Nursery Must-Haves: Your Guide To The Best Baby Room
Getting your nursery ready for your new baby is arguably one of the most fun times of your pregnancy. But, it can also become a bit overwhelming, especially for a new parent. What kind of baby crib, nursery chair, and other nursery furniture should you get? And (gasp!) what if you forget something important? Well, first, take a deep breath and know that we’ve got your back. Then, read on for your complete baby nursery checklist.
When Should I Start Preparing My Nursery?
Good news! It’s never too early to start prepping your baby nursery. You may want to focus the bulk of your efforts, however, during your second trimester (sometimes referred to as the “honeymoon” period), when you may feel your best. This is because it’s when your initial morning sickness will likely subside.
What Are The Baby Items To Buy Before Delivery?
In addition to outfitting your baby nursery, you’ll want to have a delivery plan and be sure to have some other things on standby for your infant’s arrival. These items are crucial during the first few days of your baby’s life, and you most likely won’t have time to research and secure them after delivery.
If you drive, one essential item is a car seat, which you can have checked for free to be sure it’s installed correctly. You can do this at your local fire station, police station, auto dealership, and hospital, among many other places. There are even consultants you can hire for exactly this purpose. To find out exactly where to go near you, check out: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm or http://www.seatcheck.org/. You can also call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK.
Other items you may want to have on hand are breastfeeding supplies, like a nursing bra and pads, baby bottles and nipples, and formula—even if you’re planning to breastfeed. Of course, you’re going to want to stock up on baby clothes and diapers—lots of diapers.
Another option that’s wise to keep on hand are Infants’ Mylicon Gas Relief Drops in our dye-free or original formula. That way, if your baby’s belly gets full of uncomfortable gas, you can quickly help relieve it. The active ingredient works quickly to gently break gas bubbles down so your infant can naturally release them, and it won’t stay in your baby’s system—it’s not even absorbed.
You can also help support your little ones digestion and immunity with our Infants’ Mylicon Daily Probiotic Drops. They help balance your little one’s tummy with “good” bacteria when given daily. And if your baby turns out to be colicky, our probiotic drops can reduce crying and fussiness by 50% or more over time.
What Do You Actually Need In a Nursery?
Now the fun part! Follow the below nursery checklist to be sure you’ve got all your baby bases covered.
Crib or bassinet: Think of a crib or bassinet as the pièce de résistance of your baby room. It will be the main focal point. For a crib, be sure to include a firm, waterproof mattress that fits snugly—you shouldn’t be able to put any more than two fingers between the mattress and crib. Then, adorn it with whatever cute fitted sheet you choose. However, ensure that whatever sheet you choose fits your mattress tightly to avoid gathering or potentially dangerous snags. (It’s also a good idea to get multiple sheets in case your little one’s diaper leaks.)
Avoid cribs that have slides that drop down, as they’ve been deemed dangerous and banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. You’ll also want to be sure the slats in the crib are no more than two and ⅜ of an inch apart, and that there are no decorative cutouts in the headboard or footboard for your baby to get stuck in.
No need for a pillow or heavy blanket, a light baby blanket or velcro swaddle will do. And when your infant is a few months older, you may want to consider a sleep sack, which is designed to help encourage self-soothing. Just be sure not to place the crib or bassinet by a window that has dangling cords.
Consider opting for a convertible crib. It will come in handy when your baby is ready to graduate into a toddler bed, as it conveniently transforms into one. Now that’s a good investment!
Mobile: If your crib doesn’t have one built in, a mobile accessory is a great way to help soothe your baby and entertain them in the process. You can choose from ones that play calming sounds and have lights and/or mirrors, or find one that plays music and has dancing figurines. Your options are endless.
Changing table: You’re going to be spending a lot of time changing diapers, so it makes sense to have a good spot to use. Changing tables come in many forms, including ones with shelves for storage and/or drawers for clothes, ointments, wipes, and other necessities. Look for one that has a nice comfy, concave pad on the top for your baby to lay on, and a guardrail that’s at least two inches high.
You can also buy a diaper-changing pad separately, and fit it securely to the top of a dresser or cabinet you already own. Whatever you choose, just be sure to keep diapers, wipes, and any ointments you’ll need very close, either on or in the changing table or furniture, so you don’t have to leave your baby to get anything.
Dresser: Infants are like magnets to messes. So, it can help to have somewhere to organize all their tiny little outfits (or create additional diaper storage) in a fuss-free dresser that is as practical as it is stylish. Try to find one with at least three drawers. That way, you’ll have plenty of space to work with. And, if you opt to use the top as a changing table, be sure to anchor it to the wall for stability, and get a separate changing pad to secure to it, such as the aforementioned one.
Clothes hamper: All those outfit changes will mean you’ll need somewhere to house everything that needs a wash. Keep a clothes hamper in the baby nursery to save you trips back and forth to the laundry room.
Storage baskets: Speaking of organizing, storage baskets can be a great way to have frequently used items, like wipes, bibs, burping cloths, and toys within arm’s reach.
Rocking chair or glider: Next to changing diapers, feeding your baby will take up a significant amount of time. While there are different feeding positions you can try, it’s always a good idea to make comfort during feeding a priority for you both. The rocking or gliding motion is also an excellent way to soothe a crying baby—you may even find yourself dozing off too.
Baby monitor: You’ve finally gotten your little one to sleep. Now, you're free to tackle other things, like endless laundry and bottle cleaning. But, with a baby monitor, you are able to conquer your to-do list and still keep an eye on your little one and any adorable peeps they make from afar.
Nightlight: Your baby is likely to have their most successful sleep in the dark. However, a nightlight will provide very helpful illumination as you navigate middle-of-the-night feedings without disturbing them. It will also make it a little easier to see your baby on a video monitor once you’ve (finally) gotten them down to sleep.
Next: Help make sure your baby gets the best sleep possible with our Baby Sleep Handbook.