How to Prepare Your Baby's Nursery

Designing your baby’s nursery is both an exciting and essential part of preparing for your new arrival. Whether you’re planning a small nursery nook in your own bedroom or having a separate nursery room, it should prioritize safety, functionality, and sleep quality. Based on expert advice, here’s what really matters:

• Essential furniture. Crib/bassinet, changing table, storage, and a comfortable chair.

• Sleep environment. Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, and avoid overstimulation. 

• Temperature & comfort. Maintain a consistent, comfortable room temperature (68–72°F) and use swaddles or sleep sacks appropriately.

• Organization. Use drawer dividers, diaper caddies, and labeled bins to keep baby essentials accessible.

• Room sharing. The AAP recommends room sharing (not bed sharing) with your baby until they’re at least 6 months old to help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Consider creating a nursery nook with a touch light, mobile storage cart, and safe sleep setup.

Whether you're creating a full nursery or a cozy corner in your bedroom, keeping your baby’s nursery simple, calm, and well-organized helps support better sleep and easier caregiving. Let’s dive into how to create a space that works beautifully for your baby—and for you.

Essential Nursery Must-Haves: A Comprehensive Checklist

Designing your baby’s space is about blending comfort, function, and safety. So, what do you need in a nursery room? Here’s our go-to nursery checklist of must-have items:

• Crib or bassinet. Choose a crib that meets current safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Ensure slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

• Firm mattress. A snug-fitting, firm mattress is essential for safe sleep.

• Fitted crib sheets. Have at least 2 to 3 fitted sheets that fit tightly around the mattress.

• Changing table or dresser with changing pad. A safe and dedicated surface for changing diapers is essential. Many changing tables come with safety straps, but it's important to always keep a hand on your baby during changes. Make sure that diapers, wipes, and creams are easily accessible; having a changing table with drawers or shelves is a great advantage.

• Diaper pail. A good diaper disposal system keeps odors in check.

• Rocking chair or glider. Ideal for late-night feedings and soothing your baby.

• Clothing storage. Baskets, drawers, or a small wardrobe for onesies, sleepers, and more.

• Blackout curtains. Help your baby nap better by blocking out light.

• Nightlight. Soft lighting for nighttime diaper changes or feeds.

• Laundry hamper. Baby clothes pile up fast!

• Baby monitor. Offers peace of mind when you're in another room.

These nursery necessities help create a well-equipped and functional space, covering both comfort and convenience. 

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Nursery “Nice-to-Have” Items

While not essential, these items can make your baby’s nursery even more functional and cozy:

• Humidifier. Helps keep the air moist, especially in dry climates or winter months.

• White noise machine. It can help babies sleep more soundly by masking background noise or creating a soothing sound.

• Bookshelf and baby books. Start building your baby’s library early by collecting some cute picture books, and even consider adding some of your favorite childhood books to the collection.

• Wall décor and mobiles. Adding personality and visual interest to your baby’s nursery is important. A colorful mobile, hung securely out of your baby’s reach, can provide visual stimulation. Opt for one that features high-contrast images, such as bold patterns or primary colors, to effectively capture your newborn's attention.

• Storage bins and organizers. Keep smaller items like socks, pacifiers, and lotions tidy and organized by using dedicated boxes and bins.

Nursery Room Layout Ideas for Optimal Space Utilization

Whether you have a spacious room or a compact space, thoughtful nursery room layout planning makes a big difference. When considering ideas for your infant’s nursery set-up, aim for safety, efficiency, and flow.

Here are some smart layout ideas:

• Create defined zones. Include a sleep area (crib), changing area (dresser or table), and feeding/soothing area (chair).

• Keep essentials within arm’s reach. Diapers, wipes, and clothes should be accessible during changes.

• Avoid window hazards. Place the crib away from windows, cords, or heaters.

• Leave space to move. Ensure you can move easily between stations, especially at night.

Check out our infant nursery ideas below for some layout inspiration:

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Nursery

Once you’ve decided what you need for your baby’s nursery, you may be wondering how to get it all set up. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you stay organized:

Safety and Childproofing Your Home

You might not be at the crawling-and-climbing stage just yet—but babies grow fast, and before you know it, your little one will be scooting across the floor, reaching for everything in sight! 

While it might seem early, starting to think about childproofing your home now means you’ll be one step ahead when that exciting (and chaotic) phase begins. Preparing your home early not only gives you peace of mind but also creates a safe, cozy space for your baby to grow, explore, and thrive.

How to Childproof Your House: Safety Tips for New Parents

Start early so you're ready when your baby becomes mobile. Here are some key tips:

• Anchor heavy furniture. Use straps to secure bookshelves and dressers to the wall so they can’t tip over.

• Install outlet covers. Prevent curious fingers from poking into electrical sockets.

• Secure cords and blinds. Use cord winders or cordless window treatments.

• Use cabinet locks. Especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

• Install baby gates. At the top and bottom of the stairs.

• Keep small items out of reach. Anything that could pose a choking hazard should be stored up high.

Regularly get down to your baby’s level to spot potential hazards you might miss standing up. You can discover even more babyproofing tips in our dedicated article, which comes with a free downloadable checklist.

How Do You Set Up Your Baby’s Nursery for Safe Sleep?

Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most important things you can do to protect your baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), here’s what you need to know:

How to Choose a Nursery Crib and Mattress

• Choose a crib with fixed sides (drop-side cribs are banned).

• The mattress should be firm and fit snugly with no gaps.

• Avoid secondhand cribs or those older than 10 years.

• Don’t add pillows, bumpers, or loose bedding.

Newborn Sleep Safety Tips in the Nursery

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for every nap and nighttime sleep.

• Use a bare crib—no blankets, toys, or stuffed animals.

• Keep the crib in your room for at least the first 6 months, if possible.

• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature of 68-72°F, which is ideal to help nurture your baby’s sleep and avoid overheating. 

• Consider using a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead of a loose blanket.

These practices are recommended by experts and can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The Bottom Line

Preparing your baby’s nursery doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a thoughtful nursery setup and focus on safety, you can create a calm, cozy space that works for both you and your baby.

For more newborn essentials, take a look at our comprehensive guide and checklist for everything you’ll need for your little one. From diapering to wardrobe basics, you’ll be well-equipped with our guide.

While you’re planning ahead for your new arrival, download the Pampers Rewards app to earn Pampers Cash on all those diapers you’ll be purchasing.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}