Between bedtime and naps, babies spend a good part of their days sleeping. An attractive, well-built crib is the staple of a nursery—and one of the most used items. With a standard crib and mattress, you’ll know your little sweetie is safely off in dreamland. From mid-century modern designs to contemporary styles, find a crib that matches your vision. Most models are convertible cribs that follow them into toddlerhood.

With your crib, you’ll need a corresponding mattress. A firm mattress is safest for your baby as soft mattresses pose a suffocation risk. Plus, they are typically double sided, one firm side for when your baby is first born and the other that’s softer, perfect for when they grow up. Choose a coil spring or a foam mattress, whichever feels most comfy to you. Read reviews or test out mattresses to see how comfortable they are. Chances are if you’d sleep on the mattress, so would your little one.

Your crib mattress should fit snugly in the crib, with no more than an inch gap at any point between the rails and the mattress.

For both the early mornings and late nights, choose a comfy spot to feed, snuggle and read to your baby. Some common nursery chairs include gliders, rockers and recliners. Gliders move on a fixed track, while rocking chairs rock back and forth in an arc. Opt for a fabric that cleans well in case there are spills and accidents. Make sure the chair offers you plenty of back support so after feeding and holding baby, your body feels relaxed instead of tense. We also offer a super quiet and smooth power recliner, perfect for when your little one is asleep.

Because you’ll be feeding baby several times a day, both you and the baby should be comfortable. Whether you’re nursing or bottle-feeding, a nursing pillow offers support for baby’s head and body—and reduces the strain on your muscles. Consider buying two nursing covers for your pillow, so you can swap one out to get washed.

Create a comfy, soft place for baby to rest their head. Choose sheets, including organic styles, that match the nursery decor but are also delicate on baby’s skin. From playful designs to basic colors, you can switch out the bedding based on your mood. Give yourself at least two sets, so you don’t have to wait for clean laundry in case of an accident. You’ll also want waterproof, breathable mattress covers to protect your mattress and keep it sanitary. 

Since you’ll be changing baby often, give yourself a convenient, ergonomic spot for diaper and outfit swaps. With a dresser and topper set, you’ll have a place to store wipes, diapers and clothes within arm’s reach. Consider a design with a removable changing pad so you can continue using the dresser during the toddler and childhood years.

Keeping the nursery organized offers you a more relaxed environment. You can house everything from blankets to stuffed animals and extra sheets in adorable knitted bins. Choose a design for your baskets that blend in with the rest of your nursery decor. These bins fit in closets, dresser drawers or on a bookshelf.

As a parent, you’ll be doing plenty of laundry. Why not choose a cute design for your hamper? Be sure to select a lightweight structure for easy lifting. To make laundry day a breeze, opt for two hampers, so you can separate your lights from your darks. By choosing one with a lid, you’ll also keep smells down.

Whether you’re laying baby down to sleep or greeting them in the morning, a nightlight lets you see the way without adding brightness to the room. Opt for a design that enhances the atmosphere of the nursery, like one featuring an elephant or a fox. Once your little one is older, a cute design can soothe them when they're scared of the dark. Aim for a gentle light with an easy off/on switch.

A baby monitor lets you keep an eye on your baby without disturbing their slumber. With peace of mind in hand, you can finish chores or log some Z’s yourself.

Paired with a vitals monitor, a classic video monitor is a great addition to any nursery. Whether you’ve just put them down for a nap or they’re just learning to sleep through the night, this is a great way to sleep train and make safety a priority.

As you’re sleep training your little one, creating a cozy, dark space in their nursery will be essential to helping them fall (and stay) asleep successfully. Invest in a set of blackout curtains to block out any extra light, from falling asleep during a long summer day or settling in for an afternoon nap.

Creating a soft and cozy area for tummy time with a rug is a great way to personalize your baby’s nursery. Plus, the soft carpet will help quiet your footsteps as you sneak in to check on them in the night.

White noise and ambient sounds are essentials for ensuring a restful night of sleep for your little one. Opt for a mobile option if you’re regularly on the go.

For families living in dry climates, humidifiers can help make a nursery more comfortable for your baby to sleep. Pick one with variable settings that can adapt to your needs as the seasons change or if your baby has a cold.

Sweet dreams are possible every night with a fun mobile. Pick a mobile that aligns with the theme of your baby’s nursery, whether you’ve chosen an array of fun colors or an animal theme.

Nursery storage is critical for keeping your little one’s space organized and tidy. Pick out a designated bookshelf to store essentials, from toys to diapers.

Creating a cozy environment in your baby’s nursery is easy with the perfect lighting. Choose a lamp or two for soft lighting for late-night feedings.

Decorating your baby’s nursery is a great way to create a cohesive look, so don’t forget about including wall decor. Floating shelves, framed pictures and wall hangings can all brighten up the space and make it unique.

With a delightful nursery that’s also practical, you’ll feel more ready for the journey ahead. Once you have your nursery essentials picked out, add decor and accessories like wall art and a crib mobile. Having a personalized nursery will make you and your baby feel right at home. 

Sources

Consumer Product Safety Commission | Parents