The Ultimate Baby Nursery Checklist (13 Nursery Must-Haves)
Today, we are discussing all things baby nursery checklists, which will relieve the stress and overwhelm of getting ready for the baby.
Needless to say, a lot comes with having a baby, and putting together a baby nursery isn’t the exception. So, to help you plan out your baby’s room, let’s go over 13 nursery items must-haves one by one.
But before we start with the nursery checklist items, let’s first decide on a few things…
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Picking a Baby Nursery Theme or Design
Before buying baby nursery items and painting walls, we must have a nursery theme or design in mind.
Because today’s market offers an endless selection of nursery items, choosing a nursery theme will help us narrow down our options.
Another option is to create a baby nursery vision board. Creating a vision board with items you wish to include and picking a color palette will help you visualize everything together before you commit to purchasing anything.
Here are some current popular baby nursery themes:
- Farmhouse Baby Nursery
- Minimalistic Baby Nursery
- Organic Baby Nursery
- Gender Neutral
- Nautical
Nursery Layout and Spacing
Another important aspect of designing your baby’s nursery is considering the room dimensions. It is very easy to get caught up in all of the beautiful baby nursery furniture, but what good is it if it does not fit in the intended space?
The Third Trimester Checklist includes a Baby Nursery Checklist and Planner that allows you to map out your baby’s nursery dimensions. This will give you a more accurate idea of how things will fit together in your space.
Don’t despair if you have a tiny space to work with. Nursery items come in all kinds of shapes and sizes to fit even the smallest spaces.
So, now that we have our baby nursery theme in mind and know the size of the space we are working with, let’s go over all of our Nursery Mus-Haves!
I will include some of my favorite (and popular) items in each category to give you even more ideas for what you can use.
In addition, all of these nursery essentials can be found on Amazon, which is super convenient, especially if you have Amazon Prime! If you don’t have Amazon Prime yet and have been on the fence about it, here is a free 30-day trial.
Note: If you want to create an All-Natural and Organic Nursey, check out The Ultimate Organic Baby Nursery List instead!
1. Baby Crib and Mattress
Of course, the baby crib and mattress are among the biggest staples in any baby nursery checklist.
In today’s market, there are many gorgeous options to choose from, depending on your nursery’s theme.
However, because babies spend most of their early lives sleeping, it is important to ensure that their cribs and mattresses are as safe as they are beautiful.
Before you make your choice, make sure to read the Best Non-Toxic Cribs and Mattresses for Babies and Toddlers.
2. Crib Bedding
The crib bedding is another nursery must-have. After all, it will help set the tone for the design feel we want to achieve in our baby’s room.
When selecting the crib bedding, consider what it is made of and its safety.
Organic cotton crib bedding is always a great choice, as it is safe, comfortable, and durable.
Here are some great organic options you can purchase directly from Amazon:
- My Little North Start Organics Fitted Sheets
- Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Crib Sheets
- Pickle and Pumpkin Organic Crib Sheets
- Juniper Berry Organic Crib Sheets
3. Nursery Dresser
Next, we must add a nursery dresser to our baby nursery checklist!
As you will soon experience, you will find yourself washing and folding a lot of baby clothing. While closets will become an important space as your child grows, dresses are a lifesaver when their clothes are so small in the early years.
In addition, some nursery dressers come with adjacent diaper-changing tables.
The advantage is that it creates a convenient station for diaper changing. For instance, the Delta 3-Drawer Changer Dresser is a great option.
Another alternative is to opt for a removable changing table. The advantage of this is that as the baby grows and there isn’t a need for a changing table, you can remove it. In essence, allowing the nursery furniture to grow alongside your baby.
In that case, you would opt for a traditional 6-drawer Nursery Dresser and purchase the removable changing tray sparely.
So, poopy diaper? No problem.
Go straight to your diaper-changing station, and everything you need—diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes—will be within reach.
Buy the baby’s crib and dresser as a package deal to get the best bang for your buck. Typically, that will be cheaper than purchasing the items individually.
4. Nursery Rocking Chair
Another big staple of any nursery is a rocking chair.
Because you will spend a lot of time feeding, rocking, sleeping, and playing with your baby… you will need a comfortable sitting area.
Nursery rocking chairs range in style, size, colors, and materials. So, for a detailed list of Nursery Rocking Chairs, read this!
5. Nursery Rugs
Area rugs set the tone in any baby room, and as the baby grows, they can be used as a “floor cushion” for them to crawl around in.
Therefore, opting for nursery rugs made of soft, safe, and non-toxic ingredients is ideal.
A great option for eco-friendly and non-toxic rugs is the Lorena Canal Rug Collection.
All of her rugs are machine-washable, made of 100% natural cotton, and handmade by artisans. Because all of her nursery rugs are made with natural cotton and non-toxic, natural dyes, each rug is safe, light, soft, and flexible.
