What Nursery Furniture Do I Need? A Full Guide for Parents
Prepping for your little one's fast-approaching arrival? Our Nursery Furniture Buying Guide covers all the nursery must-haves (and the don't-needs) to help you create a comfortable and functional space for your baby.
As a new parent, there are one hundred and one things running through your mind as you prepare for your baby's arrival. And perhaps the biggest and most exciting activity of them all is preparing your little one's nursery!
You want everything to be perfect, from the details as large as the colour scheme to as small as the hanging mobile.
And, of course, you want to make sure you have all the essential pieces of nursery furniture, like a changing table and a comfortable place for your newborn baby to sleep.
But as you begin to shop for your new arrival, it’s easy to become a little overwhelmed or splurge on unnecessary items that you may later regret.
It's important to remember that this should be an exciting time, so we've put together a list to help you buy your nursery furniture the smart way while still enjoying the process.
Why Your Nursery Furniture Matters
Every parent wants their baby to sleep soundly through the night, but it's no secret that this is easier said than done.
Creating the perfect sleeping environment for your baby can aid their overall sleep health and help establish healthy sleep habits from the start.
A good nursery environment helps to ensure that your baby gets the correct amount of sleep they need, and sleep is essential so that your little one can grow and develop properly and healthily. A good night's sleep leads to a happier, more well-rested baby (and parent!).
It's also crucial to remember that you should be creating a safe sleep environment.
A safe nursery is pivotal to eliminating SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk. Choosing nursery furniture that is safe for your baby is essential in ensuring their safety while they sleep.
But don't think that doesn't mean you can't have any fun with it!
Creating a beautiful nursery with baby furniture that you love is just as important as making sure it's functional. After all, this is a space where you'll be spending a lot of time caring for your new baby.
What Nursery Furniture Do You Really Need?
It's easy to get swamped with all the fancy (and unnecessary) nursery furniture options out there, but remember that your baby doesn't need much in terms of furniture.
It's much better to have just the core essentials that are safe, sturdy, and practical. Not only that, but having too much furniture can make the room feel cluttered and overwhelming.
So, what are the must-haves when it comes to nursery furniture? Here's a quick summary:
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Nursery Must-Haves |
Why You Need It |
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Baby’s Bed |
A Moses basket, crib, or cot provides a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep. After 6 months of sleeping in the same room as you, they’ll need somewhere to sleep that’s not your bed! |
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Wardrobe |
A wardrobe provides lots of practical storage space for clothes, bedding, blankets, and other essentials. It's also a great way to keep the room organised and free of clutter. |
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Changing Unit |
A changing unit that doubles as a chest of drawers can save space and make nappy changes easier. It's also a safer option than changing your baby on a bed or another surface, and you won’t need a separate chest of drawers for storage. |
1) Baby's Bed
First and foremost, your little one needs somewhere to sleep! While they'll need to sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 months of their life, you'll transition them into their nursery to sleep by themselves after this.
A good baby bed should aid in promoting safe sleep and make the transition to their nursery smooth.
