Essentials Needed For My First Nursery

Don’t let the magic of having a baby diminish because you’re stressing out about getting everything in place for when your newborn arrives. This is a wonderful time, and in all honesty there are only a few essentials that you need to get in place for the big day, a lot of other things can be purchased afterwards. So what do you need in place for your first nursery?

A Cot

This is vital, and it’s vital that you get the right type of cot with the right type of mattress. Your baby’s comfort and safety is paramount here, so spend a little time researching the right types of cots. You can spend anything between £70 and £700 for a cot, so be sure to have a budget in mind and stick to it.

Safety is the first thing to consider. All cots should carry the British Standards Institutions (BSI) number BS EN 716:2008. This means that all cots must comply with their safety standards. The next thing you need to consider is size. There are ‘standard-sized’ and ‘continental-sized’ cots and mattresses, so it’s advised to buy the same sized mattress and cot, otherwise the two won’t fit. If you want to buy one that converts into a toddler’s bed then this will save you money in the long run.

Sheets and Blankets

You’ll also need to purchase some cot sheets, blankets and wraps. You need to be careful when using blankets as you don’t want to smother your baby. Unfortunately, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and cot death is still prevalent, but the risk can be minimised if you ensure that your baby always sleeps on their back, their face is always uncovered and always make sure the blanket you use is tucked in securely and only comes up to the baby’s waist.

Clothes and Nappies

Newborns tend to live in babygrows or all-in-one sleep suits, so it’s important to buy a few of these, maybe 4 or 5. You’ll need a few as your baby will likely make a mess regularly, so have some spare for when he or she needs changing. Also consider buying a couple of vests for your baby to wear underneath if it’s pretty cold. If it’s extremely cold, be sure to buy a cardigan or a jumper for them to wear over the top as well.

It’s also essential to buy nappies. A newborn will likely need to be changed 10 to 12 times a day, so you need to buy enough to keep you going for a few days or a week initially for when the baby arrives. It’s up to you whether you want to use reusable or disposable nappies. There are pros and cons for both, but if you’re on a budget, then choosing reusable nappies will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Bathing

Whilst you can always bath your baby in a sink or washing up bowl, some parents choose to buy them their own baby bath or a newborn bath support. This will make their bathing experience a lot more enjoyable, and in some ways more hygienic too. Be sure to have a change table within your nursery too, as this will make bathing and changing a great deal easier. Also consider the types of toiletries you’ll need; choose gentle and basic cleaning products such as nappy wipe as well as a good nappy rash cream. You’ll also need cotton wool balls and cotton buds as well.

Storage and Space

Your nursery will also need plenty of space to store toys and clothes. Whilst this isn’t an essential for your newborn, it will certainly help you keep the room tidy and uncluttered, creating a calming and soothing feel for the room. As your child grows older, he or she can tidy away their toys and clothes using this storage space.

Mobiles Hung Over Cot and Changing Table

Finally, your baby will always need stimulation, especially in their early years. This will form the building blocks for their own development, so getting the baby interacting with bright colours, noises and moving objects will help immensely.

By: Vincent A Rogers

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