Nursery Essentials for Your Newborn: What to Add on Your Registry Right Now Nathania, November 7, 2021May 16, 2024 Skip the sea of unnecessary baby products, and stick to this list to avoid overspending on useless crap that’ll end up as a laundry basket anyway.Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially for first-time parents. One important aspect of preparing for a baby is ensuring that you have all the necessary nursery essentials. Here are some of the essential items you’ll need to create a comfortable and safe space for your little one.Disclaimer: Some of the links used here are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission for no additional cost to you. I used Amazon even with less profit because this seems the most convenient for you guys. Thanks so much for using Nathania Raye as a resource to find the best registry items for YOU!CribWell, obviously, you’re going to need a crib. It’s THE MOST important item on this entire list. Not only can it make or break the overall vibe of the nursery, but it is where your little one will be sleeping for at least the first year of their life. I definitely recommend getting one of the 4-in-1 models that grow with your babe, like the one I linked above, but it’s all based on your preferences. Maybe you’ll end up like me and decide to have your little one sleep in their bedside bassinet until they’ve literally grown too much to fit in it anymore (lol). REGARDLESS, a crib/bassinet should probably be #1 on the new baby purchase list. William Fortunato : pexels.comBeddingWhat’s a bed with no sheets, amiright?I recommend getting at least 5 sets of sheets for your baby’s sleeping area—more if you do not have a laundry unit in your home or an additional playpen or bassinet. I also recommend a couple of waterproof mattress pads to keep your baby warm and comfy. Opt for bedding that is easy to wash and made of breathable materials to prevent overheating.Keep in mind that your newborn should not sleep with blankets! According to the CDC, a firm mattress without a crib bumper, extra pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals is ideal for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).Short Dresser That Can Be Used as a Temporary Changing TablePlease do not spend money on a changing table, and please do not ask your hardworking friends and family to spend their money on one. The only time I will endorse the purchase of a changing table is if you use one that comes attached to other furniture like this. That is fine. It’s not completely necessary, but if you have the extra space, go for it.I recommend a short dresser instead of the changing table, to which you can attach a changing mat and straps. This allows you to be flexible with the space while saving money and offering portability.Photo by Curtis Adams – www.pexels.comRocking chair or gliderA comfy chair is great for feeding, rocking, and soothing your mini-person. Look for a chair with good back support, padded armrests, and easy to clean. I actually picked out a chair like what’s pictured here and absolutely hated it. That was probably my top regretted purchase. It wasn’t comfy and came with no footrest. My best friend had this rocking chair, and I was obsessed whenever I visited. Learn from my mistakes, and do not cheap out on your rocking chair!Baby monitorBaby monitors are tricky because they can be hacked if you cheap out on them. I will not link the one I used because I had so many issues with it that I would probably get sued for such a negative review. (Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you want more details on this).I’m also not going to link some expensive baby monitor that I never tried because I want the affiliate funds. Based on my experience, I don’t have a specific recommendation for this, but I think it’s worth doing your research and determining the best option for you.If you have a home security system, installing an extra nursery camera through that company would probably be worth it. That should keep things simple and accessible. Be sure to ask about getting a camera with sound, as this is pretty important.Image from Canva libraryDiaper CartI would only say a diaper cart might be unnecessary if you live in a really small studio apartment. If not, go ahead and get you a diaper cart with wheels on the bottom. Having this for those nighttime wakeups during the bassinet months was literally so frigging helpful. I’m not wishing this on anyone, but my baby had A LOT of midnight poopsplosions and spit-up moments. I was in the trenches, y’all. But at least the diaper cart held it down.Your diaper cart should include diapers, wipes, ointment, burping cloths, two changes of baby clothes, and maybe even a set of feeding supplies (obviously, depending on your routine/needs).Developmentally Appropriate Toys/ActivitiesFrom the very beginning of motherhood, one of my favorite things was watching my baby learn and experience new things. I promise that little sparkle in their eye will get you every time!As your baby grows, they will enjoy playing with toys. Look for safe toys for your baby’s age and development level. These black-and-white contrast soft books are great for newborn brain development and visual stimulation.Your little one will be cleared for tummy time as soon as their umbilical stump falls out, so make sure you get them a fun tummy time mat that they can grow with for a bit. We used this, and I get super nostalgic whenever I hear the Bubblegum Tree song! Babes typically hate tummy time, so try to get something with activities or music that can help distract them from the discomfort. I also really like this option.Baby CarriersI taught kindergarten remotely during the pandemic when my son was a newborn. I wasn’t really savvy with tying him up in a traditional baby wrap, but more on that in my newborn essentials post. Once I found a carrier that worked for me, I was absolutely obsessed.All in AllPreparing for a new baby can be a lot of work, but having the right nursery essentials can make the process easier and more enjoyable. A safe and comfortable crib/bassinet, safe bedding, versatile changing pad, comfortable chair, a baby monitor from a company you trust, a diaper cart, and developmentally appropriate activities are all essential for your baby’s nursery.By having these items on hand, you’ll be better prepared for the arrival of your mini-me and have peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need to create a safe and comfortable space for your baby.If you haven’t already, check out these things you need to know about your third trimester! Pregnancy