Getting ready for your baby’s arrival? I get it.
As a first-time parent, I spent countless hours staring at my empty nursery walls, feeling lost about what to buy.
My credit card statement showed $500 worth of items my baby never used. What a waste! Like many parents, I learned the hard way that not every “must-have” item truly matters.
But here’s the good news – after helping hundreds of parents set up their nurseries and learning from my own experience, I’ve created a real, tested list of 13 items your baby will need.
These aren’t just random picks – they’re items that have made life easier for countless parents, including me.
Preparing For Your Baby’s Arrival
Setting Up A Nursery With Confidence
A well-organized nursery starts with key items for your baby’s comfort and safety. You’ll need a safe sleep space with a firm mattress and fitted sheets. Add a reliable baby monitor, changing area, and smart storage solutions. Soft lighting and a comfy chair complete the basics.
Start your setup around week 20 of pregnancy. This gives you enough energy to work steadily and time to organize everything properly. No rush means less stress before the baby arrives.
Make this a family project. Let your partner handle furniture while you sort baby clothes. Invite grandparents to help organize – they often share wonderful parenting stories while folding tiny outfits.
Separating Essentials From Optionals
Safety comes first in nursery planning. Focus on items that protect your baby and simplify your daily routine. A proper mattress matters more than pretty bedding sets.
Your true needs are simple: a safety-approved crib, clear-sound monitor, basic white noise maker, changing pad, and storage bins. These create a working nursery that serves your baby well.
Save decorations, multiple swaddle types, wipe warmers, and musical toys for later. Look at your space and budget first. Small nurseries work best with multi-use furniture. If money’s tight, start with basics and add more over time. Remember, your baby needs your care more than fancy items.
13 Must-Have Nursery Items
1. Crib Or Bassinet
A safe sleeping space is non-negotiable. I went with a crib because it grows with the baby, but bassinets are great, too, especially if you’re tight on space or want the baby close by in the first few months. Whatever you choose, make sure it meets safety standards—no loose parts or soft bedding.
- Safety Standards: Ensure the crib or bassinet meets modern safety regulations (e.g., no drop sides, proper spacing between slats).
- Mattress Fit: The mattress should fit without any gaps to prevent the baby from getting stuck.
2. Crib Mattress And Sheets
This goes hand in hand with the crib. I chose a firm mattress because it’s safer for newborns, and I bought a few sets of breathable, snug-fitting sheets. Babies can be messy, so having backups ready was a lifesaver!
- Firmness: Choose a firm mattress as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Material: Opt for breathable, hypoallergenic sheets made from cotton or bamboo.
3. Changing Table Or Pad
Trust me, having a dedicated diaper-changing area is very essential. I used a simple changing pad that could be placed on a dresser. It saved space and was super easy to clean. Adding a washable cover also kept things neat and comfy for my baby.
- Safety Straps: Look for a pad with safety straps to secure your baby during diaper changes.
- Waterproof Cover: Ensure the cover is waterproof and easy to wipe clean for quick mess management.
4. Storage Solutions
Keeping the nursery organized was a priority for me. I used a mix of dressers and bins to store baby clothes, diapers, and toys. I even labeled some of the bins to make it easier to grab what I needed in a hurry—especially during those late-night diaper changes!
- Accessibility: Use low shelves or drawers so everything you need is within easy reach.
- Safety Anchors: Secure furniture like dressers or shelves to the wall to prevent tipping accidents.
5. Rocking Chair Or Glider
This became my favorite spot in the nursery. Whether I was feeding, rocking, or just enjoying some quiet time with my baby, a comfortable chair made all the difference. I picked one with padded armrests and a gentle rocking motion—it was so soothing for both of us.
- Comfort Features: Look for padded armrests and a cushioned seat for extended use.
- Stability: Ensure the chair has a smooth motion and is stable to avoid tipping.
6. Diaper Pail
I can’t stress enough how important this was for keeping the nursery smelling fresh. I chose one with a good seal and an easy disposal system. It saved me from running to the trash can every time I changed a diaper!
- Odor Control: Choose a model with a strong seal or a built-in deodorizer.
- Bag System: Check if the pail requires proprietary bags or if it works with regular trash bags.
7. White Noise Machine
This little device was a lifesaver for sleep time. It helped drown out noises like the doorbell or barking dogs and created a calm environment for my baby. Some models even have soothing lullabies, which I found adorable.
- Volume Control: Pick a machine with adjustable volume to suit your baby’s preference.
- Portable Option: A lightweight or travel-friendly model is great for naps on the go.
8. Swaddles And Sleep Sacks
- Material: Use soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to keep your baby comfortable.
- Size: Choose swaddles and sleep sacks that match your baby’s weight and age for safety.
9. Night Light
I didn’t realize how useful this would be until I started using it. A soft, warm night light made late-night feeds and diaper changes much easier without completely waking up the baby—or me, for that matter!
- Brightness: Look for dim, warm-toned lights to avoid overstimulating your baby.
- Energy Efficiency: LED night lights last longer and are cost-effective.
10. Baby Monitor
- Range: Ensure the monitor has a sufficient range to cover your home’s layout.
- Features: Consider additional options like two-way audio or room temperature monitoring.
11. Humidifier
- Filter-Free Option: A filter-free humidifier is easier to maintain and clean.
- Size: Choose a humidifier with a water tank that suits the size of your nursery.
12. Burp Clothes And Bibs
- Absorbency: Look for multi-layered options to handle messes effectively.
- Size: Larger burp cloths and bibs cover more area and offer better protection.
13. First Aid And Grooming Kit
- Thermometer Type: Opt for a digital or forehead thermometer for quick and accurate readings.
- Nail Clippers: Choose baby-specific nail clippers with rounded edges for safety.
Conclusion
Your baby’s nursery needs love, not a long shopping list. The 13 items I shared today come from real parenting experiences, not store catalogs. Each pick focuses on safety and usefulness, putting your baby’s needs first.
Start with these basics, then build as you learn what works for your family. Many parents tell me they felt better after focusing on must-haves rather than buying everything at once.
Ready to start? Pick one item from the list and begin there. Maybe get that crib first, or set up a cozy feeding corner. Take small steps. And if you need help choosing what to buy first, drop a comment below.
I’d love to hear about your nursery plans and share more specific tips based on your space and needs.
Ava Taylor, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Pratt Institute, has made her mark in creating engaging and functional living spaces for over 14 years. She began her career with a New York-based design studio, where she gained a reputation for her innovative and user-centric designs. Ava joined our team in 2019, bringing a blend of artistic flair and practicality to our home improvement section. Since the she has been the lead contributor to our room transformation series, inspiring readers with her unique approach to maximizing space utility and aesthetic appeal. Beyond her professional work, Ava is a passionate collector of vintage furniture, a hobby that enriches her design perspective.
