never has a diaper station but it would have helped tremendously from having to change the baby on the bed or the couch all the time.
All very important items for a new baby! Makes me wish My son was a baby all over again!
You’re absolutely right about the parent zone. For the first few years you’ll spend just as much time in the room as the baby does.
I didn’t realize bumper pads were now a potential danger. That’s so good to know! I love that you add some personality to things with crib design.
Looks like a great list to me! Hopefully I will be able to put it to good use soon!
The parent zone is something I wish I had thought of when I was planning nurseries for my kids.
I completely agree with you top five nursery essentials, I really like the parent zone.
Great suggestions. I think that is one mistake I made way back when, I didn’t make the nursery comfortable for myself too when I was breastfeeding. I would have loved to have some great soft music and more comfortable chairs. These nurseries look awesome.
Love the parent zone idea. I used to keep water on my bedside table when I was nursing, but I usually forgot it on my way to the nursery at 3am!
These are great tips, I will send these to my friends who recently had a new born! 😀
What some great ideas – I wouldn’t have a clue where to start with putting together a nursery. x
Great ideas! I made certain I had a special light in my daughters room where I could adjust how bright or dim it was; which made it a blessing for night time feedings. You won’t want super bright at night. But you do need enough to be able to see by. Amber E.
Great tips, neither of my kids ever used their nursery. My husband always ended up in there on a futon because the babies woke him up and he needed his rest – grrr. I would have loved to have implemented some of your ideas if I could have – that dresser to use for changing is a favorite.
Those are all super important things! My son slept in bed with me when he was a newborn and then went to his own bed! I miss those days!!
I love the glider we purchased for my son’s nursery. Best investment!
Perfect list! Real,ly, I see so many “must” lists for babies and all I want to say it, save your money. This is the perfect list though. The glider, I was so glad to have one for 2 out of my four kids. Perfect thing to have
Great ideas. We put our changing pad on top of our short dresser, too.
I love the idea of keeping water bottles in the nursery. I would always be parched when nursing at night and couldn’t get all the way to the kitchen. – alice chase
You’re right about forgetting how much you’ll be in there. We made ours so baby friendly with the last one that we ended up bringing him to the bassinet in our room more often than not because there wasn’t a good place for us in there. And I have four kids so I should have known better. 🙂
These are great tips for nursery essentials….and the nurseries featured look great too
I love this idea for nurseries. Im getting into decorating, so this was good to know!
I agree with all of these. Especially the comfy chair! I spent a lot of time in the rocking chair in my son’s room.
When I had my second one, the furniture that was most helpful to us was the rocking chair. I still have my comfy rocking chair.. 🙂
Nice post– and I love the look of the netting over the baby’s bed…adorable.
This is such a great list! I loved having my rocking chair along for soothing nights under a starry night light sky