Baby's Nursery

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Nursery Essentials

Baby's Nursery

The Survival Guide To Baby's First Weeks At Home

A baby's nursery not only provides a comfortable atmosphere for sleeping, it also provides mom and baby a quiet place to rock and bond comfortably during the first few weeks of life.

Setting up your baby's nursery is one of the many joys you will have as an expectant mother. Deciding on what items you need to buy to fully furnish your baby's nursery however, can be a bit of a challenge, particularly if you are a first time parent. There are actually very few things a baby will truly 'need' during his first few weeks of life other than clean diapers, a food source and an occasional bath.

That doesn't mean however that you can't go all out when setting up your baby's nursery. In fact, most parents take great joy in setting up their baby's nursery for the first time and picking out that special baby bedding .



Nursery Essentials

Exactly which items are 'essential' in a nursery vary from parent to parent. There are some items however, that are unarguably indispensable to have in a baby's nursery.


Among these include:

The Baby's Crib

One of the more important pieces of furniture you will buy for your newborn baby is a crib. Most babies will sleep in their crib until they are 2 to 3 years old, so it is important that you buy one that is sturdy, attractive, safe and functional.

White Madison Lifetime Crib

It is a good idea to order your crib before you deliver your baby, so you have time to assemble it when it finally arrives. Keep in mind that many stores don’t keep furniture items in stock including cribs, so it may take a few days or weeks before your crib arrives!

Most cribs come without a mattress; so don’t forget to order this important accessory when buying your baby’s first crib!

For advice on how to select the best crib for your baby see the buying guide for baby cribs.

The Changing Station

While a changing table isn’t necessarily a necessity, it makes life a lot easier when you are working with a newborn. A diaper-changing table provides a safe, sturdy and convenient place to change your baby’s diaper.

White Changing Table with Wicker Baskets


Most changing tables also provide a handy area for storing your baby’s diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and other personal care items. They also come in a wide selection of styles, colors, sizes and brands. You can find almost any style to match your nursery or other house furniture.

For tips on selecting the right changing table see the buying guide for baby changing tables.

  
Be sure your changing station is stocked with a change of clothes, diapers, wipes and diaper cream so you don't have to go searching for items in the middle of the night. Having everything you could possibly need at your fingertips, day or night, is what a well stocked changing table is all about. Make sure you have all the helpful items on the following checklist.

  • Diapers
  • Baby Wipes
  • Changing Pad and Cover
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Baby Powder and Rash Ointment
  • Undershirts or One Pieces
  • Baby Nail Scissors
  • Thermometer
  • Nasal Aspirator
  • Brush or Comb
  • Diaper Pail and Refills
  • Toy to Entertain Baby

Baby Laundry Hamper

Willow Hamper - Pink

A laundry hamper is also a fine item to have in a nursery, particularly because babies have a habit of leaking out of their diapers, sometimes several times per day.


Rocking Chair or Glider and  Night Lights

Deluxe Glider Rocker with padded arms and ottoman
Having a rocker or glider in the room will add to your comfort during late night feeds. To accompany this, a small night light will make it easier for you to find your way about the room in the middle or the night.
Half-Shade Night Light - Green Gingham

Crib Sheets  and  Mattress Pads & Covers

You should also make sure that you have snug fitting sheets and a waterproof pad for your crib. Next be sure to set up a changing area near the crib. This will help you transition baby from crib to changing table conveniently when you have late night feeds.

Fitted Cotton Crib Sheet - Pink
Fitted Waterproof Mattress Pad

Receiving Blankets

You should look at receiving blankets that are soft, generously sized and well made. Make sure they stand up well to allot of washings and still retain their size and color.

5 Pack Receiving Blankets in Pink Assortment


Dresser & Armoire

You might also consider having a dresser or armoire next to your baby's changing area, to help organize the multiple versions of onesies you have and also to ensure that you have baby necessities somewhere close by in case you have to grab some in a hurry.

Beatrice 4 Drawer White Chest


There are other items that while not necessities, can make the baby's nursery more accommodating to both mother and baby. These items include:

  • Diaper Disposal System
  • Wiper Warmer
  • Monitor
  • Radio and Clock

The most important thing to keep in mind when setting up your baby's nursery is that it should be a space that is not only comfortable but convenient and easy to use. You can always change the room around later to accommodate your child's growing needs.




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