Baby Nursery Essentials

Expecting a new baby is an exciting time that’s full of emotions of joy and fear. The idea that you’re about to welcome a new little human into the world can be quite a nerve-wracking time for many people. Many expectant parents think they have to overdo the shopping and preparation measures for a new baby, but the reality is that you don’t need half of what you’ll find online for the essentials for a baby nursery. Today I’m going to break down the baby’s nursery essentials list into a much easier-to-follow and plan for guide.

Baby Nursery Essentials:

Crib or Bassinet

Your baby is going to need space to sleep. That could be a baby crib or a bassinet. The reality is each option has its pros and cons. The key is to research both options and see which one makes the most sense for your baby’s nursery and parenting style.

For the first 3 months, your baby will most likely sleep in a bassinet right next to your bed. At least mine did. Then Colt baby graduated from the bedside Halo to the Snoo but still in our room. Eventually, Colton moved to a crib but months later. 

So trust me mama, you have time! Don’t worry.

Baby Bedding

Next, you’ll want to have some baby bedding options. You’ll not want bulky pillows or sheets during the baby years, but rather Swaddler-style sleep outfits. With that being said, you will need some form of a sheet to put over the mattress that your baby will sleep on.

Changing Table

This is one of those necessary baby nursery items that you’ll use every single day. There are some high-tech changing pads that even weigh your baby.  Many changing tables double as a dresser to store your baby’s nursery items, so be sure to invest in one that works for storage too. If you already have a dresser you can easily just buy a changing tray.

Mobile for Crib / Sound Machine

This is something that looks cute and probably works but to be honest we never put ours up. Your baby will need to have something that helps them fall asleep. This could be a baby mobile that hangs above the crib or a noise machine that mimics the sound of the mother’s heartbeat. We use a light-up elephant that plays lullabies and I also recommend a shusher. 

Baby Monitor

I don’t even want to begin with how many times you’ll check on your newborn during the first months of raising a baby. Colton is almost 2 and I watch him like a hawk. That’s why I highly recommend you purchase a video baby monitor that allows you to see and hear your baby as well as a function that lets you speak to the baby without entering the nursery. Don’t judge me, we have 2.

I use the Miku and the Nest camera. I like the Nest because of the number of notifications it sends me and how it pulls up quickly but I need the Miku to monitor the temperature, his heart rate, the alarms (which are terrifying), and sleep tracking. 

I’ve also used the Owlet when he was a newborn to track oxygen levels. 

You’ll also want to get a monitor that works without wifi if you decide to travel. 

Comfy Rocking Chair

This will be especially helpful for those late-night feeding sessions! Regardless of whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, having a comfy rocking chair to sit in while you feed your baby during mid-night feedings will help keep the situation very relaxed.

Nightlight

It’s always a good idea to have a subtle nightlight. While your baby may not need this added light, since they were just in a somewhat dark womb, it will be helpful for midnight wakings. You won’t want to turn on the baby nursery light when your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, but you’ll need to see to navigate the room.

That about sums up my list of baby nursery essentials that every parent should consider getting for their new baby’s sleep quarters. The night light, the mobile, the crib, and bedding, as well as a changing table dresser and rocking chair, will work together to create a peaceful space for your new baby to get a good night’s sleep.

Check out my Amazon must-haves list! 

Baby Must-Haves 0-12mo

And make sure to follow my shop page on Amazon.

What are some other baby nursery essentials that have become a must in your life as a parent?