Nursery Checklist: The Essentials You'll Need

You won’t be surprised to learn that having a baby comes with a lot of new “stuff” that you never needed previously. But it can be hard to work out which items are essential and which are simply canny marketing. 

Baby-rearing can be an expensive business, so it pays to know what you should spend your money on. A lot of new parents find it difficult to distinguish between those quality items that will last and get a lot of use and those which look good on display but aren’t worth paying for.

But don’t panic! We’ve put together the following checklist to help you work out what you should consider buying for your baby’s nursery.

Nursery Furniture For Sleeping

A Bedside Crib

The NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months. A bedside crib like the Rattan Cradle is designed to be kept right beside your bed, meaning your baby is at arm’s length – helpful for night feeds. They are great for helping new parents feel comforted that their baby is always close, but you also get the reassurance that they are sleeping in their own safe space.

Cot or Cot Bed

There are plenty of options to consider when buying a cot, but the uppermost in your mind are probably safety and functionality. Most cots are built to stringent manufacturing standards that make them very safe.

The great thing about most cots and cot beds, like the Clara Cot Bed or the Aylesbury Cot Bed, is that they are very adjustable. Cot beds can be used by your little one from birth to around four or five years old providing longevity of use. As your tot gets a bit bigger, you can lower the mattress and keep the sides raised to stop your toddler from adventuring out of bed in the middle of the night. Once they've grown up a little more, remove the sides altogether to make it more like a bed. As a result, spending a bit more on a good quality cot bed now can help you to save in the future.

Cot Mattress

The NHS recommends you buy a new mattress for every baby, so even if you’re reusing a crib or cot, a fresh mattress is key. The importance of finding the right mattress for your baby is crucial for both their sleep and for yours. There are many different types of cot mattresses available in the market. However, when it comes to your tot, you want to make sure they are getting the very best in terms of quality, support and safety. We have put together a separate guide to help you buy the best cot mattress for your baby.

Baby Blankets

Though not strictly furniture, blankets are a must-have for your newborn’s nursery. Duvets, quilts and pillows are not recommended for babies under one year old, so buy a couple of blankets that can be layered up depending on how cold it is. Our range of soft and tactile Comfi-Hugs cellular blankets are perfect for swaddling and providing your baby with extra layers of warmth when needed. Crafted from breathable bamboo fabrics and with machine-washable benefits, they make a great gift for anyone with a newborn.

Nursery Furniture For Changing Nappies

Baby Changing Station

Babies need a lot of nappy changes. The key is to set up a changing station where you have everything that you need ready to hand. Changing tables are a practical option if you have space in your nursery to have one and most, like the Clara 3 Drawer Changer, will have additional in-built storage space. They make changing your baby’s nappy easier because you won’t need to bend down or squat over your baby, which can be especially helpful if you are recovering from giving birth.

Baby Changing Mat

A changing mat is a padded, cushioned mat with raised edges to stop your baby from rolling and to make them feel a little more secure and enclosed. Changing mats make caring for your baby easier, especially after activities that might normally cause some mess (like bath time). A changing mat can even be paired with other items, such as your baby’s favourite play gym. If you do plan to pair your changing mat with another item, make sure you take measurements so that you know it’ll fit as needed.

Nursery Furniture For Feeding

Nursing Chair

You are going to be feeding your baby a lot so it makes sense to invest in a comfortable chair where you can sit down and feed your baby. This will be a personal choice but think about the features that matter to you. Do you want to lean back in your chair, swivel, or even put your feet up? Whatever you choose, it should be something that you’re happy spending a lot of time in. 

Nursing and Support Pillows

A nursing pillow is also designed to make feeding your baby a more comfortable experience. A good nursing pillow provides support for both you and your baby, by reducing the strain on your body and reducing the chances of indigestion and gas for your baby. Read our blog post on the best pillows for breastfeeding to learn more.

Muslin Cloths

Muslin cotton squares are real multitaskers and must-haves for your baby’s nursery. They can be used when you breastfeed or bottle-feed a baby to wipe milk away from their mouths and clean up sick. A newborn baby will feed every 2-3 hours (sometimes continuously), so you need a lot of these.

Nursery Furniture For Storage

A Chest of Drawers

People love to buy baby clothes for new babies, so there’s a good chance you’ll be inundated with tiny outfits. To keep these all neat and tidy, investing in a chest of drawers is a must. It might seem like an extra effort, but using a chest of drawers rather than the “floordrobe” can help keep you sane when tough times strike. 

A Wardrobe

As an alternative to (or as well as) the chest of drawers, you’ll be grateful for the extra wardrobe space to keep all your baby’s nicknacks in place. Trust us, the last thing you want is to be running around looking for baby clothes when you’ve got a cranky baby making themselves heard!