6. Baby Room Curtains
Next, in our nursery, must-haves are curtains. After all, no one likes to nap in a bright room, including babies.
If you are interested in helping your baby nap soundly, so that you have a few minutes to yourself—or wash dishes and fold the clothes you have put to the dryer three times now—don’t forget to hang light-blocking curtains.
These Nursery Blackout Curtains by Turquoise are a popular option. They consist of 2 noise-reducing panels that are thermally insulated and come in various colors.
7. Baby Monitors
Recently, baby monitors have become an important staple of baby rooms. After all, we are inclined to keep an eye on our children since they are born.
They allow us to get things done around the house while we monitor them.
There are multiple options for baby monitors in today’s market. But you can narrow them down based on price point and features.
Here are some great options…
A popular baby option with over 22,000+ reviews is this Video Baby Monitor with a Digital Camera from Anmeate. It is a wireless video monitor with temperature monitoring, a 960-ft transmission range, 2-way talk capabilities, night vision, and a high-capacity battery.
Note: It is recommended for safety reasons that monitors aren’t placed directly in the crib. Instead, put it in the room (e.g., dresser, shelf) where you can zoom the view to the crib).
8. White Noise Machine
A white noise machine is another great item in a baby’s room. These machines help set a calming and soothing mood, which allows the baby to sleep soundly.
A #1 best-seller white noise machine for babies is the White Noise Machine from Letsfit.
9. Diaper Pail
Another nursery item that is a must-have is a diaper pail!
Trust me when I tell you that you will change more diapers daily than you can imagine. A handy place to toss dirty diapers while hiding the smell is a must!
The Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail from Decor is a popular and inexpensive option. It is easy to use, hands-free and built with odor control.
10. Hamper
Much like changing a million diapers daily, be ready to make multiple outfit changes daily.
This adorable nursery storage bin is a super cute and inexpensive option. It is made of fabric and is collapsible.
Spit-ups, milk drips, diaper blow-outs, drool pools—you name it, it will happen, and often. Having a designated place to throw dirty clothes near your diaper change is a lifesaver.
11. Nursery Wall Decor
No baby nursery is complete without wall decor!
The wall art you choose for your baby’s nursery depends solely on your chosen theme.
But in essence, here are some of the most common wall decor baby nursery items:
12. Baby Toys
Regarding nursery toys, there are a million options under the sun.
In the early months, the baby will not play with many toys, and in my opinion, adding too many toys in the baby’s nursery will just become a dust collector.
Instead, pick a few toys you can decorate with and bring the bulk into the nursery when the baby can play with them.
This Bedtime Originals Choo Choo Express Plush Elephant is a great and cute option. They also have a baby girl elephant baby.
These cuties have a 5-star review on Amazon of nearly 10,000 happy customers.
13. Books (Babies and Toddlers)
Lastly, we need to add books to our nursery baby checklist. Creating an early book interest in our children will increase the likelihood of love for books and reading.
As the baby grows, picking a book to read every night before bed is a fantastic night routine to implement.
When it comes to books, Amazon offers a wide variety of kids’ books at a great price, so make sure you check them out and include some of the classics in your baby’s nursery.
Third Trimester Checklist Bundle
The Third Trimester Printable Bundle contains important checklists that take the guesswork out of getting ready for the baby, including the Baby Nursery Checklist.
With the Third Trimester Checklist (Printable Bundle) you will receive a 15-page PDF containing the following:
- Cover Page
- Resources Page
- Third Trimester To-Do List (pre-filled)
- Baby Shower Checklist (pre-filled)
- Baby Shower Gift List
- Baby Registry Checklist (pre-filled)
- Nursery Planner Checklist (pre-filled)
- Hospital Bag Checklist (pre-filled)
- Hospital Bag Checklist (unfilled)
- Postpartum Care Kit Checklist (pre-filled)
- Baby Birth Journal Page
- Baby Birth Story Page
- Hospital Visitor’s List
- Diaper Tracker
- Notes Page
★ Related Articles
- How to Create an Organic Baby Nursery (Non-Toxic Baby Furniture)
- The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist (for Baby, Mom, and Dad)
- The Best Natural and Organic Baby Products
- 9 Best Nursery Rocking Chairs and Gliders for Small Nurseries
- 15 Best Non-Toxic Cribs and Mattresses (GREENGUARD Gold Certified)
In Summary
Designing our baby’s nursery is one of the most exciting things we look forward to once we find out what we expect.
Having a Baby Nursery Checklist makes it much easier to plan your baby’s room and check off items as you purchase or receive them.
I hope that this is helpful to you and that you have a happy and healthy rest of your pregnancy.
Have you created your Baby Nursery Checklist yet?
Don’t forget to pin for later…
