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Planning a nursery is a lot of work, and while most moms-and-dads-to-be get caught up in the decor details, it’s important to double-check that you’ve got the basics. From cribs to changing tables to curtains and baby monitors, we’ve rounded up a list of all the must-have baby essentials you’ll want to have ready for your little one’s nursery. Check out these great finds from trusted retailers like Amazon, Target and Pottery Barn Kids.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Crib
Whether you start out with a bassinet, co-sleeper or go straight to baby’s own bed, a crib is a nursery must-have. This sleek Babyletto convertible crib also turns into a toddler bed or daybed, so your little one can use it for years to come. You’ll want to remember to pick up a crib mattress, too!
2 of 15 Image Credits: Pottery Barn Kids
Crib Bedding
Once you’ve got the crib, it’s time to get the crib bedding. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using crib bumpers for safety reasons, so a minimalist nursery bedding set like this fitted sheet and cozy quilt from Pottery Barn Kids’ Jersey Spaced Dyed baby bedding set is all you need. Check out more crib bedding styles here.
3 of 15 Image Credits: Crate and Barrel
Nursery Rug
Give baby somewhere soft to crawl and play! Crate and Barrel Kids’ fluffy Flokati rug is made of 100 percent wool, which makes it a great, natural place for baby to rest and roll around. See more nursery rug styles we love.
4 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Humidifier
A humidifier is a baby essential and the best way to keep baby breathing easy in cool, dry weather. iTvanila’s cool mist humidifier has automatic shut-off, a 12-hour timer setting and easy touch control operation. Find out how to choose a humidifier and shop them here.
5 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Changing Table
Baby needs somewhere sturdy to rest for all those diaper changes, and a little extra storage doesn’t hurt either! This Babyletto Gelato changing table doubles as a three-drawer dresser, and the changing table tray can simply be removed later when your little one no longer needs it.
6 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Diaper Changing Pad
Changing table? Check! Now your nursery needs a changing pad. Add a little bit of softness to diaper changes with this Munchkin waterproof diaper changing pad. This must-have pad has rubber strips on the bottom for extra grip and safety straps to keep baby from wiggling, rolling or falling.
7 of 15 Image Credits: Buy Buy Baby
Changing Pad Cover
One last thing in the diaper changing round up: a diaper pad cover. Choose something soft and fitted like this machine washable, 100 percent organic jersey cotton changing pad cover from Burt’s Bees Baby for your nursery.
8 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Nursery Rocking Chair
Rockabye baby! Nurse, cuddle or sing baby to sleep in this Baby Relax Double Rocker in Dark Taupe. The double rocker size makes it easy for Mom and Dad to snuggle baby together or for multiple kiddos to join in for storytime.
9 of 15 Image Credits: Bed Bath and Beyond
Toy Box
You may not have a lot of toys to store away now, but after baby showers, hospital visits and a few months with your growing, changing baby, you’ll realize that a toy box is essential to keep them all tucked away. This Delta Children’s Monterey Farmhouse wood toy box is a stylish nursery must-have that keeps everything organized.
10 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Baby Monitor
As much as you’d like to be with baby 24/7, it’s just not possible. Keep an ear and an eye on your little one while they nap in the nursery, rest or play in their room with this Babysense baby monitor. This video monitor comes with a camera, color LCD display, two-way communication and more features you will love.
11 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Electric Outlet Covers
It’s important not to forget everyday practical safety must-haves like outlet covers. Protect your little one from injury with this affordable pack of easy-to-use Mommy’s Helper outlet plugs—place them anywhere your little one will be able to reach when they start crawling and cruising around the nursery.
12 of 15 Image Credits: Target
Blackout Curtains
Help baby get a restful night’s sleep—and an afternoon nap—with these adorable 95-inch-long, machine-washable cloud-print blackout curtains. The smallest bit of light can be distracting for some babies, so blacking out daylight can be a nursery naptime lifesaver.
13 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
White Noise Machine
In a parent’s dream world, household noises—or dead silence—wouldn’t keep babies from getting their precious sleep. This Hatch Baby Rest night light and white noise machine can help your little one fall asleep and be comforted back into slumber if they wake in the nursery at night.
14 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Hanging Closet Storage Organizer
Little humans come with lots of little clothes and accessories that just don’t quite work in standard adult-size closets. This mDesign hanging closet storage organizer is a nursery must that will make more room for your baby’s clothes and essentials.
15 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Diaper Pail
Parenting can be dirty work—save yourself some of the drama (and smell) with this Ubbi odor-locking diaper pail. Unlike traditional diaper disposal systems, this one doesn’t require any special bags, which makes it a nursery must-have that will save you money and trouble down the road.
