Inside: Nursery Furniture Essentials To Welcome Your Baby. Collaborative post.
One of the most exciting prospects of having a baby is the opportunity to build a beautiful and tranquil nursery that will quickly become the heart of your home, meeting your and your baby’s needs.
From choosing the perfect crib to keep your baby safe and well-rested to selecting comfortable seating options like a classic rocking chair or small single sofas and a bold and stimulating playmat for tummy time, designing and decorating the nursery of your dreams will create a soothing, safe, and creative space for your baby to grow and develop.
Crib
Just like a bed is the focal point of the bedroom, your baby’s first crib will be the centerpiece of any nursery. From a style point of view, choosing a crib that captures the eyes and anchors the overall design of the room will create a beautiful space for your baby to grow.
From a practical sense, investing in the crib of your dreams can carry a costly price tag, making it essential to select the best make and model to suit your ever-changing needs. Many popular brands have released modern crib styles that convert into small beds as your child grows, which are ideal for saving time and money down the line.
Dresser
When selecting the ideal dresser for any nursery, you want a piece that offers plenty of storage without being unnecessarily bulky, with a neutral aesthetic that is easy to match and can be used for more than one purpose in the room. It is the perfect place to store small baby clothes and, in nurseries with limited space, can double as a suitable place to add a changing topper to transform it into a multifunctional changing table.
Consider including a wardrobe in your nursery setup. While a dresser can hold everyday items like socks, swaddles, and crib sheets, a wardrobe is essential for storing seasonal items that you don’t use year-round. This additional storage space helps keep the nursery organized and free from unnecessary clutter.
Diaper Pail
A diaper pail may seem like a fancy garbage bin that is an unnecessary additional cost, but many new parents will shout from the rooftop the many benefits of including one of these handy receptacles in your nursery. Made for dirty diaper disposal, they are designed to cover up any unpleasant smells in an easy-to-reach and sanitary place.
In the beginning months of your new baby’s life, you will be changing diapers multiple times a day, and sometimes even multiple times an hour, which makes leaving the house to dispose of soiled diapers in outside dustbins simply unrealistic and unsustainable. Many models are hands-free, allowing you to keep at least one hand safely on your baby at all times.
Nightstand
A nightstand with storage drawers or open space for a storage bin is a strategic addition to your nursery. It provides a designated spot for items like your cell phone or water bottle, ensuring you’re organized and prepared during your nursery activities. It also serves as a perfect spot for a handy night light for late-night feedings, adding a touch of comfort and convenience to your parenting journey.
The small, additional storage is the perfect place to keep reading books, extra pacifiers or bottles, and burp clothes in a convenient and accessible place, especially when placed next to your rocking chair or armchair.
Changing Table
A changing table is an essential piece of furniture that you will revisit multiple times a day. While the most basic form of this piece can be viewed as a platform for changing diapers, many models include convenient and beneficial storage drawers to hold everything your baby will need, like diapers, wipes, onesies, medication, and anything else you use during changing times.
Should space limit your ability to have both a changing table and a dresser, it is best to select the dresser and include a changing topper, as mentioned above.
Rocking Chair
Any nursery needs to include a comfortable chair for mom or dad to sit in as needed. This will be the place where you will spend most of your time with your baby, nursing, burping, soothing, and providing general quality time. This can be a cozy armchair, a classic rocking chair, or a modern glider.
The benefit of rocking chairs and gliders is that their movement triggers a soothing and calming reflex in your baby, helping them to relax and fall asleep. While they are similar in operation, these seating options are somewhat different in aesthetic design. The option you ultimately choose will be based on personal preference.
Playmat
Choosing the right playmat for your nursery should not be a decision you rush into. You want an option that is safe and padded, which is essential for tummy time during early development and other movements that will eventually progress to exploration, play, and learning how to roll over.
The perfect playmat gives you somewhere safe to put your baby down should you need both hands free for a short time or while you change their clothes. With a suitable investment, you can select a mat that transitions into your toddler years, giving you a high-quality mat with maximum value.
White-Noise Machine
Many people, both young and old, significantly benefit from the comfort and tranquility of white-noise machines. For babies, they mimic womb noises, which can be of great comfort. They gently lull your little one to sleep while blanketing harsh and abrupt sounds that could disturb their slumber.
You can choose to invest in a stand-alone machine that can be used in multiple locations around your home as needed or utilize clever white-noise features on select nanny camera models.