Your 3 best options are as follows…
CribsThere are a few different types of cribs available on the market, from traditional designs to more modern ones. There are also convertible cribs that can be transformed into a toddler bed later on. When choosing a crib, make sure that it meets all the latest safety standards. The SnüzPod4 Bedside Crib is specially designed with your baby in mind, which is why it's the UK's best-selling bedside crib. The ComfortAir™ breathable system helps to regulate the temperature of your baby's sleep environment, and the secure mesh sidewalls mean you can sleep soundly, knowing your little one is safe and snug next to you. Not only that, but it can be used as a standalone crib, too, so you can ease the transition from your room to the nursery when the time comes. You can help your baby get familiar with the surroundings of their nursery by moving the crib there for nap times and gradually increasing the length of time they spend in their own room. |
CotsCot beds are larger than cribs and can be used from birth until your child is old enough to move into a toddler bed. A cot will give you more flexibility in terms of how you use the space in your nursery, as it can be transformed into a daybed when your child gets older. Choosing cot mattresses that are the right size is important, too, as you want to make sure your baby is comfortable. The mattress should be supportive and firm but also have a layer of softness to it. Our SnüzKot Skandi cot beds can be used for newborns up until they are ten years old – ideal for parents who want their furniture to last! The cots can easily be transformed by sliding out the sides and extending the bed base. |
Moses BasketsMoses baskets and bassinets are smaller than cribs, making them ideal pieces of nursery furniture for newborn babies. A Moses basket is a great option for parents who are always on the move, thanks to its lightweight and easy portability function. Many come with the option to purchase a Moses basket stand, so you can place the basket at a comfortable height next to your bed or in the baby's nursery. Ideally, babies should only use a Moses basket up until 3-4 months of age, and no older than 6 months. After this, they can be moved to a crib or cot bed. A SnüzBaskit is bigger, stronger, lighter, and more breathable than a traditional Moses basket. It combines style, comfort, quality and practicality, taking into account both your own and your baby's needs. |
2) Wardrobes
One of the most important pieces of nursery storage furniture is a wardrobe. This is where you will store all of your baby's clothes, blankets, and other items.
It's key to choose a nursery wardrobe that is the right size for the space you have available. You don't want it to be too big or bulky, as this can make the room feel cramped. But you also don't want it to be so small that you find yourself cramming in everything.
Our SnüzKot Baby Wardrobes combine style with function, offering plenty of storage space for all of your baby's things.
The storage functions inside are completely interchangeable, so you can move and remove the hanging rails and shelf dividers to create the perfect amount of space for your baby's clothes.
3) Changing Units
As well as a wardrobe, you will also need some storage drawers for things like nappies, wipes, and other smaller items.
A changing unit, or dresser changer, is a great piece of nursery furniture to have, as it provides a dedicated space for you to change your baby's nappy and space to store all these things.
There are many different types and styles of changing units available, so you'll be able to find one that fits in perfectly with the rest of your nursery furniture.
If you're short on space, you might want to consider a wall-mounted changing unit or a compact design.
Our SnüzKot Changing Units come with plenty of storage space for all of your baby's essentials, including nappies, wipes, and creams, while also proving to be a stylish and practical addition to any nursery. It can even be converted into a standalone dresser when your child gets older!
Save Hassle With Nursery Furniture Sets
Baby nursery furniture sets are a fantastic way to get everything you need for your little one's room.
You can save time you would have spent shopping around trying to find items that match, and you can be sure that everything coordinates perfectly.
2-Piece Nursery Sets
A 2-piece nursery furniture set is a smart and cost-effective way to furnish your baby's nursery. Nursery sets usually include a matching crib or cot bed and changing unit, ensuring that your furniture coordinates perfectly.
If you're looking for a complete nursery solution, we have an impressive range of 2-piece furniture sets that have been expertly designed to create a stylish and coordinated nursery.
Our SnüzKot 2-piece sets include a SnüzKot Cot Bed and SnüzKot Changing Unit, both of which are made from high-quality materials and finished in a stunning selection of contemporary colours.
Shop 2-Piece Nursery Furniture
3-Piece Nursery Sets
An even smarter and more cost-effective way to furnish your baby's nursery is with a 3-piece nursery furniture set. These sets usually include a crib or cot bed, changing unit, and wardrobe, providing you with everything you need to create a functional and stylish nursery.
Don't be put off by the slightly higher price tag – you'll actually save money in the long run as you won't need to buy additional pieces of furniture to complete your nursery.
You'll also get more value for your money as the individual pieces of nursery furniture are usually cheaper when bought as part of a set.
Our SnüzKot Skandi 3-piece nursery furniture sets come complete with a SnüzKot Cot Bed, SnüzKot Changing Unit, and SnüzKot Wardrobe. The 2 pieces of nursery storage furniture and the cot bed are made with solid wood and finished in a beautiful selection of Skandi-inspired colours.
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Choose Nursery Furniture With Storage – Trust Us!
As you start to plan and prepare for your baby's arrival, one thing you'll quickly realise is that babies come with a lot of stuff!
