Baby Nursery Checklist: 8 Must-Haves for a Happy Baby
This baby nursery checklist includes the top 8 items you shouldn’t skip when decorating the baby’s room. From a baby crib to a sound machine, here are the top products that helped me survive the challenging days of being a new mother.
Are you preparing to welcome a new addition to your home? If yes, then you’re in the right place!
The nursery will be the place where you and your baby will spend ample time of the day. This is where you’ll nurse your child, sing to them, and play with them. This might be the room where they’ll make their first sound and take their first step.
That’s why every parent wants to make the nursery the safest and most comfortable place on Earth.
Now that I have a 3-year-old toddler and an infant daughter, I figured I should make a baby nursery checklist of some of my most-used items that made parenthood a beautiful and safe experience.
So, if you’re in the midst of decorating, complete the space with these 8 nursery must-haves:
Baby Crib
If you’re unsure where to start, start by equipping your baby’s room with a crib. The best crib for your nursery will depend on the size of the room and your personal preferences.
You can go traditional and purchase a standard crib that complements a more traditionally designed nursery.
For more compact nurseries, use a mini crib instead.
And if you’re making plans for the future when your child enters toddlerhood, you can opt for a crib that converts into a twin bed.
Whichever crib you choose, it’ll most certainly be a comfy place for your little one to rest. Pair that crib with a hanging toy that plays a lullaby and blackout curtains that help keep the room dark, and you’ll have a child that sleeps soundly and profoundly.
Nursing Chair
The second thing on our baby nursery checklist is a nursing chair once the crib is in place.
A nursing chair positioned near the crib will be a convenient spot to lull or nurse your child to sleep.
A nursing chair is ideal for late-night feedings if your baby is a light sleeper and wakes up multiple times at night.
You can go for a more traditional design, or, just like with the crib, you can go with a more modern look. For added comfort, you can add an ottoman and soft pillow so that you feel rested and supported for hours with your little one.
Once your baby grows, the nursing chair can be transformed into a cozy place for reading bedtime stories.
Changing table and dresser
A changing table and a dresser are the ultimate pieces of nursery furniture.
Simply top your dresser with a changing table topper and convert it into a changing table. Once it’s time to say bye-bye to changing diapers, you can remove the table to convert it back to a kid’s dresser.
Not only a changing table and dresser can help prevent straining your back, but you can also keep your nappy-changing supplies neatly in one place.
On the plus (and more adorable) side, you can use the table for drying, massaging, and dressing your baby after a bath.
Baby Swaddle
Did you know that babies feel more comforted and calm in the tight, womb-like wrap of a swaddle?
Many parents swear by baby swaddles. They say that swaddling was an actual lifesaver in the early months to get their restless baby to fall asleep.
Swaddling a newborn comes with an endless number of benefits. It can help soothe a baby, help you with sleep training, and stop the baby from being disturbed by her own startle reflex.
Opt for an Aden and Anais Muslin Swaddle Blanket if you’re looking for something lightweight for swaddling your baby in a traditional burrito-like wrap.
Or, get the Love to Dream Swaddle Up with a zip-up if you don’t like complicated swaddles.
Whichever swaddle you choose, I’m sure your baby will look super adorable.
Check out our list of 5 Best Baby Swaddles of 2020!
Baby Blackout Curtains
Baby blackout curtains made our baby nursery checklist because of their multiple benefits. These curtains can block out sunlight, but many of these products can also block out sound and provide insulation against heat and cold.
Consider getting blackout curtains if you live on a well-lit street or if your region gets plenty of sunshine all-year-round. Especially if your baby is a light sleeper, an excellent blackout curtain, coupled with a sound machine, can help you have a well-rested baby.
These blackout curtains are specially made for early risers and babies who struggle with napping during the day. By installing these curtains into your child’s room, you can get a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning and during the day.
Take a look at our list of top 6 Blackout Curtains for a Nursery.
Baby Sound Machine
What is a nursery without a baby sound machine?
Baby sound machines do two things really well: they soothe babies to go to sleep, and they also drown out annoying sounds that might prevent your infant from getting high-quality sleep.
These machines are soothing, convenient, and affordable. The majority of them come with a variety of sounds that can help put your baby to sleep.
Nurse your baby on the sound of crashing waves. Or, let your baby soothe himself to sleep on the sound of falling rain.
Whether your dog is barking in the next room or your neighbor is taking his motorcycle for a spin, you can rest assured that your baby won’t notice a sound.
If you’re interested in getting a sound machine for your home, check out our list of The 5 Best Sound Machines for Babies to Buy in 2020.
Night Light
Some babies fall asleep and stay asleep until the morning. Others wake up on even the slightest sound you make.
That’s why a night light can come in handy for your nursery. It’ll make it easy to see where you’re walking in a darkened room. It’ll also make those diaper-changes slightly less disturbing for your child.
These night lights are adorable, amazingly functional, and nursery-ready. Whether you’re a fan of panda bears or stars, the night lights come in all shapes.
Simply purchase the night light that catches your eye and place it on your dresser to cast a soothing, tranquil glow.
If a night light is what it takes to ease your little one right into those sweet dreams, then it’s definitely worth adding it to the nursery.
Activity mat
Not sure what else to add to the nursery?
Consider an activity mat to encourage mental and physical development. Get a few baby toys, place your little on the mat, and watch him play and develop.
Whether it’s a marine-themed mat or an activity gym, these mats provide a safe, comfy spot for your little one to relax and play.
On the plus side, activity mats are perfect for tummy time, which helps babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and prevent getting a flat head.
Anything to add to our baby nursery checklist?
My checklist of nursery essentials ends here.
However, there are a few other nice-to-haves that you might want to include in your baby’s room-items like baby swings, baby monitor, baby carrier, and a diaper bag.
It’s up to you to decide which items you think are essential for your baby.
And once the nursery is filled with all the essentials, you and your baby will have a fun and organized space for nursing, sleeping, and playing.
Don’t forget: the most crucial ingredient for a happy nursery is unconditional love.
Originally published at https://thesleepycub.us on June 12, 2020.
