When preparing for the arrival of your newborn, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options available. Baby boutiques will have you ooh-ing and aah-ing over scores of items that seem crucial, but the truth is most new babies only need a few things.
These essentials include a crib or bassinet, a dresser for clothes storage, a rocking chair, and a few nursery must-haves that will help your baby sleep soundly.
Crib or Bassinet
Newborns require a lot of sleep, and a comfortable sleeping space is essential. The crib or bassinet should be one of your top nursery purchase decisions.
A crib is the traditional choice, but there are other options that may work better for your family. For example, if you plan to room-share, a bassinet is smaller and fits into many living spaces. It’s also typically less expensive. However, it will only last for a few months, so you’ll need to make a larger investment when baby outgrows it. Companies like Home Kartz specialize in offering a wide range of baby nursery essentials, from cribs and changing tables to storage solutions and soft bedding.
Bassinets resemble small baskets secured by breathable mesh walls and usually fixed on legs with wheels. They’re ideal for small newborns and infants until they’re able to roll over or scoot, which is around 6 months. However, they’re not recommended if your baby can roll over or move in their sleep because it poses a suffocation risk.
The key to finding a safe bassinet is to look for an ASTM or JPMA certified model and check that the slats are no more than 2 fingers’ width apart. A white noise machine is another important nursery accessory that mimics soothing womb sounds and helps baby to relax and fall asleep.
Changing Table
In the excitement of preparing for baby, it’s easy to get caught up in oohing and aahing over scores of items that seem to be absolutely crucial to your little one’s future happiness and well being. But, fortunately for your wallet (and your baby’s sleep schedule) there are actually only a few nursery essentials you truly need to bring home.
For the most efficient and comfortable diapering experience, a dedicated changing table is a must-have nursery accessory. The ideal changing table features a spacious changing mat, safety straps, and a built-in dresser for ample storage of diapers, wipes, ointments, and more.
Having toys nearby on the changing table is also useful to keep your baby occupied during diaper changes, reducing fussiness and resistance. Just be sure to choose toys that are safe for your baby’s young age and free from small parts that could present a choking hazard.
White noise machines are also a helpful addition to the nursery for new babies, mimicking the sounds they heard in the womb and helping them settle down into deep sleep. Finally, a soft muslin facewasher and bibs are useful for preventing your baby from getting messy during sponge baths and diaper changes.
Diaper Pail
A diaper pail is an essential part of the baby nursery, as it will be used for dirty diaper storage until they can be thrown away. These receptacles help to limit dirty diaper odors and some models even include scented bags to further ward off nasty smells. Most are hands-free and have a slim design that fits nicely under your changing table.
Some diaper pails are made of non-porous steel, which helps to contain odors more effectively than plastic alternatives. Some also come with a child locking system, which can be useful in keeping curious toddlers out of your garbage and diapers.
It’s important to consider how easy the diaper pail is to use and clean, especially if you’ll be using it for an extended period of time. Some models have a goof-proof assembly and require very little effort right out of the box, while others may take more work to replace the bags or liners.
You’ll also want to look at how easy it is to open and close, as you’ll be doing this with one hand while changing a squirmy baby. The best diaper pails have a convenient foot pedal that you simply step on to open and push down to lock.
Rocking Chair
A rocking chair or glider is a nursery must-have for nursing mothers, as it provides a comfortable and soothing spot to nurse your little one. Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, the gentle motion can help lull your baby to sleep and soothe older toddlers when they’re overtired.
When shopping for a nursery rocking chair or glider, be sure to consider your space as well as the chair’s features and comfort level. Gliders tend to be bulkier than rocking chairs and require more room for operation, but they can also be easier to maneuver. They typically have a curved base and seat that moves back and forth, and some even offer swivel options for added versatility.
Night Light
Night lights are essential for baby nurseries because they help to create an optimal sleeping environment for newborns. A dark, calming nursery helps to soothe babies to sleep by signaling that it’s time for bed and that they should stay asleep throughout the night. This helps to promote healthy circadian rhythms.
A good quality night light will be easy on a new baby’s eyes and emit soothing, warm, natural colors that are less likely to disrupt melatonin production, the hormone that aids sleep. It should also be child-safe, cool to the touch, free of small parts or cords, and feature a dimmer switch for ease of use.
Some options may also include a timer or motion sensor to automatically turn off after a certain period of time and can be set to dim once it’s tucked in at bedtime. Additionally, you can choose a solar option that uses natural sunlight to operate and cut down on electricity bills and battery waste.
There are also a variety of styles and color settings available for the night light. You can find models that bathe the room in a soft, warm hue or project a whimsical image onto the walls, adding to the decor of the nursery.
Room Thermometer
The right nursery temperature is crucial for babies to get restful sleep. Baby rooms that are too warm can lead to overheating and heat rash while room temperatures that are too cold can cause respiratory issues. Over time, this can lead to long-term health problems like asthma.
Baby room thermometers are important for new parents because they can alert you when the nursery is too hot or too cold, so you can take quick action to prevent any discomfort. This is especially important when it’s warmer outside and you’re trying to keep the nursery cool for your little one.
Look for a thermometer that displays the current room temperature in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius and also includes a humidity gauge. Consider a model that offers a large display screen and backlight for easy reading in the dark. It’s also helpful if the thermometer has a memory function that allows you to view the highest and lowest room temperatures over the previous 24 hours.
Featured Image Source: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/05/09/21/55/baby-3386242_1280.jpg
