One of your first orders of business when becoming a parent is setting up your little one’s nursery. And part of that experience is buying baby furniture.
It’s hard to narrow down what you really need for your baby’s nursery, so take a look at our tips on how to make the best buying decisions for your family!
Table of contents
- Plan and research before buying baby furniture.
- Questions to ask before buying
- Start with a crib.
- Don’t forget the mattress.
- Beyond the crib: Smart nursery essentials for every space
Key Takeaways
Plan and research before buying baby furniture.
Before your nursery-decorating adventure begins, determine how much space you have, what style you want for the room, and how much money you can spend.
When planning the layout of your baby’s nursery, do your research. Ear-mark magazines with nursery ideas that you like. Look online at pictures of other nurseries to help narrow down the style you want for your baby’s room.
For a little inspiration, check out these articles from Newton all about nursery ideas:
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The 10 Best Nursery Ideas For Twins
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13 Gender-Neutral Nursery Ideas For A Stylish And Cozy Space
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20 Easy Ideas For Setting Up A Nursery In Your Small Space
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20 Fun Baby Boy Nursery Ideas For Your New Little One
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20 Adorable Baby Girl Nursery Ideas For Your New Little One
- 37 Nursery Ideas For Creating A Space Your Baby Can Thrive In
Let’s be honest. The nursery is really for you, the parent. Your baby won’t remember the colors you used or how you organized their books, so whether you want to make a statement with the style or keep it low-key, it’s your choice!
Tip: If you’re running low on space in your baby’s nursery, a mini crib is a great space-saving option. (See below for more info on mini cribs.)
Once you’ve done your research and have started to plan for the nursery, you may have several exciting ideas you’ve fallen in love with. But before you start buying things, there are a few questions you’ll need to ask yourself.
Questions to ask before buying
How much space do I have?
This is one of the most important considerations when making purchasing decisions for your little one’s nursery.
The size of your space will determine whether you can fit a small, standard, or large crib. It will also dictate whether you can have a dresser and changing table or if you need to pick and choose which items you’ll include and which you can do without.
With ample space, you have a bit more freedom to store and organize all of the items that your baby will need. But if space is tight, you may need to get creative. For example, instead of a separate dresser and changing table, you may need a dresser/changing table combo.
Before buying anything, start by taking some measurements of the room. Don’t forget to think about play and walking spaces as you make your design plan, too.
Ideally, you want your nursery furniture to fit comfortably in your space. You don’t want a situation where all the furniture pieces are so close together that there’s no room for anything else.
As you’re finalizing your plan, remember to always put safety first. This means you’ll need to:
- Keep the furniture (especially the crib) away from any heat sources
- Avoid crowding the room with too much furniture and other items
- Avoid placing the crib too close to the door, windows, electric outlets, power cords, light switches, and vents
- Cover outlets and keep cords out of your little one’s reach
- Ensure that the crib is a good distance away from other nursery furniture (once your little one becomes mobile, they may use this furniture as an escape route)
The above list includes just a few measures you can take to ensure that your little one remains safe while in their nursery.
Now that you’re clear on space and safety, what pieces do you actually need?
What basic items do I need?
This question can be hard to answer because your family’s budget also plays a big role in which items you purchase for your little one.
That being said, most nurseries have the following basic pieces:
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Crib sheets
- Dresser
- Changing table
- Rocking chair or glider
- Closet/place to hang clothes
- Nightstand
- Diaper bin
Do I need a lot of closet space?
Closet space is also something to consider when thinking about nursery furniture. Sure, your little one’s necessities all seem so tiny, but you’d be surprised how much space their little clothes, toys, and additional items take up.
If the room has a walk-in or large closet, this is great news, and you probably don’t need to worry too much about whether everything you need will fit.
However, if you don’t have much closet space, consider investing in something like an armoire. This type of furniture typically has drawers, shelving space, and an area where you can hang clothing, too.
Armoires are an excellent investment piece that can last your child well into their teen years and beyond. They’re also great if you’re planning to have multiple children, as a quality piece can be passed down from one child to the next.
Should I get furniture to grow with?
