8 Nursery Essentials to Set Up a Cosy, Practical Baby Room

For your bundle of joy.

Welcoming a baby is a wonderful experience, and preparing for their arrival can feel just as exciting – especially when it comes to setting up a space for them.

But as exciting as it is, it’s worth being intentional about what you buy instead of getting every baby product on the market. The most useful nursery essentials are those that help keep your baby safe and happy, make routines easier for you, and fit comfortably into your available space.

To help you narrow things down, here are 8 practical nursery essentials to consider:

1. A crib, bassinet, or convertible crib

Of course, the first and most important thing to get for your nursery is a sleeping spot for your baby. But the type you get depends on your space and how long you want it to last – for example, bassinets are more compact and are perfect for the newborn stage, while cribs offer more room as they grow.

If you want something that’s the best of both worlds, a convertible crib is a practical choice. They can be adjusted as your child gets older and bigger, meaning you won’t have to replace them as soon as they outgrow the newborn stage.

2. A nursing chair

You’ll be spending a long time just sitting with your baby, be it for feeds, burping, soothing, or simply settling them back to sleep. That’s why a comfortable nursing chair is especially crucial – especially one that’s soft, spacious, and offers good back support.

For extra ease, you may want to consider a rocking chair or glider. The gentle swaying motion can help calm your baby without you needing to rock them physically – something which your back and shoulders will thank you for.

What’s comfortable will depend on your needs and preferences, but these places are a good starting point:

• HomesToLife
• Cellini
• Megafurniture

3. A changing table

The first few months will be full of diaper changes, so a proper changing spot can make the routine feel a little more organised.

If space is tight, a flip-down changing table (similar to the kinds you see in shopping mall toilets) is a decent option, since it can be tucked away when not in use. Otherwise, a dresser with a changing pad attachment on top works just as well, since you’ll be able to change diapers while having everything you may need within reach.

4. A sufficient amount of storage

Speaking of dressers, you’ll definitely want plenty of storage space in the nursery – because for something so small, babies require a shocking amount of stuff like diapers, wipes, and clothes.

As we’ve already discussed, a dresser with a changing pad attachment lets you make the most of a single space. If you like something smaller or mobile, a trolley lets you tote everything around wherever you need it, be it beside the crib, next to your nursing chair, or even out in your living room.

5. A play mat

At some point, your baby will graduate from sleeping most of the time to wanting a little more physical activity, which is when a safe area for some tummy time will come in handy.

If you want something that keeps them engaged for a longer period of time, go for a baby gym – the kind with lots of hanging toys and textured baubles that grab attention.

But if you want something easier to clean or are working with limited floor space, a water-repellent playmat is the more practical choice. It can be stowed away when not in use, and easily tossed into the washing machine when the inevitable drool or spit-up happens.

6. Baby monitor

If your baby sleeps in a separate room, a baby monitor is something that can give you extra reassurance. You get to go about your daily routines (like cooking and doing chores) without feeling the need to peek in every so often.

An audio monitor is sufficient if you simply want to know when they’ve woken up. But a video monitor may be more worth it since it allows you to monitor your baby without needing to physically be there.

7. Soft lighting

Waking up in the middle of the night for feeds and diaper changes will become part of the routine – and the last thing you want is to deal with a harsh overhead light that is equally harsh and blinding.

A dimmable lamp or night light is a great place to start, since you can adjust the brightness depending on what you need or are comfortable with.

8. Blackout curtains

In a perpetually sunny country like Singapore, things like blackout curtains are crucial for keeping the nursery dim and cool during daytime naps.

For better light and heat control, full blackout curtains are especially ideal for units that get a ton of direct sunlight. But if you like some flexibility, consider day-and-night curtains – you can keep the space bright and airy when needed, and then draw the blackout layer when it’s time for your baby’s nap.

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