I remember hearing “the nursery is for the mum not the bub”. And initially I think that is true, your baby doesn’t care what it looks like, but you do. You want a comfortable, appealing environment for your little one to learn and grow. However the first few months bub isn’t aware of much beyond your adoring face. Around the 3 month mark this begins to change and they explore and interact with the world around them. It has been a delight to see my daughter smiling, cooing and reaching for the decals and pictures on the walls.
Before I had my daughter I had a vague idea what we needed to raise a baby. My plan was to be as minimalistic and economical as possible, without cutting out necessities that would make everyone’s lives more enjoyable. But what classifies as essential verses convenient verses optional can be hard to determine and it depends on your lifestyle and bub’s preference. Going to the store was overwhelming with the shear amount of items and choices and no way to know what is needed.
Being new to the role I eagerly sought the advice of experienced mums. I quickly learnt you don’t need many of the items, especially not at the beginning. And the things that you do need don’t have to be new. We had wonderful friends and family loan or pass on preloved goods which was a huge benefit. This was especially helpful for the items that bub only needs for a short period. Here is a (no way comprehensive) list of my findings. I hope it helps others navigate the confusing, costly, and expansive world of baby gear.
Essentials: things that life would be tricky without
Change Station – Standalone table or a change mat on top of a low dresser. I found the table was nice as it could hold all the diaper/nappy necessities without taking up a drawer or two of the dresser which was full already.
Bed – Moses basket/bassinet or even a baby box is nice for the first few months until your little one moves into a crib. I would suggest you buy a new mattress if you get a used crib.
Car Seat/Capsule – This is one of the few items I would suggest you buy new unless you know the history ensuring it hasn’t been in an accident.
Storage – For someone so small a baby does accumulate quite a bit and you will need some place, whether a closet, shelf, dresser; for the clothes, books, toys, diaper/nappy supplies.
Baby Transport – Your three main choices are wraps, carriers or stroller/pram. I have found the wrap too cumbersome but loved the baby carriers. You can put your little one in quickly and you don’t have to worry navigating through traffic or avoiding stairs. However the downside of the carrier is you have to carry the weight your baby and your bag. The great thing about strollers/prams besides not having to carry your little one is being able to transport bub from the car without waking them if the stroller/pram has the adaptor/capability to do so.
Diaper Bag – While there are a lot of cute designs out there, functionality is your number one requirement. You want a bag that is has enough storage for all you need and you can easily access those items.
Feeding Chair – You can get the free standing high chair, the ones that attach to a chair or table or even use a Bumbo seat with the tray.
Fan/Heater – Depending on your climate you will want a fan and/or heater to keep you and your little one a comfortable temperature.
Convenient: Helpful but not vital
Nursing Chair – I am tempted to place this as an essential, but you actually don’t need it. I was going to try to do without but I am so glad I didn’t. I really like my glider, swivel and footstool, it makes feeding so much more comfortable, and you will spend a ton of time there in the first year! One thing I didn’t think about beforehand but I’m glad for is the leather/leather material as any spit ups are easily cleaned where a fabric chair would take more care.
Table – Next to your chair so everything you need is nearby such as you water bottle (which has become your best friend), lamp (nice to have a dim light for the night feeds), books, phone charger etc.
Swing – I found the swing was wonderful to rock our daughter to sleep when she was fighting it. And it was nice to have a safe place besides her bed to lay her.
Play Mat – This is one of the best toys as bub is entertained with all the sensory toys to hit, grab, and taste!
Nursing Pillow – Great for nursing, tummy time and helping your baby sit (Boppy is bigger so more useful for the later stages of use).
Baby Bath – It saves water and your back (when you place the bath on a kitchen counter or table)!
Baby Monitor – Depending on how big your house is this could be an essential. It is great to be able to check on your little one without sticking your head in the room.
Rubber Play Mat – Comfy place for your little one to play and quick cleanup for all those messes.
Optional: Nice to have but you could get by without
Bouncer – A nice option for when your little one is over the swing. Maybe it is too soon to say, but our little one isn’t a huge fan.
Jolly Jumper – Another nice activity for bub to try. We don’t have one so we get the arm and leg workout of helping our little one jump and fly through air.
Mobile – Music and toys could help your baby fall asleep and then help them stay entertained longer in the morning while you get a few more precious moments of sleep.
Noise Machine – Can be helpful to help your little one fall asleep, especially in the early days.
Travel bed – Great to have for the times you go on vacation. You have a bit of selection depending on how easily you want the transfer to be. Some options include a portacot, tent, bassinet, and nest. However if your stroller has the bassinet accessory you don’t need another bed for your newborn.
Many thanks to Jamie for sharing her thoughts here :)
We hope it helps!
Much Love,
Andy & Aless
The Esplanade Shop
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