To help you stay organised and keep your baby's nursery tidy, we highly recommend choosing baby furniture that doubles as nursery storage.
A good changing unit/dresser changer will usually come with plenty of storage space for all of your baby's essentials.
Baby Centre UK say, "make sure baby wipes, nappy sacks and toiletries are within your reach but out of your baby's", and a changing table is an ideal place to store these items since they are within reach but away from your baby.
A nursery wardrobe will provide you with a place to store clothes, blankets, and towels. Many wardrobes come with drawers built into the bottom, providing you with even more storage space for clothes, accessories and any smaller items that you need to keep out of your baby's range.
If you're short on space, wall-mounted shelves are a great way to add extra places for storage to your nursery without taking up too much room.
As for how you should arrange these pieces of furniture, we've got a few ideas, too...
Baby’s Nursery Furniture Layout Guide
If you want to save space or create a perfect sleep environment, how you layout your nursery matters.
We've suggested three layout plans for your nursery, including a classic and modern corner layout, and a central layout that's perfect for smaller nurseries.
Classic Corner Layout
If you have a larger room, this classic corner layout provides plenty of space for all of your baby's needs. With furniture pushed to the corners, you can fit a lot around the room, including drawers, a crib, a chair and additional smaller storage units.
Modern Corner Layout
If you're short on space, this modern corner layout places the crib at an angle in the corner of the nursery to make the most of your square footage. Place a rug in the middle for somewhere to play and a chair in the opposite corner for nursing and naps.
Central Space Layout
This central space layout is perfect for small nurseries. By keeping the crib and nursery furniture around the perimeter, there is plenty of free 'play' space in the centre of the room.
A nice rug like a sheepskin rug that touches every piece of furniture is a great extra addition and will help to keep the room warm and cosy.
When planning your nursery furniture layout, consider what you'll need to store in the room and where you'll need to access it.
Assembling Nursery Furniture
One thing to bear in mind when shopping around for your nursery furniture is how easy it will be to assemble. If you're not particularly handy with tools, you'll want to choose furniture that doesn't require a lot of work to put together or look around for pre-assembled pieces.
If you decide to order your baby's bedroom furniture online, it will most likely come flat-packed and will require some assembly.
However, this is usually fairly straightforward and only takes a short amount of time. Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing you put your baby's furnishings together yourself!
Nursery furniture that can be flat-packed is also handy when it comes to moving houses or rearranging rooms, as you can easily take it apart and reassemble it in your new location.
If you have any questions about assembling your Snüz nursery furniture, feel free to contact our team of baby bedtime experts, who will be more than happy to help.
Nursery Furniture Safety Tips
Creating a super safe nursery environment for your baby is just as important as making it a comfortable and stylish space. When putting together your baby's room, make sure to take these safety tips into consideration:
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When putting together the nursery furniture, you should follow the instruction manual at all times, no matter how confident you may be in your abilities.
If there are any missing elements or if something does not seem quite right, do not hesitate to reach out to the customer service line for the nursery furniture company in question.
Our 5 Extra Baby Room Essentials
As well as baby furniture, you'll want to make sure you have some essential nursery accessories on hand to help you care for your little one.
Nursery accessories can include everything from nappy changing essentials to nursery decoration and storage solutions. They really complete your nursery and can make your life as a parent that little bit easier.
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Key Things to Consider When Furnishing Your Baby's Bedroom
When it comes to actually selecting the pieces of furniture for your baby's nursery and designing the room, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, safety should always be your top priority, as we've already mentioned. This means choosing durable, well-made furniture that meets all safety standards and regulations.
But on top of that, you might also want to take these factors into consideration:
Colours
When it comes to choosing a colour scheme, many parents opt for a white nursery.
Here at Snüz, we think choosing contrasting colours is a great idea, too. All-white furniture can be stark and sterile looking, while a combination of colourful nursery furniture can add personality and life to the room.
Plus, colourful furniture can help to stimulate your baby's senses and encourage their development.
