What Do You Need in a Nursery? The Complete Essentials Checklist

Wondering exactly what you need in a nursery as a first-time parent? We've created a complete checklist of baby nursery essentials. From the important furniture to the not-so-obvious things that might slip your busy mind, we've thought of it all so you don't have to.

Setting up a nursery can be the first thing that makes your pregnancy feel really real – it's a sign that things in your home and life are about to change.

With all the excitement, it can be easy to get caught up in the emotions, and before long, you realise you've forgotten some pretty important stuff!

Well, don't worry, here at Snüz, we've got your back.

We know a thing or two about babies and nurseries, and we've poured all that knowledge into this simple guide to help you get just what you need for your baby's first nursery, ready to welcome them home.

So, if you find yourself asking: What do I need in a baby nursery? Read on.

Our Complete Baby Nursery Checklist

As a mumma or dadda-to-be, you'll quickly learn that a to-do list will be your saving grace, and what better time to start your organisation kick than prepping for your little one's nursery?

To make it a bunch easier for you to get all the bits and pieces you need for your baby's room, we've laid it out nicely in the checklist below. Save it, screenshot it, and tick it off as you go along.

Of course, your nursery doesn't have to be exclusively limited to the items on this list, but you should have these as the bare minimum.

You'll also want to have changing essentials stored somewhere in the room, like nappies, wipes, and cream, and feeding essentials. which will save you from having to go back-and-forth every time you need to do a feed (especially in the middle of the night or early hours).

Key Elements of a Baby-Friendly Nursery

We're going to talk you through a few of the things included in our checklist, as there are some variations out there (for example, different baby bed choices), and we want to help you make the best choices for your new family.

Read on for our recommendations and advice, as well as where to find the best nursery essentials.

Baby’s Bed

The bed you choose for your nursery is one of the biggest and most important purchases you’ll make when creating your baby's nursery. The hardest part is deciding which model to go for.

• Moses basket
• Bedside or standalone crib
• Cot bed

Our SnüzPod Bedside Cribs are excellent choices for the first 6 months and can be a great way to introduce your little one to their room.

You can use them as bedside cribs and standalone cribs so you can transition them into their own room when they're ready without disrupting their familiarity with their bed.

If you want a bed your baby can sleep on for years to come, consider our Skandi-style cot beds.

Not only do they look gorgeously sweet in a nursery, but sleep specialists have also designed them to support your baby with easy conversion into a toddler bed and junior bed when the time comes.

You can choose between our SnüzKot or SnüzFino styles, depending on the overall look you hope to achieve.

Design-wise, you, of course, want it to look pleasing to the eye, but where you position your cot is all about safety.

Ideally, you should place the cot near an interior wall, away from windows, radiators, shelves, or wall hangings.

You should also aim to place the bed where you can access your baby from both sides.

Mattress

A mattress is likely your next purchase, and again, you need to consider safety, comfort, and support.

It's paramount to your baby's safety that you purchase the right mattress. It should not only fit your baby's crib snugly but also offer enough support and comfort.

Our SnüzSurface Mattresses are designed to give your little one the most luxurious sleep, helping them sleep through the night.

Each baby mattress features a 3D breathable surface to further support temperature regulation and breathability. The cover is removable, machine washable, and waterproof for those unavoidable accidents.

They’re available in various sizes to fit Snüz beds and other standard-sized beds.

Bedding – Fitted Sheets & Mattress Protectors

Once you've got your mattress, you'll also need some bedding to make your nursery cosy and cute.

This is where you can let your creativity flow a little more. Will your bedding be plain to provide a calming contrast to the decor in your nursery? Or will you choose something with more pattern and texture to stand out in your neutral nursery?

We have options for all!

Storage Space: A Changing Table & Wardrobe

Another crucial part of setting up the nursery is considering storage space – and you’re gonna need it.

Our Changing Units double as standalone dressers thanks to the handy removable changing frames. That saves you from having to buy two separate pieces of furniture, taking up much less space.

The units feature three spacious drawers, which help organise everything you need to keep your baby comfortable and clean, including spare clothes and wipes.

Oh, and remember to get a changing mat! This goes on top of the unit when you're using it in changing table-mode, creating a clean surface.

Our baby wardrobes offer even more space for little outfits and shoes (and for more bedding if you need it!). Inside, you’ll find interchangeable railings, so you can rearrange the space as needed.

We also offer nursery furniture bundles to help you get all your nursery essentials even easier.

Nursing Chair

Your baby's nursery is more than just a place for them to sleep and be changed. It's a room you’ll spend a lot of time in, especially in the early days. So, a comfortable nursing chair is a must-have!

This is a purchase that should be researched and tried out before you make a decision. No one wants to try to get their baby back to sleep in the early hours of the morning on an uncomfy chair.

We recommend opting for a chair with plenty of support. A high back is also a good choice, so you can rest your head back when you're doing night feeds.

You should place this in a cosy, quiet corner away from distractions, so you can focus on feeding your baby. Additions like a footstool, a small side table with your things on it, and a rug can enhance the comfort of this area.

Baby Nursery Safety

As well as creating a space conducive to sleep and relaxation, it's also important to ensure the safety of your baby in their nursery. A baby monitor, night light, and thermostat (or room thermometer) are all key here.

Additional Newborn Essentials & Nursery Decor

Alongside what we consider to be the 'must-haves', you can also add other elements into the nursery that’ll make it extra personal or become handy from time-to-time.

Things like a rubbish bin for easily throwing away wipes, or a cute mobile for soothing your baby while they doze off are good examples (we’re BIG fans of the Snüz Baby Mobile for obvious reasons, and it comes in lots of colours, so you can choose a matching one for your nursery’s theme).

Then you can obviously spruce up the room with soft furnishings, like a rug or blankets, as well as teddies. Shelves displaying artwork or memorabilia (like footprints) are other great ways to make the room feel more special.

What Should You Not Have in a Baby Nursery?

There are also certain things you should not have in your nursery, either because they're a hazard, or because they'll just end up creating unnecessary clutter.

• Loose bedding or blankets – while they might make the room feel cosy, loose sheets or blankets can pose a suffocation hazard to your baby when they sleep. Always remove loose bedding when you put your baby down for naps or to bed at night. The same goes for teddies on the bed.
• Avoid putting a fan in the room – it might seem good to help air circulate, but fans can actually circulate allergens and can be quite drying on the skin. If you do use a fan in the summer to help keep the room cool, never direct it at your baby.
• Refrain from having any strings or cords within reach of the bed, as they can pose a choking or strangulation hazard.
• Sharp or heavy objects should also be kept out of the nursery, so remember to pack away your tools after you've finished putting up furniture or hanging decorations. Don’t put shelves overhead of your baby’s bed, either.

The Finishing Touches With Snuz

You should now have all the tools and info you need to start designing your baby's nursery with the right equipment and furniture.

Aside from the important safety aspects, be creative with it. Let your inner child run wild and design the nursery you've always dreamed of!

This is such a wonderful time for mums and dads, and arguably, one of the best things about having a little one on the way! Nesting is beginning, so you may as well embrace and enjoy it.

You can shop all our nursery furniture and essentials above, or head over to our full nursery furniture collection.

*Free UK delivery is available on all orders over £50.