If you are planning to set up a nursery for your baby, chances are you may be feeling a tad flabbergasted at the variety of baby stuff available in the market for a baby nursery! If you’re having problems trying to figure out what you’ll actually need, here are some suggestions on what makes a perfectly functioning nursery.

Baby Crib/Cot

A cot or crib can be a fully functional item to have until your little one turns two or three years of age and tries to climb out of it! In the meantime, the cot you choose should be strong and sturdy with no cracks, broken slats or jagged edges.

Qualities of a good cot or crib:

  • Deep enough to prevent baby from falling out
  • Have bars that are not too far apart, for your baby’s head can get caught in between them
  • Have smooth interiors with no rough edges
  • Have specially built teething rail to prevent splinters due to chewing
  • Optional feature: Adjustable base that can be lowered as your baby grows older and tries to climb out

Crib mattress

A good crib mattress is not only more comfortable for a baby, but it can also support the child’s growing body.

Features of a good crib mattress:

  • Comfortable, with just the right firmness and not too soft as it may result in suffocation hazards
  • Fits snugly in the crib (You should not be able to fit two fingers between the mattress and the sides of the crib)

Changing Table

If your budget allows it and you happen to have the space in your nursery for a changing table, it will be a solid investment as there are many well-designed, practical and attractive choices available. Ensure that the table you choose has protective guardrails at least two inches high on all sides and that the table itself is sturdy.

Consider also, the need for storage space for diapers, wipes and creams and opt for a design where you would not have to bend or take your eyes off your baby when accessing these items.

Nursing Chair

Nursing chairs may seem unnecessary and indulgent, but the fact is, they’re designed to provide exceptional comfort to a nursing mom. Most nursing chairs recline into different positions to support your back. Some even have a rocking feature to help soothe your baby. Although it can be pricey, many mothers have proclaimed it may be one of the comfiest chairs that help relieve backaches and induce much-needed naps.

Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is an invaluable addition to your nursery as you will be able to keep tabs on your little one even if you are not in the same room. A baby monitor has the ability to transmit sound (and even video), from one room to another. Monitors have two parts – a transmitter and receiver – and are useful for parents who sleep in separate rooms to wake up at night for feeding, changing or comforting.

Baby closet or cupboard

As a parent, you will be flabbergasted at how many clothes your growing child can go through throughout their little lives. This is especially so if you happen to be a fashionista yourself! In any case, a closet or cupboard is a must-have addition to any nursery.

Storage baskets or containers

If you believe in the old adage “A place for everything and everything in its place”, then you’ll definitely see the need for a container or two to store away toys and what-nots for a neater-looking nursery. Choose containers that are pleasing to the eye and ensure that they compliment the overall theme of the nursery.

Diaper pail with lid

A large diaper pail will be a convenient addition to any nursery, considering that babies will go through loads of diapers each day. Go for one with a lid to keep odour intact and not wafting through the entire nursery! A larger sized bin will offer the convenience of having to empty the bin just once a day.

Laundry basket

With spit-ups, vomit, pee, poop and spilled food, you will see yourself changing your baby’s garments multiple times a day. With a laundry basket, you can conveniently chuck those soiled outfits into it to be dealt with later.

Crib mobiles

A crib mobile is a hanging structure that supports toys and objects that can stimulate and entertain your little one. Because infants will spend most of their time on their backs, having a baby mobile will definitely be more entertaining than staring at a blank ceiling. Choose mobiles that have the ability to move, sway and jiggle to help keep your baby suitably entertained.

Baby gyms or playmats

A baby gym is usually a soft mat with an arch over it with small toys suspended from it. The arches are mostly criss-crossed and the hanging toys tend to have different colours, textures and sounds to stimulate your little one. As your infant gets older, it will be a great place for tummy time for exploration of different textures on the mat.

Music player

Parents simply can’t be by their little one’s side 24 hours a day, so some music on standby could be useful. The soft sounds of music may help a baby feel more at ease and may help induce sleep too.

Curtains or blinds

Having curtains and blinds will help your child sleep or nap better and, of course, improve the ambiance of any room.