The new addition to your home and your life does not come with bags packed, ready to move in, so it will be up to the parents to choose the “essentials” for the new little tenant. While the list of nursery essentials varies from parent to parent, a mix of the indispensable and the just gotta haves will meet the needs and the desires of everyone involved.
There’s no argument that a quality sleeping arrangement is in order so the most important piece of furniture in the baby’s room is a crib. Children will sleep in their crib up to age three so it is important you buy one that is sturdy, safe, and functional. Order your crib in plenty of time so it may be assembled and ready for baby’s homecoming.
A lot of diaper changing will be the order of any day so make the chore easier with a changing table. Not only do you save your back, but a changing table has compartments to stock all the absolute essentials that need to be in handy reach such as diapers, wipes, clothes, ointments, and — well, you get the picture. And speaking of diaper changes, a diaper hamper is highly recommended as an essential to make clean up quicker and less an olfactory hindrance when emptied often. Many hampers are a part of coordinating sets for the nursery and will add style with colors or fabrics that match the nursery decor.
There will also be many nights (and days) of rocking your child to sleep, so you may want to invest in a rocking chair or glider set. The motion will soothe both the baby, and you, so make sure it has all the pillows you need to make the rocker comfy for lullaby times.
When choosing a color scheme for baby’s room, there is no automatic color to choose from today. Traditional pink or blue is always a favorite but baby’s room colors receive no less attention than any other major room in your house. Creams, chocolates, olives, greens of an infinite variety are gracing the walls of many a tyke, giving a theme or a pattern the chance to be enhanced with complimentary shades and colors to complete the look. A neutral tone opens up the possibility of having the bedding and accessories dictate the accent color and mood.
Don’t forget or leave out the fun things that make the experience for baby and parents such a delight. Family heirlooms with childhood memories or personal interests will create a blend of new memories for the parents and their newest family member. Night lights, musical toys and mobiles, soft plush animals and blankets, personalized keepsakes, and framed first portraits of baby and family will mark this nursery as someone’s new home full of love.