|
Nursery Essentials
The Survival Guide To Baby's
First Weeks At Home
A baby's nursery not only provides a comfortable atmosphere for sleeping, it
also provides mom and baby a quiet place to rock and bond comfortably during the
first few weeks of life.
Setting up your baby's nursery is one of the many joys you will have as an
expectant mother. Deciding on what items you need to buy to fully furnish your
baby's nursery however, can be a bit of a challenge, particularly if you are a
first time parent. There are actually very few things a baby will truly 'need'
during his first few weeks of life other than clean diapers, a food source and
an occasional bath.
That doesn't mean however that you can't go all out when setting up your baby's
nursery. In fact, most parents take great joy in setting up their baby's nursery
for the first time and picking out that special baby bedding .
Nursery Essentials
Exactly which items are 'essential' in a nursery vary from parent to parent.
There are some items however, that are unarguably indispensable to have in a
baby's nursery.
The Baby's Crib
One of the more important pieces of furniture you will buy for your newborn baby
is a crib. Most babies will sleep in their crib until they are 2 to 3 years old,
so it is important that you buy one that is sturdy, attractive, safe and
functional.
It is a good idea to order your crib before you deliver your baby, so you have
time to assemble it when it finally arrives. Keep in mind that many stores don’t
keep furniture items in stock including cribs, so it may take a few days or
weeks before your crib arrives!
Most cribs come without a mattress; so don’t forget to order this important
accessory when buying your baby’s first crib!
For advice on how to select the best crib for your baby see the
buying guide for baby cribs.
The Changing Station
While a changing table isn’t necessarily a necessity, it makes life a lot easier
when you are working with a newborn. A diaper-changing table provides a safe,
sturdy and convenient place to change your baby’s diaper.
Most changing tables also provide a handy area for storing your baby’s diapers,
wipes, a change of clothes and other personal care items. They also come in a
wide selection of styles, colors, sizes and brands. You can find almost any
style to match your nursery or other house furniture.
For tips on selecting the right changing table see the
buying guide for baby changing tables.
Be sure your changing station is stocked with a change of clothes, diapers,
wipes and diaper cream so you don't have to go searching for items in the middle
of the night. Having everything you could possibly need at your fingertips, day
or night, is what a well stocked changing table is all about. Make sure you have
all the helpful items on the following checklist.
-
Diapers
-
Baby Wipes
-
Changing Pad and Cover
- Cotton Swabs
-
Baby Powder and Rash Ointment
-
Undershirts or One Pieces
-
Baby Nail Scissors
-
Thermometer
-
Nasal Aspirator
-
Brush or Comb
-
Diaper Pail and Refills
-
Toy to Entertain Baby
Baby Laundry Hamper
A laundry hamper is also a fine item to have in a nursery, particularly because
babies have a habit of leaking out of their diapers, sometimes several times per
day.
Rocking Chair or Glider and
Night Lights
Having a rocker or glider in the room will add to your comfort during late night
feeds. To accompany this, a small night light will make it easier for you to
find your way about the room in the middle or the night.
Crib Sheets and
Mattress Pads Covers
You should also make sure that you have snug fitting sheets and a waterproof
pad for your crib. Next be sure to set up a changing area near the crib.
This will help you transition baby from crib to changing table conveniently
when you have late night feeds.
Receiving Blankets
You should look at receiving blankets that are soft, generously sized and well
made. Make sure they stand up well to allot of washings and still retain their
size and color.
Dresser Armoire
You might also consider having a dresser or armoire next to your baby's changing
area, to help organize the multiple versions of onesies you have and also to
ensure that you have baby necessities somewhere close by in case you have to
grab some in a hurry.
There are other items that while not necessities, can make the baby's nursery
more accommodating to both mother and baby. These items include:
- Diaper Disposal System
- Wiper Warmer
- Monitor
- Radio and Clock
The most important thing to keep in mind when setting up your baby's nursery is
that it should be a space that is not only comfortable but convenient and easy
to use. You can always change the room around later to accommodate your child's
growing needs.
|
