Must Have Baby Items

When designing your nursery, consider creating a cozy and functional space for your infant to sleep. With thousands of products designed to make life easier for you and your newborn, you may feel a need to fill the room from wall-to-wall with the latest nursery furniture and baby essentials. While this may be tempting for new parents, you’ll likely realize that many of these accessories end up tucked in the corner or hidden away in a closet.

Cribs

Start your baby checklist with one of the most critical newborn essentials: the crib. Cribs have come a long way in terms of design, and there are a vast array of features and options to fit every family.

Space can be a commodity when you have a new baby, so a crib that also doubles as storage can be a lifesaver. Look for a model with built-in storage drawers where you can stow linens, burp cloths and extra diapers. Midnight feedings and changes are a little less stressful when everything is close at hand.

Another popular choice is a convertible crib, which lets you adjust the bed for every age and stage. Change the mattress height as your little one learns to roll, crawl, stand and walk. When they’re ready, remove the front panel to reveal a toddler bed. To size up, use a simple conversion kit to change over to a full bed.

All-in-one cribs are another convenient nursery furniture solution. These designs typically include a standard bed as well as an attached changing table with shelves or drawers.

Mattress

Crib mattresses also come with several features that help keep your bundle of joy comfy. Foam and latex materials keep babies cool and cradle their bodies. It’s also a good idea to look for waterproof models for added protection against inevitable accidents.

Bedding

Your baby’s bedding should be soft and properly fitted. Fabrics such as cotton are breathable and help prevent your little one from getting too hot during the night.

Consider bedding specifically for girls or boys. Or consider these colors:

Helpful-to-Have Newborn Essentials

While these items might be lower on the list, they are still valuable additions to your little one’s space. Having a dedicated area to store your baby’s clothes or change a diaper can help save time and give you peace of mind, which can be invaluable for new parents.

Dressers

The right kids dresser is a piece of nursery furniture that your child can use well past babyhood. Search for models with large drawers to accommodate your son or daughter’s wardrobe through every age. When it comes to color and finish, opt for neutral shades to complement various styles as they mature.

More kids dresser options include:

Adding a changing topper turns a dresser into a multipurpose nursery hub. The tray and pad provide a convenient surface to change diapers and clothing, and once your baby outgrows it, you can remove it easily. Using a changing topper with a dresser also gives you ample room to keep baby necessities nearby.

Changing Tables

If you have the space, add a standalone changing table to your baby checklist. These pieces are the perfect height for diaper changes. Most models have a padded top and a safety strap, as well as plenty of spacious shelving for diapers and wipes.

Nursery Furniture That’s Nice to Have

Once you have the necessities for your baby’s room, you can begin decorating the space. While these pieces might be less vital than a crib or changing table, they’ll still prove beneficial when you’re getting your newborn to sleep or trying to keep the room clean.

Nursery Chairs

You and your little one will spend many hours snuggled up in your nursery chair, making it an important place for parents to bond with their new addition. There are many stylish designs to choose from, so pick one that’s comfortable.

Some options include:

Options for nursery chairs include upholstered, gray, white, pink, and blue.

Nightstands

Children’s nightstands allow you to keep your baby essentials handy. Spacious tops provide plenty of room for bottles, wipes and burp cloths. You can also try models with drawers to store extra diapers and onesies. When your little one gets older, you can repurpose their bedside table to hold a reading light and alarm clock.

Consider a boys bedside table, a girls bedside table or a white kids nightstand.

Toy Boxes

With all the toys and stuffed animals your baby is sure to get from loving relatives, you’re going to need somewhere to keep them. Toy boxes and storage chests are a versatile addition to your baby’s nursery that allow you to keep all of their blocks and plushies in one convenient place.

Bookshelves

Another great choice for your newborn’s bedroom is a bookshelf. These pieces allow you to display your baby’s favorite books so you can quickly find them when it’s time for a bedtime story. When your child outgrows their board books, they can swap them out for their favorite chapter books and comics.

Other Must-Have Baby Items

When you have all of your foundational pieces, you can start designing your nursery with cute and stylish accents. With the vast array of choices, it can be hard to narrow down the most useful items. If you’re unsure where to start, consider some of these options:

What to Put on a Baby Registry

When it comes to your registry, sticking to the essentials is your best bet. Give your gift-givers a range of products and price options so that everyone can take part in the excitement. Be sure to include less pricey baby necessities on your registry, such as diapers, wipes, laundry hampers, burp cloths and clothing.