Checklist for Setting Up a Baby Nursery
Essential Items for a Baby Nursery Room
A new baby is on the way ~ Congratulations!
Setting up your baby nursery does not have to be overwhelming. Making a checklist for yourself to ensure all necessary items are in place will help you feel prepared and less stressed. Take a deep breath and enjoy this time in your life.
Here is a checklist that will help you determine the essential items you will definitely need in your nursery. Then below you will find a separate list of non-essential items that you could include in your baby’s room if you wish.
A Safe Comfy Place for Your Baby to Sleep
- Baby Crib
- Crib Mattress
- Waterproof Mattress Pad
- Crib Sheets
- Blankets
- Special Baby Wedge Pillow
When you first bring your baby home, a cradle or a bassinet will work as a place for your baby to sleep. Yet eventually, you will likely need a baby crib and firm mattress. You may want to consider a crib model that can convert to a toddler bed to save on that expense several years down the road.
It is best to invest in a couple waterproof mattress pads, several crib sheets and baby blankets. This way, you are prepared when one set is in the wash.
Place the crib away from windows, shelving, lamps, curtains; anything the baby may be able to reach outside the crib.
Whether you are purchasing a brand new crib or a hand-me-down, be sure to visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to view their Regulations & Standards for Crib Safety.
A Place for You to Sit
- Comfortable Rocker or Chair
Not only do babies like motion and enjoy being rocked, you will want a comfortable place to sit during midnight feedings, etc. Consider also adding a footstool to put your feet up. Even better, consider a reclining rocker chair.
A Place to Change Your Baby
- Baby Changing Table
- Waterproof Pad
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper Rash or Moisture Barrier Cream
Yes, it is possible to change your baby in the crib or even on the floor. But a sturdy changing table makes the job so much easier with space to store all that you need including diapers, wipes and a waterproof pad. It’s also much easier on your back.
A Place to Store Clothing Items
- Dresser
- Mini Hangers
- Clothes/Outfits
- Pajamas/Onesies
- Jackets/Sweaters
- Socks/Booties
- Shoes
- Hats/Bonnets
Of course your baby will need clothes, socks/shoes, pajamas and outerwear. And you will need a place to store all of these items. Only use baby-friendly furniture that does not have small parts that can come off or sharp edges. If it does, you can purchase safety items such as corner protectors. If you have a closet, you may wish to hang some of the clothes on mini hangers to keep them organized.
A Place for Toys
- Baby Toys
- Toy Box
You will want to have age appropriate toys for your baby to enhance their learning and growth.
Eventually, you will want something that helps prevent toys from taking over your house. If you do not want to purchase an actual toy box, you could simply use baskets or crates to keep things organized.
A Place to Bathe & Groom Your Baby
- Baby Bathtub
- Soft Baby Towels & Wash Clothes
- Baby Soap & Shampoo
- Comb & Brush Set
- Baby Toothbrush
- Nail Clippers & Emery Board
- Lotion & Powder
- Diaper Rash Cream
- Bath Toys
A proper baby bathtub is best to be sure your baby is always safe while bathing. Never ever leave your baby alone while in any tub with water.
You will also need the other supplies listed above to keep your baby clean, groomed and happy.
A Place for Dirty Diapers
- Diaper Pail
This is more important than you may realize right now. Whether it’s a diaper pail or any container with a tight fitting lid, you will be happy you have one.
A Place for Dirty Clothes
- Hamper
Some parents choose to wash baby clothes separate from the family laundry using a more mild detergent instead of regular laundry detergent that can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. Use a hamper to keep the baby’s clothes separate.
Non-Essential Items for a Baby Nursery Room
Items for the baby nursery that are “non-essentials” really are a personal preference. Here is a list of items you may wish to consider including.
- Baby Monitor
Many parents like the security that a baby monitor provides when they are unable to be in the same room with the baby.
- Lamp
Consider soft lighting in your nursery.
- Window Coverings
Shutting out sunlight in the nursery with curtains, blinds or black-out shades will help your baby sleep more soundly during the day. Dimming the sunlight in the room will also help when your baby is older and it’s “nap time.”
- Nursing Supplies
If you are planning on nursing your baby, you may wish to purchase a breast pump, breast pads, nipple cream and a special nursing pillow.
- Nightlight
Nightlights are very helpful when you are up and down all hours of the night.
- Clock
You may wish to have a clock in the baby nursery to keep track of scheduled feedings and other things like dosing medicine.
- Mobile
Most babies enjoy a mobile attached to their crib that spins and plays music.
- Bookshelf or Bins
A sturdy bookshelf and/or plastic bins are great to store things like books and other baby items.
- Decorations
Even just a few decorations such as pictures on the wall and stuffed animals on a windowsill will add to the visual scenery of the baby room.
- Music
A CD player where you can play soothing music for your little one or have fun with sing-a-long type music will really add to the mood of the nursery.
Other Items to Have on Hand in the Baby Nursery
There are so many baby items on the market today. Here is a list of just a few more items you may wish to have on hand.
- Baby Thermometer
- Bibs
- Burp Clothes
- First Aid Kit
- Pacifiers
- Rattles
- Teething Rings
Wishing you the best with your new bundle of joy!
This is Sharyn's Slant
