Nursery Essentials and Checklist for New Parents: How to Set Up a Nursery

Setting up a nursery is one of the most exciting milestones of pregnancy. It is the moment when "expecting" starts to feel very real, and your credit card develops a nervous twitch. 

However, walking into a baby store or scrolling through Pinterest can quickly turn excitement into a dizzying debate on wipe warmers. Do you really need a wipe warmer? Is a changing table essential, or just a waste of space? Do you need a specific bin for nappies that costs more than your handbag?

A thoughtful nursery setup matters. Not just for the aesthetics, but for safety, the sleep quality of both the baby and parents, and caregiving efficiency. When it is 3 AM, and you are operating on two hours of sleep, knowing exactly where the nappies are can make the difference between a quick change and a full meltdown.

Here is your evidence-based guide to the nursery essentials, the timeline, and how to protect your body while you get it all ready.

When Should You Set Up a Nursery?

A common question we hear is: when to set up a nursery? While there is no hard and fast rule, timing can significantly impact your comfort levels.

Many parents find the second trimester (specifically months 4 to 6) the "sweet spot." During this window, the morning sickness has typically subsided, and your energy levels are higher, but the bump isn't yet large enough to make moving around the room feel like an obstacle course.

Pros of setting up early:

• You have the energy to declutter and organise.

• It spreads the financial cost over several months.

• It allows time for shipping delays on large furniture items.

However, if you are in your third trimester and haven’t started, do not panic. Babies need very little in the first few weeks. A safe sleep space, warmth, and food are the priorities. It is perfectly fine if the nursery is finished later or set up gradually.

Baby Nursery Essentials: The Must-Haves

To keep your budget and your sanity in check, focus on these nursery must-haves first. These are the non-negotiables for safety and daily care.

A. Sleep

Safety is the priority here. To reduce the risk of SIDS and sleep accidents, the sleeping environment must be clear and flat [1].

1. Cot or Bassinet: Meets current safety standards.

2. Firm Mattress: Must fit the cot tightly with no gaps (test: no more than two fingers should fit between the mattress and the side).

3. Fitted Sheets: 2 to 4 (accidents happen frequently, usually at 2 a.m.).

4. Sleep Sacks/Swaddles: 2 to 3 (safer than loose blankets).

5. Note: Avoid pillows, cot bumpers, and soft toys in the sleep space, as they pose suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment risks.

B. Changing/Diapering

6. Changing Table or Pad: If space is tight, a secure pad on top of a dresser works well.

7. Nappies: Newborn and Size 1 (don’t overstock newborn size; babies grow suspiciously fast).

8. Wipes: Unscented for sensitive skin.

9. Nappy Bin: Hands-free is best for hygiene, and the one your nose will thank you for!

10. Barrier Cream: Zinc-based is standard.

C. Clothing and Linens

11. Bodysuits/Onesies: 6 to 8 (mix of short and long sleeves).

12. Sleepsuits/Growsuits: 6 to 8 (zippers are easier than snaps for night changes when your eyes are barely open).

13. Socks/Booties: 4 to 6 pairs.

14. Waterproof Mattress Protectors: 2.

D. Feeding

15. Comfortable Chair: A glider (The chair moves back and forth on a fixed track, providing a smoother and more controlled motion than a traditional rocking chair.) or an armchair with good back support is vital for feeding. Invest wisely, this will be your command centre for the next 1,000 hours.

16. Burp Cloths: 8 to 10.

17. Nursing Pillow: Helps position the baby and saves your back/shoulders.

18. If Breastfeeding: Breast pads, nipple cream, breast ice & heat packs, silver nursing cups, pump (optional initially).

19. If Bottle Feeding: 4 to 6 bottles, nipples, bottle brush, steriliser.

E. Health and Safety

20. Digital Thermometer: Essential for checking fevers.

21. Baby Monitor: Audio or video.

22. First Aid Kit: Nail clippers,  baby paracetamol, nasal aspirator - the tiny tool that will make you feel like a human snot-vacuum, things we do for love! 

F. Storage and Organisation

23. Hamper: For the surprising mountain of laundry a tiny human produces.

24. Hangers: Small size for baby clothes.

25. Baskets/Bins: For organising drawer interiors.

Nursery Items That Are Safe to Skip but Nice to Have

These nursery setup items aren't critical for survival, but they can make the parenting journey smoother or the room more pleasant.

