Nursery Room Basics

When you're expecting a baby, it's hard not to want to buy every piece of adorable baby furniture and equipment on the market. Some items are essential, and some are impulse buys that do little more than sit in your baby's nursery and look cute. Despite the constant stream of new products aimed at pregnant women---and their checkbooks---there are a necessary basics that must be in your baby's nursery.

  1. Crib and Mattress

    • What should probably be a "no-brainer" on a list for a nursery is a crib and mattress. Do your homework when it comes to cribs, as certain types, such as drop side designs, have been recalled due to infant injuries and death. Resist the urge to use the one your grandmother has had stored in her attic for 40 years, as it may have been recalled or weakened during that time. Always buy a new crib. Find a firm mattress that fits inside snugly to avoid any little arms or legs getting stuck between it and the crib.

    Dresser

    • You'll need a place to store all those adorable little pastel colored outfits, so find a dresser for your little one's room. Most cribs have a matching dresser, which can eliminate any additional searching. A normal, non-baby designed dresser will work just as well, too. Bolt it to the wall to avoid any injuries when your little one is up and exploring the world, usually by climbing on anything that stands still long enough.

    Diapers and Wipes

    • Diapers and wipes are those much needed essentials for babies, but are often overlooked. Stock up on diapers to avoid running out during those middle-of-the-night changes. Have plenty of wipes on hand to clean up your little one's messes. Don't focus solely on newborn sizes, as those little darlings grow quickly in the first weeks of life. Buy a pack of the next size up for that growth spurt.

    Changing Table

    • While it's still up for debate whether the changing table is an essential piece for a nursery, the idea behind it is. You'll need a place to change your baby, whether it be on an official changing table, in the crib or on the floor. A changing table typically has shelves and at least one drawer for storing extra diapers, wipes and other changing essentials.

    Diaper Bin

    • A diaper bin can be a simple trash can with a lid or a commercially created pail with scientifically developed odor-eliminating technology. The style and price of the container doesn't matter, as long as it holds the diapers---and their smell--until you get them out to the curb on trash day.

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