What Do You Need In a Nursery: Beneficial Supplies & Furniture

One of the happiest moments in life is finding out that you’re expecting a baby. But once the initial excitement cools off, you’ll realise that there’s a lot to prepare for and you only got a limited amount of time to do so. So, you better start now. And as a new parent, one of the first things on your mind will probably be the nursery.

Like most first-time parents, preparing a nursery for the arrival of a baby can be overwhelming. Wanting to ensure the very best for your bundle of joy, you can start stocking up on things that you don’t really need yet. So, before you start hanging cute wall art and picking out toys and decor, you need to have all the basics covered. Here’s a list of which things can benefit you the most in the nursery.

Obviously a Crib Is a Must-Have

Newborns sleep a lot – usually about 16 hours a day. So, the crib is where your baby will spend most of his/her time and choosing one that’s safe, healthy and comfortable is incredibly important. First of all, pay attention to the material the crib is made of. Some crib materials can contain harmful phthalates and BPA and some paints can also come with chemicals. With that being said, to ensure that your baby isn’t exposed to dangerous toxins, opt for a crib made of non-toxic hardwood and which uses paints that are water-based and free of solvents and any volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In addition, you also need to line the crib with a supportive mattress, hypoallergenic sheets, and a mattress protector for accidents. Crib bumpers are unsafe to use. You also should avoid placing toys and blankets in the bed until the baby is older.

Do You Need a Rocking Chair for Nursery?

In any nursery, there needs to be a comfortable spot where the mommy can nurse her baby. Nursing can be a tricky business and not just any chair can do. Usually, a comfy chair that rocks back and forth tends to make nursing as easy as possible both for the mommy and the baby. Although many would consider it to be old-fashioned, there’s a good reason why a nursery rocking chair works. The rhythm created by the rocking can help soothe a fussy baby or getting him/her go to sleep faster.

But even when your child grows up and doesn’t need to be breastfed, a rocker can be a great spot to cuddle and read books. And time, an attractive breastfeeding chair can also easily transition to the living room for long-term use. So, considering how this piece of furniture is not only beneficial for your baby, but it can also have staying power, it’s important to choose a nursery rocking chair that is durable, comfortable and has a timeless design that can fit into any design scheme.

To ensure that you’re investing in something long-lasting, you may want to consider chairs made using a combination of quality hardwood and heavy-duty linen fabric. You should look for a nursery rocking chair that doesn’t squeak when it rocks as to not keep the baby awake. Of course, the most important thing is that you can sit comfortably in the chair for long periods of time. So, you may want to look for a supportive chair with a higher back and cushioned armrests so that you can comfortably rest your elbows.

Stock Up on Changing Supplies

Although babies are impossibly cute, they’re also constantly peeing and pooping which means you always need to be on diaper duty. Having a good stock of changing supplies on hand can allow for quick and easy clean-ups. A helpful tip is to take the diapers out of the packaging and stack them neatly so that you don’t fumble around to open the bag when you have to clean a wiggling baby.

In addition, you also need to have some wet wipes within arm’s reach. Since you’ll go through them quickly, it’s better to buy in bulk. To prevent drying of the skin and diaper rashes, get a basic diaper ointment. Since this is the most sensitive period of your little one’s life, make sure that any product you use is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

What Breastfeeding Accessories to Have on Hand

Since the nursery is for nursing, it’s practical to keep your breastfeeding supplies there. There are many breastfeeding accessories that can help you overcome challenges and make nursing more comfortable both for you and the baby. Just like your baby’s bump needs to be moisturised and protected with ointments, the same goes for your nipples. Almost all nursing mums will have sore nipples at some point. To soothe and heal dry and cracked nipples, use natural nipple creams free from Lanolin or other harsh chemicals. This way, you don’t have to worry about cleaning the cream off before nursing your bub.

In addition, some mums will also experience leaking. Nursing pads can be placed inside your bra to prevent any leaking which can be common in the first few months while your body is adjusting. Keep nursing pads near your nursing chair so that you can easily switch them out between feedings. You can pick disposable or reusable pads, depending on your preference.

A breast pump is one of the most helpful breastfeeding accessories to have as it can be used to relieve breast engorgement or increase your milk supply. In addition, you can also use it to collect milk to feed your baby in your absence. If you’re going to pump from time to time, a manual pump that’s operated by squeezing a lever can be enough. But if you need to pump on a regular basis, an electric breast pump can be much easier to use.

Organize Stuff In Dressers and Drawers

Even though they’re little, babies will accumulate a lot of stuff, especially clothes. To keep clothes as well as other items organized neatly, invest in a versatile dresser plus some drawers. Pick a dresser that will grow with your child and will adjust when it’s time for the nursery to transition to a bedroom. What’s more, if you invest in a good drawer with ample surface space, you won’t need to buy a specialized changing table that will only take up space. Simply place a changing mat on top of the drawer and you have yourself an instant changing station.