When your baby is little, you don’t think much about furniture getting damaged. But fast forward a couple of years and you’ll probably change your mind.
Nursery furniture tends to take a beating, especially when children enter the toddler phase and want to start exploring their artistic and acrobatic abilities.
Most parents don’t have the money to change furniture out every couple of months. This is why it’s essential to invest in quality furniture with sound structural engineering. For example, cabinet doors with solid hinges and knobs or pulls that an active little one can’t pop off easily.
You may also look into buying drawers that have reinforced corners and glides that aren’t going to easily slip off their track after repeated usage.
Generally speaking, quality furniture, especially for a baby’s nursery, tends to be more costly. But knowing that you have solid pieces that will last gives you a greater peace of mind when budgeting for everything you’ll need.
What is my design aesthetic?
Your little one will not remember all the adorable things you picked out for their nursery. But choosing a design that’s calming for them and enjoyable for you is something to strive for no matter your aesthetic.
After all, once your baby arrives, you’ll be spending quite a bit of time in this particular space!
While it’s important to consider the basic items you’ll need for the room, it’s also essential to focus on the things that will bring you joy as well.
For example, is there a specific color that helps to calm you? Do you like wallpaper or prefer paint? Do you love dark or light wood pieces? Are you a vintage fan or all about sleek, modern designs?
We’ve shared some great articles we wrote about nursery design in the Plan And Research section of this article. After checking them out, be sure to check in with yourself to determine what type of nursery you would really like to have.
Now that we’ve got all this planning and researching out the way, it’s time to get to the fun stuff: actually buying your nursery furniture!
There’s quite a lot that goes into creating a great space that both you and your little one will enjoy. So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the must-haves, what you can do without, and everything in-between.
Start with a crib.
The most important piece of furniture you’ll buy for your baby’s nursery is a crib. They’ll sleep in it every night for months (or years!) to come, and it will usually determine the room’s overall style.
Because your baby will eventually end up in a crib, whether it’s right away when you bring them home from the hospital or months down the road when they outgrow their bassinet, choosing the right one from the start is important.
That said, make your baby’s crib the first thing you purchase. You can then design your little one’s nursery around it.
Hint: take a look at our article Crib Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Safest Crib For Your Baby to help you during your crib search!
Crib safety
To keep your baby as safe as possible while they’re sleeping in their crib, it’s important to follow a few rules.
First, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing the same room with your baby for the first six months. But that doesn’t mean sharing the same sleeping surface. Avoid co-sleeping!
While it might be challenging to resist snuggling up with your little one at night, co-sleeping with babies is associated with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
As the name suggests, SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of babies under a year old while sleeping. Many different factors contribute to it, including:
- A child’s overall health (e.g., brain defects, low birth weight, respiratory infections, etc.)
- Whether or not a child was born prematurely
- Family history of SIDS
- Sex
- Age
- Secondhand smoke
- Sleeping environment
For the safest sleeping environment for your baby, they should always be put down on their back and on their own safe sleep surface (i.e., crib or co-sleeper). This is because cribs, co-sleepers, bassinets, and other similar structures are specifically designed for infant sleep.
In an adult bed, a baby can easily become trapped and suffocated. A sleeping parent could accidentally roll over and cover their nose and mouth, or a soft sheet could restrict air flow.
Some parents love the idea of co-sleeping for many reasons. It makes breastfeeding at night quicker and easier, it may help a child feel more safe and secure, and it may help parents bond with their babies.
However, since research shows that co-sleeping can increase SIDS, it’s best to opt for a co-sleeper, crib, or bassinet, especially for the first year of your little one’s life.
In addition to sharing a room with your little one, here are a few more guidelines to keep in mind when shopping for a crib.
Buy new.
We’re sure you have plenty of friends and family members who are more than happy to hand down their cribs!
As nice as that is, politely pass on their offer to ensure your baby is sleeping in the safest crib possible.
When you use a hand-me-down crib, you’re putting your baby at risk. Wear and tear that naturally happens to the crib over the years can result in loose bolts and screws and an unstable frame.
What’s more, when you buy a new crib, you have the option of registering it. The manufacturers then have your information should they need to contact you in case of a recall. You don’t have this option with used cribs.
