Essential nursery checklist

Everything you need for your baby

If you're about to welcome a new little person into your home, you'll want to create the most warm and comforting environment possible. Read on for the ultimate checklist of everything you'll need for your baby's nursery.

Baby nursery shopping

When you first find out you're pregnant, nine months might seem like a really long time to wait until you can finally meet your new baby, but on the other hand, with so much to prepare and organise, those months will fly by before you know it!

To help you get started on preparing your new baby's nursery, we've compiled the essential nursery checklist full of must-haves, would-be-nices and little luxuries. Pick and choose your items depending on your budget and space, then print this list out and start ticking!

For sleep

Cot: Make sure it's safe and complies with national safety regulations.
Mattress: Make sure it fits properly with no dangerous gaps.
Mattress protector.
Cot sheets: Aim to buy at least two to three sheet sets so you always have a clean lot ready to go.
Blankets and wraps: Try to buy a minimum of two or three of these.

For changing

Change table: Aim to find one with extra safety protection such as raised sides.
Mobile: A hanging mobile is a cute distraction to hang above your baby's change table.
Nappies: You'll need to decide if you're going to go with disposables or terry towel nappies with clasps.
A nappy bin: Preferably a disposal system that minimises odours.
Gentle face washers or cloths.
Baby change wipes.
Talcum powder.
Cotton wool balls.
Cotton buds.
Nappy rash cream.

For play

Bouncer with a safety harness.
Mats for the floor.
Toys, blocks and puppets: Toys that are age-appropriate with sounds can be a great distraction for grumbly babies. You may also like to plan for the years ahead with toys like blocks as you may find you don't have much time to go shopping after your new baby has arrived!
Storage solutions: Start off your new journey as a parent by being organised!

For safety

Baby monitor: So you can keep an ear out when your baby is sleeping and you're in another room.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
Nightlight.
Room thermometer.

Furniture and decor

Wardrobe or dresser.
Bookshelf and books: Hey, it's never too young to start growing that library!
Radio and CD player: Lullabies may help to put your baby to sleep or at least calm them down after a big day.
Rocking chair: This could be a lifesaver after a long day on your feet when your baby won't fall asleep.
Decorations: Help to create a warm and friendly space with colourful artworks and calming paint colours on the walls.

Other essentials

Baby clothes: All hail the onesie! You'll no doubt receive many clothes as gifts, but aim to buy a range of comfortable and washable clothes that can be layered, such as singlets, shirts, jumpers, stretchy pants and socks, and of course a protective hat.
Bibs.
Baby bathtub.
Baby towels.
Nappy bag for outings.
Pram.
Blankets, toys and waterbottles for the pram.