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September 20, 2022

Baby Nursery Checklist for First-Time Parents

If you’re a first-time parent, you’re probably looking for the best advice out there when it comes to buying things for your baby’s nursery. It can be hard to know where to start, though. There are so many different baby and toddler products on the market that it’s absolutely wild! Do you need several different baby bottle types, a wipe warmer, a sound machine, pacifiers, or the fancy baby projector you saw at a baby boutique last week?  So, what do you truly need? Some of it is just nice to have, and other things are necessary. To help make it easier, though, here is a baby nursery checklist to help get you started.

A Crib and Comfy Sheets

Arguably, the most important thing you need to get for your nursery is a crib. Make sure it’s well put together and has a good firm mattress. While the baby will probably sleep in a bassinet or pack and play in your room for the first few months of their lives, you’ll be thankful for the crib once you want to transition your baby to their own room. 

While you’re at it, you’ll want to get fitted crib sheets. You’ll want sheets that are made from soft breathable materials in calming colors and patterns. You’ll also want to get more than one set of sheets. You’ll thank us later when the baby has a blowout or spits up all over his/her sheets in the middle of the night.

A Comfortable Rocking Chair

Having a place to sit when you’re feeding your baby, reading to them or simply just helping them go to sleep is a necessity for every nursery. Investing in a comfortable and durable rocking chair and ottoman is a must. You’ll be so thankful when you’re awake feeding the baby late at night or early in the morning!

Lighting

You’ll want to make sure your nursery has some kind of special lighting for late-night feedings. Whether this is a motion-activated light or a table-top dimmable lamp, it will help so much. There’s nothing quite like trying to carry a hungry baby, bottle and blanket when you’re tired in the dark. It can even be dangerous. So, make sure you have some kind of dimmable lighting or night light in your nursery.

Changing Station

When it comes to a changing station, people have different opinions. Some people love the ease of a changing table. Others prefer to change their baby on a blanket on the floor. No matter how you want to do it, you’ll want to have a storage bin with all of your changing supplies complete with diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream. If you have a changing table, you’ll also want to get a changing pad cover or two. Like the sheets, messes happen when it comes to babies. You’ll be glad you have more than one to change out and wash. 

Humidifier and Thermometer

As sad as it is, babies get sick. There is not a ton you can do for a sick baby.  Having some supplies on hand for when they get the sniffles can really help, though. Make sure you have a baby humidifier and a thermometer. Babies’ temperatures are big indicators of what’s happening with them, so having a thermometer you trust on hand is important. Humidifiers are also a necessity because they are one of the only things you can use to help a tiny baby with a cold.

Wearable Blankets

Because it’s a safety hazard, babies can’t use loose blankets for a while. However, you probably want to make sure they stay snug and warm. That’s where a wearable blanket for baby comes in handy. These blankets are almost like snug sleeping bags with sleeves. Some of them can be used to swaddle in a baby’s arms. Others simply let the baby’s hands wave around free. No matter the style you use, these cute wearable blankets allow your baby to stay warm without the safety hazard loose blankets can cause. 

Swaddles

If you have a younger baby, or maybe you’d prefer to swaddle your baby, a baby muslin swaddle blanket is a nursery and diaper bag must-have! Muslin swaddles are great for not only swaddling babies, but they can be used for a nursing cover, burp cloth and even a changing pad or sun shade in a pinch. They’re one of the most versatile items you can have and no nursery should be without a few swaddle blankets.

Hooded Towels and Bath Supplies

Bathtime can be super fun for babies. So, you’ll want to make sure your nursery includes bath supplies as well as a few baby hooded towels. While you could use regular towels for babies, a hooded towel helps keep them warmer and can easily dry their little heads. The towels just make for a much more comfortable baby after bath time!

Breast Pump

If you’re planning on breastfeeding or pumping to bottle feed, you’ll need a great quality breast pump. You’ll most likely be using it quite a bit, so you’ll want one that is comfortable to use, compact and gets the job done quickly. Make sure as you shop for breast pumps you look at all of their features carefully to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need.

Things You Shouldn’t Have in Your Nursery

There are a few things that might seem like a good idea, but shouldn’t be added to your crib or nursery. Here are a few items you’ll want to skip:

  • Pillows in baby’s crib
  • Crib bumpers
  • Loose blankets
  • Items hung around the baby’s crib that could fall in

For more information about items you shouldn’t keep in your baby’s crib, refer to our post here

While there are so many other supplemental items you can get for your baby’s nursery, this is a great jumping-off point. Just know that the baby doesn’t need much. So, don’t stress too much about it!