Perfect Baby’s Nursery Checklist: Items You Must Have

An empty canvas is full of potential, but making the first mark can be overwhelming. The same is true when you stand at the center of an empty room and begin imagining the possibilities.

How can you turn your baby's nursery into a masterpiece when you don't know how to begin?

We've created this nursery room checklist to help overwhelmed parents-to-be make their first brilliant stroke with confidence.  Paying attention to certain key elements ensures that the space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and safe for your baby. We'll include the essential items new parents need to ensure their baby is comfortable and cared for. Remember, a nursery is a functional space, so keep your own comfort and preferences in mind as you begin gathering your supplies.  

Are you ready to turn an empty room into a sanctuary for your sweet baby? Read on to learn the 6 tips you'll need to get the job done.

1. Think Long-Term

• Consider Usage Habits

When deciding on a layout, try to imagine yourself and your baby using the space. Where do you want to sit while you nurse or rock the baby in the middle of the night? Where are the outlets where you could put a nightlight that would illuminate the areas you most need to see?

Instead of a changing table, many parents use the top of a dresser with a changing pad on top. This hack is a great way to save space in smaller nurseries.

• Keep Design Flexible

Consider choosing a piece or a theme  that can grow with your child to get even more bang for your buck.

• Avoid Overdoing the Nursery Theme

Choosing a theme help you create a cohesive and visually pleasing atmosphere in the nursery. It allows you to coordinate colors, items, decor elements for a harmonious look. A thoughtfully chosen theme also can stimulate a baby's senses and encourage early exploration. 

Suggesting  a neutral paint color along with simple decor allows the room to adapt as your child grows, providing long-term savings.

Learn more Baby Nursery Ideas

2. Shopping for Nursery Furniture

Furniture takes up the most space in a room, and starting with large pieces can help you determine an aesthetically pleasing layout with a clear flow and function. A nursery is primarily a space for sleep, so prioritize the pieces you'll need to create a calming, harmonious atmosphere where your little one can drift off to dreamland.

Here is the furniture that new parents need to begin setting up the perfect baby's nursery:

• A crib or bassinet

  A crib or bassinet is an essential piece of huniture for your baby to sleep safely. Before making a purchase, you can make a five year plan. For newborn to 1 years old, the best place for the baby's sleep is in a a bedside bassinet or a safety-certified crib in their parents’ room. After turning 2 years old, they can have their own room or start with an independent nursery. A convertible crib that can be adjusted as your child grows is recommended.

• A changing table (or other flat, accessible surface)

  A changing table provides a dedicated space for diaper changes and storage for diapering supplies. Look for a changing table that suits your needs, or you can also opt for a dresser with a changing pad on top to save space.

• Glider, rocking chair, or other seating

Having a comfortable chair or rocker in the nursery is a must for feeding, cuddling, and soothing your baby. Look for a chair with padded armrests and a wider seat base for added comfort during late-night feedings.

• A laundry hamper

  Remember to prioritize practicality and convenience when choosing a hamper to make laundry tasks in the nursery easier. Consider the following factors:
  
  

  • Durability and Material

    Look for a hamper made of durable materials that can withstand frequent use and last long. Wipeable fabric or a waterproof lining can make cleaning easier.

  • Size and Capacity

    Consider the amount of laundry your baby generates and select a hamper that can accommodate that amount. A larger hamper may be needed if you prefer to do laundry less frequently.
    
    

  • Handles and Mobility

    Select a hamper with handles or straps that make it easy to carry the laundry to the washing machine. Handles can be particularly helpful if you need to carry the hamper while holding your baby. Some hampers even have wheels for convenient mobility.
    
    

  • Design and Style

    Make sure the design complements your nursery decor. There are three popular nursery styles that new parents often consider: classic, modern and Nordic. You can also check some nursery ideas for baby boy, baby girl or twins.
    