Bare is best.
We know it can be tempting to fill your baby’s crib with cute pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. After all, who can resist that level of adorableness?
Unfortunately, all of these items are suffocation hazards, so leave them in a basket in the nursery rather than in your baby’s crib. The only thing that needs to be in your little one’s crib is a firm mattress and a tight-fitting sheet.
Mini-crib and 4-in-1 convertible crib
Mini-crib
After taking an initial evaluation of the amount of space you have in your baby’s nursery, you may decide that a mini-crib is the best choice for your family. That’s perfectly OK!
Mini-cribs can provide a safe sleeping environment for your baby just like standard-sized cribs.
The main difference between mini-cribs and standard cribs is size. These space-savers are just a little smaller than traditional cribs, with the dimensions measuring 24 inches wide and 38 inches long.
4-in-1 convertible crib
A 4-in-1 crib is designed to adapt as your baby reaches new milestones and can be reconfigured into four different sleep surfaces:
- Stage 1: Crib (for the first three years)
- Stage 2: Toddler Bed
- Stage 3: Daybed
- Stage 4: Full-Size Bed
While these cribs might cost a little more at first, they save you from having to buy a brand-new bed every few years. Think of it as an investment in your child’s future. Just remember to check if the conversion kits are included or if you need to buy them separately.
For more information on convertible cribs, check out this article from the Newton blog: What Is A 4-in-1 Crib And Do You Need One For Your Baby?
Don’t forget the mattress.
The crib mattress you purchase now will likely be your baby’s sleeping surface for a few years, so make sure you choose a good one. Newton’s Basic Crib Mattress is a great option!
In independent testing, Newton scored highest among its peers for breathability and lowest for suffocation risk. Additionally, our mattress is fully washable from cover to core. Say goodbye to allergens and mold!
And because our mattresses don't contain latex, foam or adhesives, they're hypoallergenic, free of toxic chemicals, and exceed the most rigorous 3rd-party emissions standards which test for off-gassing (the yucky chemicals you sometimes inhale when buying a new mattress).
Another thing you and your baby can say goodbye to when you choose a Newton mattress is a sweaty back. We have the perfect combination of cushy firmness and air circulation so your little one can stay cool and comfortable all night!
Should you go the mini-crib route, don’t worry, we have a mattress for you, too! Your baby will have better, safer sleep when you choose our Mini Crib Mattress for their sleep surface.
Mattress safety
To make sure your baby’s mattress is safe, check that it fits snugly inside the crib. This means no gaps in-between the crib and the mattress. If you can fit two fingers between them, it’s not a snug fit.
Other things to look for in a safe crib mattress include breathability and firmness. Our Crib Mattress has the breathability factor you’re looking for!
It also provides the right amount of firmness your baby needs and the right amount of comfort they want. As Goldilocks would say, “Not too hard, not too soft, but just right!”
Beyond the crib: Smart nursery essentials for every space
Setting up a nursery is a special milestone for any parent. But between the idea boards and the endless shopping lists, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed! Just remember: The best nursery is one that is safe, simple, and smart.
Whether you have a large room or a tiny nursery nook, choosing multi-purpose furniture is the secret to a space that grows with your family.
Here are our top must-haves and space-saving tips.
Dresser and changing table combo
When it comes to nursery furniture, pieces that do double duty can be a game-changer. Instead of buying a separate changing table, get a sturdy dresser and put a changing pad on top.
This is extremely useful for two reasons. First, it’s a huge space-saver! You can stash diapers and wipes in the top drawer for easy access.
Second, it has serious longevity. Once your little one is potty trained, just remove the topper. You’re left with a beautiful dresser that works perfectly for a big-kid room.
Rocker or glider
Newborns need a lot of one-on-one time, so you’re going to spend a lot of time in the nursery. A rocker or glider makes everything from midnight feedings to afternoon and bedtime stories much easier.
Don’t settle for an uncomfortable chair. Choose a rocker or glider that you truly love. This is the spot where the best memories are made!
For even more comfort, consider adding a footstool to the mix. A matching ottoman or footrest gives you extra support and helps take the pressure off your back during those long snuggles.
