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Design 101
The Best Nursery Furniture
October 24, 2024
Setting up a nursery for your little one is an exciting milestone for first-timers and parenting veterans alike. You deserve a comfortable, functional, and beautiful space to bring your little one home to. Here’s a comprehensive list of all the best nursery furniture essentials.
Before You Buy
When planning your nursery, it's essential to start with a clear understanding of the space available. Measure the room to get a sense of how much furniture it can accommodate without feeling cramped. Consider the placement of windows and doors, as these will affect where you can place larger items like the crib and changing table. Think about the flow of the room and how you’ll move through the space, especially during those late-night visits.
Before diving into shopping, take the time to plan your nursery area. Studying the room layout will help you determine where nursery must-haves like the crib, changing table, and rocking chair will go. Make sure there will be enough space for you to move around the room comfortably. This preliminary planning ensures that the nursery is not only beautifully designed but also functional and safe for you and your baby.
Essential Nursery Furniture
When furnishing a nursery, selecting the right items is essential for crafting a functional and cozy environment for both you and your baby. Here are the best nursery furniture pieces to perfectly complete your space.
Crib and Crib Mattress
Your crib or bassinet and mattress should be appropriate for your baby's age, weight, and developmental level.
For example, an infant mattress can be raised higher, as a newborn can't climb or roll out of bed, while an older baby or young toddler's mattress should sit lower in the crib. Look for a crib model you can adjust as they grow.
Changing Tables
If you're about to have your first child, it may surprise you to learn that there's more than one kind of changing table. Here are two options:
- Table topper: This is essentially a shallow box placed on a dresser or another piece of furniture. Place a changing pad inside for your baby's comfort and cover it with a washable changing pad cover to make messes easier to clean up.
- Standalone changing table: This piece of furniture has a changing area on top with room for the changing pad and a few shelves underneath for essentials such as diapers, diaper rash cream, extra clothing, and more
Children's Nightstands
An infant in a crib may not have much need for a nightstand, but you might want a space for a snack, a water bottle, or your phone — especially if you're spending a lot of time holding your baby in the rocking chair or glider. Choose a nightstand that matches the nursery so your child can use it into their toddler and "big kid" years.
Glider or Nursery Chair
A glider or chair can give you a place of relaxation to soothe your little one back to sleep or provide late-night feedings. Look for good craftsmanship, soft materials, and colors that coordinate with the rest of your nursery. If you opt for a neutral color, you can always throw a soft blanket over the back of the chair for an extra pop of brightness.
Bedding and Linens
Bedding and linens create a cozy environment for your baby. Invest in a high-quality crib mattress that’s firm and fits snugly in the crib with no gaps around the edges. Dual-sided mattresses with a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers are a versatile choice.
You’ll need multiple sets of crib sheets, as you’ll frequently wash them. Cotton is great for cribs thanks to its soft, breathable nature. Swaddle blankets are great for newborns who like to feel snug and secure, but as your baby grows, you’ll need to transition to sleep sacks for safe sleeping.
Practical Accessories and Decorative Touches
In addition to furniture and bedding, there are a few practical accessories that can make life easier for new parents. You might want to purchase the following items on our nursery checklist:
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A diaper pail to contain odors and make diaper disposal easy. Look for one with a secure lid and easy-to-use design.
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A baby monitor to keep an eye (or ear) on your baby. Options range from basic audio monitors to advanced video monitors with night vision and temperature sensors.
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A humidifier can help maintain optimal humidity levels in the nursery, especially during the dry winter months, and can be beneficial for your baby’s skin and respiratory health.
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A soft nightlight provides enough visibility for nighttime feedings and diaper changes without disturbing your baby’s sleep.
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A white noise machine to help soothe your baby to sleep and block out household noises. Many machines offer a range of sounds, from white noise to lullabies.
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A dedicated laundry hamper in the nursery will save you trips to the laundry room. Choose one with a lid to keep dirty clothes out of sight and consider a design that complements the nursery decor.
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Blackout curtains to help your baby sleep better during the day. They block out light and can also help with temperature control.
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A portable diaper caddy keeps diaper-changing essentials within easy reach. It’s perfect for moving around the house so you can change your baby wherever is most convenient.
Once you’ve stocked up on the essentials, it’s time to add some decorative touches to make the nursery feel like home. Personalize the nursery with wall decor like art, decals, framed prints, or a sign with your baby’s name on it. A soft children's rug is a perfect spot for tummy time and playing as your baby grows, and it will give a little dimension to the room.
It’s never too early to start building your baby’s library with books; choose ones with on-theme illustrations that double as decor. A general tip is to choose items that are visually stimulating for your child and match your overall vision for the room.
Organizing Tips
Keeping the nursery organized is key to maintaining a peaceful and functional space during an otherwise messy stage of life. Have extra baskets and bins on hand to store toys, books, and other small items. This will keep things tidy and make it easy for you to find what you need at a moment’s notice. Label storage bins and shelves to make it easy for everyone in the household to know where things belong. Your dresser drawers will stay fairly organized if you place dividers inside. They’re perfect for separating baby clothes, socks, and accessories.
A Nursery You and Your Baby Will Love
Setting up a nursery is a joyful and rewarding experience. As you plan ahead and intentionally choose pieces, you’ll create a space that’s beautiful, practical, and comfortable for both you and your baby. Enjoy the process and make the nursery a reflection of your love for your little one. Happy decorating!
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