Dr Sears Wellness Institute explains, "Contrasting colours send the strongest signals to a baby’s brain to help stimulate brain growth and aid in visual development". So you should be putting some thought into the colours you use in your nursery room to make sure it has a positive impact on your baby's development.
Colours like green, purple, blue and earth-toned neutrals are all excellent choices for a nursery. They're calming and soothing, which can help your baby to feel relaxed and encourage sleep.
Themes
There are endless possibilities when it comes to nursery themes. You can go with a classic, timeless theme, like teddy bears, or a stylish range of modern and contemporary, or you might want to choose something a little more unique, like a space or fairytale-themed nursery.
Select nursery furniture and decor items that fit with your chosen theme. But avoid going overboard and filling the nursery with too many objects, as this can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming for your baby.
A few well-chosen pieces of baby furniture and some carefully selected accessories and toys are all you need to create a beautiful, inviting space for your child.
Materials
The type of material you choose for your nursery furniture is important for both safety and comfort reasons. Baby furniture should be made from durable, non-toxic materials that are easy to clean.
Much of our Snüz nursery furniture is crafted from solid wood and plywood, so you can be sure it's built to last – No MDF in sight!
The natural materials are also non-toxic, making them a safe choice for your baby.
When it comes to fabrics, look for natural fibres like cotton or linen that are soft and gentle on your baby's skin. These materials are also breathable, which helps to regulate your baby's body temperature and prevent them from overheating.
The Importance of a Breathable Sleep Space for Babies
Lighting
Lighting is an important consideration in any room, but it's especially important in a nursery. You'll need good lighting so that you can see your baby while you're caring for them, whether you're changing their nappy, feeding them, or simply checking on them during the night.
But you also want to avoid harsh, fluorescent lighting that can be jarring and overwhelming for your baby. Instead, opt for soft, diffused lighting that creates a calming ambience in the room.
You might want to consider installing a dimmer switch so that you can adjust the light level to suit your needs.
A night light for your newborn is also a good idea. This can provide some gentle light during the night so that you can see your baby without having to turn on a bright overhead light.
Buy the Best Nursery Furniture to Last a Lifetime at Snüz
Planning for your baby's arrival is exciting and scary all at the same time. But with the right nursery furniture, you can set up a comfortable and stylish space for your little one that you'll both love spending time in.
At Snüz, we understand the importance of getting everything just right for your baby's nursery. That’s why our nursery furniture selection is all made with safety and comfort in mind, so you can rest assured knowing your baby is in good hands.
Our furniture is built to last your baby throughout their childhood and is designed to grow with them.
Plus, our team of experts are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about assembling or caring for your furniture. With award-winning designs, style and quality in abundance, Snüz has all the sleeping needs of your little one covered.
Shop our nursery furniture today, with free next-day UK delivery available on orders over £50!
Shop Our Full Nursery Furniture Range
FAQs
Where is the Best Place for a Cot in the Nursery?
The best place to position a cot in the nursery is away from any windows, heaters or electrical sockets. Ideally, the cot should be placed against a wall and near the door, so you can easily access your baby during the night.
How Do You Lay Furniture in a Nursery?
When laying out your nursery furniture, always keep safety in mind, first and foremost.
Make sure cribs and cot beds are away from windows and heaters, and that any wall-mounted decorations are securely fixed and out of your baby's reach.
Keep all the essential items you need to care for your baby within good reach.
When Should You Set Up Nursery Furniture?
The best time to start setting up your baby's nursery is during the second trimester of your pregnancy. This will give you plenty of time to get everything ready before your baby's arrival.
What Furniture is Needed in a Nursery?
The essential pieces of nursery furniture you should be purchasing include a crib or cot bed, changing table, dresser and wardrobe. You will also want to consider purchasing nursery accessories to help your baby sleep soundly, like a sleep aid and nightlight.
Do You Need a Wardrobe in a Nursery?
We always recommend that parents include a wardrobe in their nursery furniture set. This is because it helps keep everything organised and easily accessible, especially when your baby grows and needs more clothes.
You can also use the wardrobe to store blankets, bedding and other essential items for your baby.
