What Should I Buy for Baby Room and What to Skip?

Baby things are so cute. However, I have prepared a list of baby items that are essential to have in your baby’s room and a list of things that you can skip.

Completing your baby’s room is indeed one of the most exciting tasks expectant parents look forward to. Plus, without a doubt, shopping is the most fun part of the process. But, it is also essential to consider other factors such as safety and practicality.

Safety is a constant factor in every child’s room. You’ll have to fix furniture and fixtures properly to decrease the risk of falls for your little one. Moreover, you’ll need to pad any sharp sides and furniture edges.

Practicality is to choose things that your baby can use while growing up. Pick furniture that may be converted as your child transitions from baby to toddlerhood to preschool age. Also, choose fixtures and decorations that will be beneficial to the growth of your little one.

If you are keen to know the essential things that need to be in your baby’s room, continue reading.

Seeking for the perfect baby crib, but you’re unsure where to start? Check out this list I created of the best baby cribs to buy.

Essential Baby Room Items

Let’s first discuss the items that should be included in your priority when designing and purchasing things for your baby room.

1. Crib and Mattress

A crib should be one of your little one’s safe places. Babies stay inside the crib for about sixteen to seventeen hours per day, which almost 70% of his/her daily time.

First, the crib should let the caregiver see the baby correctly. It should have sturdy and durable materials. Also, some cribs can transition as your little one grows. Some cribs in the market are designed to change into a toddler bed or a preschool table.

In addition to the crib, pick a mattress that is hypoallergenic and will best suit your baby’s crib. Different kinds of mattresses in the market include organic, waterproof, bamboo-made, and many more. Prices range from about $50 to $150. To ensure that the mattress is protected from spills and diaper leaks, purchase a waterproof mattress cover.

2. Nursing Chair and Nursing Pillow

Since you nurse your baby for several hours a day, your comfort should be considered when planning and designing the baby room.

A nursing chair should be able to provide that comfort. The chair should permit you to comfortably sit, lean, turn around, and relax your feet. Nursing chairs start at about $300 to $800 depending on its material and features. 

To increase the level of comfort, you may purchase a tandem nursing pillow to support you and your baby during feeding. Proper support and positioning to your baby’s head and back during feeding will help you prevent colic and indigestion. 

3. Baby Clothes and Toiletries

Babies change clothes for almost thrice a day. Therefore make sure you have enough of the essential clothing items such as:

• Onesies
• Mittens
• Socks
• Infant shirts
• Infant pants
• Baby towels
• Bibs

Moreover, your little one also needs toiletries such as diapers, wet wipes, and cotton to keep him/her fresh and clean all day. Some parents use lotions, powders, ointments, and creams as needed. Just keep in mind to choose brands with the mildest ingredients as your baby’s skin is still very sensitive.

4. Cabinets and Drawers

Babies are small, yet they have loads of clothing items and toiletries. Cabinets and drawers are necessary items that should be in your baby room to organize your baby’s things.

Choose neutral-colored furniture to match with other nursery items, especially if you have a particular theme. You may add a decorative accessory to let it blend with the other themed items. A sticker is an excellent option as you can easily replace it in case your child prefers a different theme as he transitions to toddlerhood.

Unmounted cabinets increase the risk of falls to little kids. Hence, when installing your cabinets and drawers, keep in mind to have it fixed on the wall properly. It will provide added safety to your baby, especially when he/she begins to crawl and walk.

Items that You Can Skip

While these items are in most stores’ baby room must-haves, I think you can either purchase them at a later time or skip buying them altogether.

1. Crib Bumpers,  Blankets, and Plush Toys

According to the experts, the use of bumpers, blankets, and plush toys in infant cribs increases the threat of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Fluffy bumpers and huggable blankets pose a risk of suffocation. Soft toys such as cuddly bears and elephants also put the child for suffocation risks.

2. Changing Tables

You indeed need to change your baby’s diaper almost four to six times a day. However, a changing table is not necessary as you can change it on the baby crib or any flat and safe surface. 

There are several reports of infant fall as a caregiver cleans his/her diaper on a changing table. Not to mention, changing tables are expensive. 

3. Diaper Container

I understand that you want your baby room to be clean and smell fresh all day, amidst the multiple diaper changes.

While it is tempting the diaper container in front of the baby store, you can skip purchasing this item. A smart alternative is to utilize your old trash can, refurbish it into something that matches your theme.

Tada! You have an upgraded trash can. 

4. White Noise Maker

Babies naturally try to soothe themselves through thumb-sucking and listening to the sounds outside. While it seems to calm a baby down initially, most mothers, like us, found out that a white noise maker is unnecessary. 

Final Thought and Tip

There are hundreds of baby items, including clothes, furniture, and toys that are available in the market. However, before you jump into the preparation of your baby room, first make sure that your baby bag and mommy bag are ready to go.

Keep in mind to first buy the essentials, then think twice before you go for items to skip.

As for the essentials, choose the items smartly and pick the things that will grow with him/her as he/she grows old.