    

  • Useful Features

    A removable and machine-washable liner, a lidded top, or collapsible design for easy storage are suggested.
    
    

• Shelving Units:

  Adequate storage space is crucial in a nursery. Consider adding shelving units to keep baby items organized and easily accessible. The storage bin is also useful for keeping toys for stuffed animals neatly organized.

• A dresser for clothing (if you don't have a closet)

  A dresser is useful for storing your baby's clothes, blankets, and other essentials. Choose a dresser with durable construction and ample storage space. Look for features like dovetail drawer joints and corner blocks for added durability

3. Safety Comes First at Your Baby 's Nursery

Babies may not be able to walk independently, but they are born with a knack for getting into trouble. Little ones explore their world through their senses, which means they want to touch and mouth everything. If you start baby proofing the nursery before your baby arrives, you'll be ready for anything once they begin moving and grooving.

Here are the baby proofing essentials that new parents should have on hand during nursery prep:

• Furniture anchors

  Use furniture straps to anchor TVs, bookshelves, dressers, and other heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tipping over. 

• Corner guards

  Attach corner or edge bumpers to furniture with sharp edges to prevent injuries in case of falls. 

• Child cabinet and cupboard locks

Install safety latches or locks on cabinets containing household cleaners, chemicals, or risky items. Store hazardous items out of reach and up high to prevent access by small children.

• Electrical outlet covers

Install outlet covers on all exposed electrical sockets to prevent electric shock. Look for childproof covers that require two hands to remove or cover plates that screw on for additional safety.

• Cord management:

  Use cord management products such as cord clips, cord concealers, or cable organizers to secure cords along walls or furniture and keep them away from the child's play area. These products help prevent tangles, tripping hazards, and unwanted access to electrical cords.  

  Additionally, there are 3 tips to help you effectively manage cords:

  • Shorten cords

    Wrap and tie long cords with tape, zip ties, rubber bands, hair ties, or paper clips to reduce the risk of toddlers grabbing and pulling on them.

  • Use cord shortener

Cord shorteners are products designed to prevent access to dangling and long cords. They reduce the risk of tripping, electrocution, and strangulation. Cord shorteners allow you to wrap the long cord inside, significantly reducing the chance of children finding exposed cords.

• • Consider extension cord covers

    Cord shorteners are designed to prevent access to dangling and long cords. They reduce the risk of tripping, electrocution, and strangulation. They allow you to wrap the long cord inside, significantly reducing the chance of children finding exposed cords.

When planning a nursery, you should consider the location of outlets and stairs and how far away from them you want to be able to view your baby. With Pixsee's Area Detection, you can set out marked zones in your home and receive alerts when your baby is about to go beyond the safe area. Soon, they'll start walking and running!

4. Adding the Extras

A baby room is a functional space, and you'll need plenty of practical baby products to get it up and running. While you may be eager to decorate (that's the fun part, after all), gathering the essentials first will ensure you can care for your little one from day one.

These are the items you'll want in place if you're planning to make your nursery your center of operations once the baby arrives:

• The Pixsee smart baby monitor

• A set of blackout curtains (if the room has windows)

• A nightlight

• A humidifier

• A ceiling fan

You'll definitely want to have a quality baby monitor on hand when it's time to sleep-train your baby, which is when your nursery will get the most use. A smart baby monitor like Pixsee can provide crystal-clear FHD video of your baby from anywhere, day or night. It also includes helpful safety features, like humidity and temperature detection, cry detection, covered face detection.  

With a parenting companion like Pixsee, you'll always know how to set your humidifier and whether you need to deploy your ceiling fan. Industry-leading night vision means you won't need to worry about watching over your baby in the dark. You won't even need a white noise machine with Pixsee's curated parenting music box on hand.