Storage
Not everyone has a massive room for a nursery, and that is perfectly OK! Your baby doesn't need a lot of square footage to feel loved and safe. If you’re working with a small space, you just have to get a little creative.
If you don't have room for large storage solutions, look at your walls. Floating shelves are a fantastic way to display books and photos. You can also use wall hooks to hang diaper bags. Just be sure to keep all shelves and hanging items away from the crib.
You can also add storage under the crib using baskets, totes, or boxes that easily slide into place.
If your baby’s room has a closet, consider removing the door and installing a curtain instead. This allows you to use the space where the door would normally swing out and fold against the wall.
Optional baby furniture
It’s really easy to go overboard and buy too much furniture for your baby’s nursery, especially if they only have a small space.
Toy chests and large bookshelves are optional (and often unnecessary) when you first bring your newborn home. Toy chests can be bulky and sometimes dangerous if the lid is heavy. Instead, use soft under-crib storage bins or the bottom drawers of your dresser.
Similarly, large bookshelves in a small room can feel crowded and need to be anchored to the wall for safety. Correctly-installed wall shelves are often a better, safer option.
You can always add these items later if you feel the need when your child grows enough to use them.
Safety
Whatever baby furniture you choose, always make sure it’s safe for your little one. Large items should be very stable and, in some cases, securely anchored to the wall so that they don’t fall over when your child starts moving around and pulling themselves up.
The Newton nursery
Before beginning your baby-furniture buying journey, take some time to plan and research. Then decide on the perfect crib and center the nursery design around it.
(And when it comes to your baby’s crib, remember our safety rules: buy new and bare is best!)
The last two baby furniture items you need to make your little one’s room comfy and convenient are a dresser and changing table combo and a chair with a footstool.
Finally, don’t forget that Newton has the perfect breathable and safe mattress that pairs nicely with most cribs! Grab your Newton safe sleep essentials and start decorating your baby’s nursery today!
Frequently asked questions
When should I actually start setting up the nursery?
We recommend having the big pieces of furniture, such as your crib and dresser, ordered by the time you hit 28 to 30 weeks. This gives you a cushion for any shipping delays and ensures the room is ready if your little one decides to make an early appearance!
Plus, it’s much easier to put together furniture before you reach the "I’m too tired to move" stage in the third trimester.
What’s the ideal room temperature for a good night’s sleep?
Most experts recommend keeping the nursery between 68°F and 72°F. The easiest way to do this is to place a nursery thermometer in their room and adjust the air conditioning or heat accordingly.
Since you won't have blankets in the crib until your baby is older, dress them in either a swaddle or a safe sleep sack so that they don’t get too hot or too cold while they sleep.
Swaddles are great for the first few months after your baby is born (or until they show signs of trying to roll over, usually around 2 months to 4 months), but it’s best to switch to a sleep sack after that so your baby stays safe and cozy all night long.
And, don’t forget about the humidity in your little one’s room. The best humidity level for your baby’s room is between 30% and 60%.
Too much moisture in your baby’s room could cause mold and respiratory issues, while too little may leave your baby’s skin dry and irritate their nasal passages. Both can make your baby feel uncomfortable and affect their sleep.
What is “off-gassing,” and should I worry about it?
Off-gassing is a more technical way of saying that new furniture can sometimes release smells or chemicals (a.k.a. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs) into the air.
To keep your nursery air fresh and clean, look for furniture that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. This means that the furniture has been tested and proven to have very low chemical emissions.
If you have some time before your newborn moves in to the new nursery, open the windows in the room to move fresh air in and get rid of some of the VOCs.
For more information on off-gassing, check out this article from the Newton blog: Mattress Off-Gassing: What It Is and Why It Is Dangerous.
Do I need a rug in the nursery?
While not a must-have like the crib, a rug can be your best friend! Once your baby starts tummy time and, eventually, crawling, a soft surface is much more comfortable than a hard floor.
Rugs also help muffle sound (like creaky floorboards), which can be a total lifesaver when you’re trying to sneak out of the room after your baby finally falls asleep!
