Nursery check list

A nursery has many functions, it’s where your baby will sleep, have nappies changed, get dressed, be soothed and play. It’s also where you’ll store all the baby’s ‘stuff’.

The ‘stuff’ that you can buy for your baby’s nursery will seem endless and it’s difficult to know what’s essential and what’s not. Here are some tips to help guide you.

A cot or cot bed. This will be essential as your baby will spend a lot of time in it. If you or your partner are tall then it’s likely you will have a longer baby, a cot bed will last you longer. Cot beds are great for easily and cheaply making the move to a bed later. If you have a second hand cot, it’s very important to buy a new mattress.
Moses basket or crib. A popular choice as it’s smaller and more transportable around the house during the day and night. Most babies move out of these by 6 months. Again, if you have a second hand one, buy a new mattress.
Nursery bedding and sheeting. 2 pure cotton cot sheets are usually sufficient unless you have a sicky baby, fitted cot sheets are easier. A cot valance is pretty but not essential, don’t use cot bumpers inside the cot before 6 months, let the air circulate freely. A pretty quilted cot throw looks gorgeous in or over the cot once your baby is over 12 months. Before then, remove the quilt completely whilst your baby is sleeping (you could use it to keep you warm whilst feeding in the night). Don’t use a pillow until nearer 18 months. A waterproof cover for the mattress is a sensible idea in case baby gets sicky or wet. If you use blankets in the cot/crib/moses basket, it’s wise to stick to cellular blankets in the 9 months until baby can easily move a blanket themselves. Keep fluffy blankets for prams and car seats where you are supervising them. Baby sleeping bags are ideal nursery bedding for those early months. Remember to wash all new nursery bedding before you use it.
Changing table. A useful designated changing area for your baby at waist height with a cushioned changing mat on it. Useful for nappy and accessories storage within arms reach. However, once your baby starts rolling anytime from 4 months then you might find that you prefer to change your baby on the floor or a cot top changer for safety. Therefore a changing table isn’t always the best investment long term for everyone. Using a chest of drawers as a changing table is more versatile and cheaper long term. Remember – never take your eyes off your baby or be out of arms reach when your baby is lying on a changing table or any other nursery furniture.
Nappy stacker. If you don’t have a changing table it holds loads of nappies and looks gorgeous tied onto the cot.
Baskets. Superb for organising and storing medicines, creams, thermometers and bits and bobs.
Laundry basket. Not essential for the nursery as you can use yours, up to you.
Chest of drawers. Essential for storing those cute little outfits, baby shoes, toiletries, bedding etc. Also useful as a changing table in the early months.
Nursery Wardrobe. Not essential but useful and you will need one eventually. Great for storage of clothes that they grow out off or waiting to use.
Nursing chair. A time honoured tradition for nurseries. The rocking motion soothes a baby and it’s a comfortable place for you to relax whilst feeding and comforting. A footstool makes feeding more comfortable.
Bouncy chair. Perfect way to keep baby safe, entertained and happy during the day, use in the nursery or anywhere in the house.
Storage. A bookshelf or wall shelving will be crucial to store and display all those gifts, keepsakes, toys and books. You’ll be surprised how much ‘stuff’ will accumulate. For safety, it’s a good idea to wall fix a bookshelf.
Mobile. An essential accessory for every nursery, see our interiors and toys sections for ideas.
Toys. See our huge range of unusual soft toys and classic wooden toys to dress up your nursery and entertain your baby.
Bath time. This is another shopping maze of stuff. We’re planning to do another article on this room. In the meantime, if you’ve got 3 x hooded towels, a baby sponge, baby bath or seat, top/tail bowl and bath thermometer, you’ve got what’s necessary.
Nursery Lighting. See our article on lighting
Nursery Curtains. See our article on window dressing