One of the first things many parents think about when preparing for baby is the nursery. This is where your little one will spend a lot of their early days, so creating a peaceful and functional space is key. Here are some tips:
Essential Furniture
The basic furniture you'll need for the nursery includes:
Crib: Look for a crib that meets current safety standards. Consider a convertible crib that grows with your child.
Changing Table: You can choose a dedicated changing table or use a changing pad on a dresser. Just make sure it’s sturdy and has enough space to store baby essentials.
Glider or Rocking Chair: A comfy chair is essential for those late-night feedings and soothing moments.
Storage Solutions: Bins, baskets, or shelves will help you keep baby clothes, diapers, and toys organized.
Safety First
When designing the nursery, remember to keep safety top of mind:
Ensure that the crib has no loose parts or sharp edges.
Secure furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.
Keep cords and blinds out of baby’s reach to avoid strangulation hazards.
Use non-toxic paints and materials for furniture.
Create a Calming Atmosphere
Babies are sensitive to their environment, so aim to create a peaceful space with soft colors and lighting. Light pastel shades like soft pinks, blues, or neutrals are popular, but choose whatever makes you feel calm and happy. Consider adding a nightlight, a white noise machine, and soft, cozy textiles like blankets and rugs.
At the same time, you also have to know you don’t need to buy everything under the sun for your newborn, but there are some must-have items that will make the early months a lot easier.
Clothing
Babies grow quickly, so don’t overstock on newborn-sized clothes. Some essentials include:
5-7 onesies
3-5 sleepers or footed pajamas
Hats (for warmth or sun protection)
Socks or booties
Swaddle blankets
Feeding Supplies
Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, here’s what you'll need:
Nursing bras and pads (for breastfeeding)
Breast pump and storage bags (if breastfeeding and pumping)
Bottles and nipples (if bottle-feeding or supplementing)
Formula (if needed)
Burp cloths (trust me, you’ll need more than you think)
Diapering
Diapering is a big part of the first year. You'll need:
Diapers (cloth or disposable)
Wipes
Diaper rash cream
Diaper pail (to contain odors)
Sleep Essentials
Your baby will sleep a lot (especially in the early months), so it’s important to have a safe sleep setup. Consider:
A bassinet or crib with a firm mattress
Swaddle blankets or sleep sacks (avoid loose blankets)
A baby monitor for peace of mind
Travel Gear
Even if you’re mostly staying home in the early weeks, you’ll want a few key travel items:
Infant car seat (a must for bringing baby home from the hospital)
Stroller (check if it’s compatible with your car seat for easier trips)
Diaper bag with compartments for easy access to essentials
Health and Hygiene
Take care of baby’s delicate skin and health with:
Baby-safe shampoo and body wash
Soft washcloths
Thermometer
Baby nail clippers or a file
A nasal aspirator for stuffy noses
If you're struggling with the furniture your baby needs to use, take a look at maydollybaby ( https://www.maydollybaby.com/ ) an up-and-coming mom and baby brand that aims to provide every family with high-quality and cost-effective products, from smart bassinets to classic bedside beds, as well as nursing tables and dining chairs. You should be able to find what you need here.
