Creating a comfortable and functional nursery is an exciting part of preparing for a new baby. It's a place where your little one will sleep, play and grow.
Here are our top 10 nursery essentials to help you create a space that's both cozy and practical.
1. Cot or bassinet
A safe and comfortable sleep space is essential for your baby's wellbeing and can help to promote restful sleep - for the whole family. We recommend choosing a cot that meets the Australian safety standards, with a firm mattress and fitted sheets. A well designed sleep area can help to make late-night feeds and early morning wakes a little easier.
2. Changing table or dresser with changing pad
Make nappy changes more convenient with a dedicated changing table or a dresser equipped with a changing pad, depending on the size of your room. Having a designated space for nappy changes means everything you need is within arm's reach, saving you from scrambling during those middle-of-the-night changes. Stock it with plenty of nappies, wipes, burp cloths and nappy cream so you're always prepared.
3. Rocking chair or feeding chair
A comfortable chair for feeding, rocking and soothing your baby is a must-have in any nursery. Look for a rocking chair or feeding chair that offers plenty of support for both you and your little one. Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or just cuddling your baby to sleep, having a chair with supportive cushions will help you stay comfortable during those long feeding sessions.
4. Soft storage containers
Keep your nursery neat and organised with soft storage containers for your baby’s clothes, nappies and other essentials. Storage solutions like drawers, shelves and baskets are perfect for maximising space while keeping toys and supplies within easy reach.
5. Baby monitor
A reliable baby monitor allows you to keep an eye (and ear) on your baby during their day naps and provides peace of mind when they start sleeping in their own room.
6. Dimmable lighting
A dimmable lamp or nightlight allows you to control the brightness, ensuring the room feels cozy and calm without overwhelming your baby. Whether you need gentle light to help your little one drift off to sleep or more light for early-morning nappy changes, dimmable lighting offers the perfect balance. It also helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere during nighttime routines, making it easier for both baby and you to settle back to sleep.
7. Wall art
Stimulate your baby’s visual senses with vibrant wall art that adds a pop of colour to the nursery. Choose pieces with contrasting colours and simple patterns to capture their attention and encourage early visual development. Babies are naturally drawn to bold, high-contrast visuals, so opt for designs that are easy for them to focus on. Whether it’s playful animal prints, shapes or abstract art, a few well-placed pieces can turn the nursery into a visually engaging space that sparks curiosity and imagination from day one.
8. Clothes and bedding
Make sure you’re well-stocked with all the essentials, like baby clothes, onesies, baby sleeping bags and swaddles to keep your little one snug and comfortable. Babies go through multiple outfit changes a day, so having plenty on hand is a must. For the cot or bassinet, make sure you have enough fitted sheets and mattress protectors to make unexpected changes a breeze.
9. Nappy bin
A nappy bin with a secure lid is a must-have for keeping your nursery smelling fresh. Look for one with a hands-free option like a pedal or motion sensor for extra convenience. This way, you won’t have to juggle your baby while trying to close the bin. Choose one that tightly seals to contain odours and makes disposal quick and easy. A good nappy bin helps keep the nursery clean and pleasant, while saving you from constant trips to the outside bin!
10. First aid kit
While you hope you won’t need it often, having a first-aid kit on hand ensures you're prepared for any minor health concerns or unexpected accidents. A baby-friendly first aid kit, stocked with baby-safe items like bandages, antiseptic wipes and a thermometer, provides peace of mind, so you’re ready to handle small bumps, fevers or scrapes. Regularly checking and restocking it will ensure you’re always set for any situation that might pop up. It’s one of those things you hope to never use, but you’ll be glad to have when you need it!