5 Essential Items for Your Nursery
When you’re preparing for a new baby, there’s a long to-do list of things to set up and purchase. The most pressing issue on your mind is likely the nursery. What should the theme be? What do you need to fill it with? To help you on your journey, here are five essential items on your nursery. Once you check these major items off your list, it’ll be easier to focus on the little things.
Crib
Cribs are where your newborn will spend a huge portion of their time. Ensuring it’s comfortable, pragmatic, and, above all else, safe is important. While a wide range of styles and variations exist, there are multiple reasons to choose a crib over a bassinet or cradle.
Crib accessories, like blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys might appear tempting but resist the urge. Cramming too many objects into the crib can increase your newborn’s chances of dying from SIDS. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Changing Table
Changing tables offer a place for you to safely change your newborn’s diaper. Most modern tables come equipped with storage nooks attached to either the bottom or sides—some even come with convenient, detachable disposal cans.
Nursing/Rocking Chair
Nursing and rocking chairs are intended less for newborns and more for their mother’s comfort. Pick one that suits your taste. The ideal nursing chair should let you lean backward, rock, and elevate your feet.
For the baby, a nursing pillow is an absolute must. Keeping their head elevated during feedings will help them avoid painful indigestion and gas.
Storage
Another essential item for your nursery is storage—and plenty of it. Roomy drawers and lofty shelves to store your baby’s diapers, clothing, and toys are a must.
Newborns require frequent changings throughout the day, which means they tend to have more clothes than the average grown-up. Preparing a spacious closet area or purchasing a multi-drawer dresser will leave you with plenty of room to store their clothes, washcloths, bibs, and socks.
As a bonus, dressers can be used as a replacement changing table. Apply a changing pad kit, and you’re good to go!
Shelving units are fantastic ways to organize storybooks, picture frames, and small toys.
Baby Supplies
Diapers, wipes, and clothes are nursery necessities, as is a small collection of fun, stimulating toys. Keep your fabrics on the milder, softer end. If they’re too rough, they could damage your baby’s skin.
For toys, keep a small bucketful—enough that you can swap them out on a weekly basis, but not enough that they fill the room with unnecessary clutter.