5. Include Organization System/ Storage Solutions

You might have noticed that welcoming a baby means gathering a lot of stuff. Tiny babies come with many tiny accessories, and keeping them all organized is a job in itself. This is especially challenging when it comes to feeding and sleeping essentials. Start with dedicated storage solutions such as labeled bins and baskets for feeding items like bottles, formula, breast pump accessories, and bibs. Consider a rolling cart for easy access to feeding supplies, especially during those late-night feedings. For sleeping essentials, use drawer dividers to neatly arrange swaddles, pajamas, and crib sheets. Over-the-door organizers can be perfect for keeping extra blankets and sleep sacks within reach. Ensuring that everything has its place not only helps maintain a tidy nursery but also makes your daily routine smoother.

Here are the tools new parents swear by when it's time to get organized:

• Labeled bins and baskets

• Rolling Cart

• Draw dividers

• Under bed storage and bins

• Closet organizers

• Bookshelves

• Infant-sized hangers (if you have a closet or wardrobe)

Keeping your baby's things organized can be overwhelming, so there is no such thing as too much prep. New parents often don't realize how quickly babies outgrow their clothing. Consider dividing clothing by both size and season.

6. Last But Never Least: Nursery Decorations

Finally, the part you've been waiting for! Parents-to-be love nothing more than dreaming up imaginative nursery themes. Ideally, your decor will serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose so the room won't feel cluttered.

Here are the pieces of decor that new parents shouldn't forget:

• Wall art

• Buntings

• Colorful books for the bookshelf

• A mobile for above the crib

• A rug

• A lamp or light source

To avoid asphyxiation risks, the AAP does not recommend putting stuffed animals, pillows, or crib bumpers in your nursery. However, to make the room inviting, consider adding Pixsee Play & Friends companion dolls to engage children for stimulating cognitive play through uniquely curated songs.

FAQs about Nursery Checklist

• When should I start setting up the nursery?

  It's best to start planning and setting up the nursery during the second trimester, giving yourself enough time to organize and make decisions before the baby's arrival.

• What are the must-have items for a nursery?

  Essential items include a crib, changing table, dresser, baby monitor, and a comfortable chair for feeding. Safety and comfort should be the main focus for newborns. You can learn more in The Only Nursery Checklist 2024 You Need For First Time Parents.

• How can I baby-proof the nursery?

  Ensure all furniture is anchored, use outlet covers, and keep small objects out of reach. Check that your crib and mattress meet current safety standards. Also, you can check the guide, The Best Baby-Proofing Gifts for New Parents, we created to provide parenting tips to help with the baby-proofing process. In this guide, we've also included a few of the best baby-proofing products for new families—all of which make great shower gifts. 

• How can I organize a small nursery?

Opt for multi-functional furniture like cribs with built-in storage, wall shelves, and under-crib storage bins. Decluttering is key for maximizing space in smaller rooms.  We've created the guide, How to Organize a Baby Nursery, to help explain the ins and outs of maintaining an organized and cohesive space without sacrificing your dream nursery colors or themes. Read on to learn all about our favorite storage hacks for first-time parents.

• What kind of theme or color scheme works best for a nursery?

  Neutral and calming tones, such as soft greys, whites, or pastels, are popular choices. However, consider adding pops of color or playful themes that can grow with your child. You might also be interested in: 5 Chic & Stylish Baby Nursery Ideas You Will Love ; Baby Girl Nursery Ideas ; Baby Boy Nursery Ideas ; Twin Baby Nursery Idea

   

The Ultimate Nursery Room Checklist

Your baby's nursery is a tiny room with enormous potential, and you'll need to gather many items to prepare the space for your sweet baby's arrival. We hope this nursery room checklist is a helpful resource that gets your gears turning during this exciting transition.

No nursery planning checklist is complete without an award-winning smart baby monitor. With Pixsee, new parents can keep a close eye on their sweet baby, day or night, with industry-leading privacy protection.

Visit our Pixsee Shop and Amazon online store to start imagining our playful-chic, boutique-quality baby monitor in your perfect nursery.