You have a lot to think about when planning for the arrival of your newborn, including nursery furniture and essentials. Here are some must-haves to make sure your little one has everything they need from day one:
Crib
Cribs provide a safe sleeping space for infants. Be sure to choose a crib that meets all the minimum safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The slats should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, and the corner posts should either be flush with the top of the headboard and footboard or very tall — no in-between. Corner posts should also be secure, with no loose or protruding hardware. Also be sure the crib is made from a durable wood, such as oak, maple or mahogany; and if it’s painted, make sure the paint is lead-free and nontoxic.
If you’re planning on using a crib that converts into a toddler bed, it’s important to keep in mind that this process can take time and may not be as seamless as just getting a new mattress. It’s recommended to wait until your child is 35 inches tall or able to climb out of the crib, whichever comes first, before switching them over. Companies like Home Kartz offer a variety of baby nursery essentials, providing parents with high-quality products for creating a safe and cozy space for their little ones. From cribs and changing tables to nursery decor
While many parents are choosing to skip the crib entirely, a bassinet is a great alternative that’s similar in size to a crib and offers many of the same benefits. Plus, it’s easier to pick up and put down a sleeping baby than it is a larger crib.
Just be sure to remove any mobiles or other items that could present a strangulation hazard from your baby’s crib once they reach 5 months old. You should also make sure window blinds and drapes are out of their reach, as babies can entangle themselves in these cords or even fall out the windows. If you do want a mobile, opt for one that is high-contrast, such as black and white or a bull’s eye pattern – these will help your baby practice their visual development.
Dresser/Changing Table
Dressers are a must-have piece of furniture for nurseries, as they provide storage space for baby clothes, diapers, toys and more. There are several different types of dressers available for baby nurseries, including standalone models and those that can double as a changing table. You can also find dressers with hutches that offer extra storage space for clothing and other items.
Its sturdy and sturdy construction is made from solid cherry wood and it comes with a beautifully-crafted safety rail that surrounds the 1-inch thick changing pad. It has three accessible and spacious drawers that glide comfortably, allowing you to keep all your baby’s diaper-changing necessities close at hand. It is available in several stylish and elegant finishes that will help you design the nursery of your dreams.
Compared to dedicated changing tables, dressers are more versatile pieces of furniture. They can be repurposed to suit any decor style, and they often cost less. They can also be used from toddler to teen years, making them a great choice for families with more than one child. Choosing the right type of baby dresser will depend on how much storage you need, your budget and the size of your nursery. Make sure that you measure the height, width and depth of your nursery to ensure that the dresser fits properly before making a purchase.
Diaper Pail
A diaper pail isn’t necessarily a must-have registry item, but it’s a very smart investment for new parents. The first year of your baby’s life is centered around bodily functions, and soiled diapers can smell downright stinky. Using a regular trash can or garbage bag in your nursery may cause it to reek before long, and bringing a newborn home to a funk-filled home is no fun for anyone.
While you can use a baby trash can with just about any brand of trash bags, a diaper pail is the best option for containing and controlling odors. Diaper pails are designed to lock in those formidable diaper smells and keep them away from your nose.
When selecting a diaper pail, consider its capacity and footprint. You’ll want a large enough container to hold several days worth of dirty diapers without having to empty it, but not so big that it takes up too much space in your nursery. You’ll also want to choose a model that accepts your preferred bag brand and type. Some pails require you to use a special liner (which limits escaping odors), while others can be used with any standard trash bags.
The best diaper pail options have a foot pedal to make changing your baby hand-free and easy, as well as a child locking system to prevent curious toddlers from opening it. Some even include an in-built deodorizer to control those pesky odors.
Laundry Hamper
In addition to a crib and diaper pail, a baby needs a place to sleep and somewhere to store their clothes, diapers, lotions and extra sheets. A dresser works best, but even shelving or a cardboard box can work. The important thing is that the sleeping space provides some form of firm support and nothing they can get their head stuck in. Likewise, the storage area should provide some sort of closure so they can’t reach things like cleaning wipes and snacks.
Having plenty of storage is one of the most overlooked nursery essentials. Your love bug’s teeny tiny onesies, blankets and toys will quickly fill up the space, so sensible storage solutions are a must. Consider getting a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe or cabinet to accommodate everything you’ll need. If that’s not feasible, try a tall shelving unit or an open shelved changing table. Another option is to invest in a collapsible laundry hamper. This Strategist favorite can be collapsed and toted to the laundry room, then folded up and stowed away when not in use. It also comes in a range of colors and shapes to match any nursery design scheme.
While we all focus on the baby’s needs, it’s important for parents to have their own cozy spot to snuggle during naptime or nighttime feedings. A rocker or glider gives them a place to do that and helps soothe little ones with gentle motion. A humidifier is also a great investment for the nursery as it moisturizes the air and can prevent stuffy noses, coughs and other cold symptoms. This may depend on where you live and the season, however.
White Noise Machine
When babies are young, they’re not yet able to sleep through the night, and having a white noise machine can help drown out day-to-day sounds that could startle them and wake them up. They also mimic womb noises that they were familiar with in the uterus, which can calm them and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
A white noise machine comes in a variety of styles, sizes and prices, but it’s important to find one that offers low-level humming sounds without any additional sounds like waterfalls or wind.
Investing in a rocking chair or glider is another baby nursery essential that will be helpful for newborns who spend a lot of time there, especially while breastfeeding or bottle feeding. A rocker triggers the same calming reflex that babies experienced in the womb, soothing them and helping them relax into a deep sleep.
Newborns also need a soft, comforting night light to keep them company and guide them back to sleep when it’s time for bed. Plus, a small rattle like this handmade pig one will spark their interest and encourage movement as they develop their motor skills and learn about the world around them. And don’t forget a tummy-time mat, which will give your little one a safe place to practice movements when they aren’t snoozing or eating. It’s also a good way to get them to start developing their visual and spatial skills.
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