1. Blackout Curtains: Highly recommended. They are a lifesaver for day naps and helping the baby link sleep cycles.

2. White Noise Machine: Very helpful for soothing and drowning out the sound of the doorbell ringing during nap time.

3. Diaper/Nappy Caddy: Great for portable changing around the house.

4. Night Light: Helpful for night feeds without waking the baby fully.

5. Mobile: Nice for decoration, but remove it once the baby can sit up to avoid entanglement.

<Download Your Printable Nursery Checklist>

What You Really Need for 0 to 3 Months vs. 3 to 12 Months

This phase is often referred to as the "fourth trimester," and your primary focus should be on these baby nursery essentials: sleep, diapering/nappy, feeding, and comfort.

• Sleep: A safe, clear place to sleep (cot, bassinet) and plenty of swaddles or sleep sacks.

• Diapering/Nappy & Feeding: Everything needs to be easily accessible for frequent changes and feeds. Focus on functional storage that keeps changing and feeding areas stocked.

• Safety: While the baby isn't moving much, gravity and potential sibling curiosity are factors. Basic babyproofing is necessary from day one, including securing blind strings and cords, removing potential choking hazards from low surfaces, and anchoring large furniture (like dressers and bookshelves) to the walls. [2]

3 to 12 Months

Once your baby begins to gain mobility (rolling, sitting, and eventually crawling), the nursery transforms from a passive sleep zone into an active environment.

• Mobility & Play: The focus shifts to adding a safe play area, typically a floor mat or designated soft space where the baby can practice new skills.

• Advanced Safety: This is when advanced babyproofing is crucial. Ensure low cabinets are locked, and all small or fragile items are moved well out of reach. Furniture anchoring becomes non-negotiable. [3]

How to Set Up a Nursery: A Step-by-Step Timeline

Months 4 to 6 of Pregnancy:

The period from months 4 to 6 of pregnancy is often referred to as the "sweet spot" for baby room set-up. Morning sickness has usually subsided, and your energy levels are typically higher, while your bump isn't yet too cumbersome. This is the ideal time to move from planning to action:

• Plan and Design: Clear out the room (declutter/donate) and finalise your nursery theme and layout. This includes deciding on the placement of the crib, changing station, and feeding chair.

• Budget and Register: Finalise your baby registry, ensuring you have enough nursery essentials listed to guide gift-givers.

• Order Big Items: Purchase and order the big-ticket items like the crib, glider, and dresser. These items often have the longest lead times, with shipping sometimes taking 8-12 weeks, making early ordering essential to avoid rushing later.

• Safety Research: This is a good time to research safe sleeping guidelines, car seat installation procedures, and begin identifying potential hazards within the room.

Month 7 of Pregnancy:

Month seven of pregnancy is the ideal time to focus on the heavy-duty assembly and cleaning, so the room is ready well before month eight.

• Prep and Paint: Finish any cosmetic work like painting or wallpapering. Be sure to use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint and keep the room well-ventilated to allow lingering fumes to dissipate completely.

• Assemble Furniture: Assemble the crib, dresser, and changing table. Ask for help with this step to avoid heavy lifting or straining your back, which is already under pressure from hormonal changes.

• Purchase & Stock: Buy the remaining nursery essentials, such as the mattress, fitted sheets, and diapering supplies.

• Install Safety Devices: Put up blackout curtains and install any permanent safety devices, like anchoring the large furniture to the wall. Securing these items now prevents last-minute scrambling and potential hazards later.

Month 8 to 9 of Pregnancy:

As you enter the final and often most physically demanding stage of pregnancy, the focus shifts entirely to final preparation, safety, and rest.

• Final Assembly and Organisation: Complete the assembly of any remaining nursery furniture and begin organising all the small nursery essentials you've accumulated.

• Linens and Laundry: Wash all baby clothes, blankets, and linens. This ensures everything is soft, clean, and free from any potential irritants before your newborn arrives.

• Stocking Up: Stock the changing station with nappies, wipes, and creams. Organise feeding areas, ensuring bottles, pump parts (if applicable), and burp cloths are easily accessible and sterilised.

• Safety Priority: Check and finalise anchoring large furniture to the walls to prevent tip-overs. Lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting. This is crucial for safety before the baby can even roll over, and it saves you from trying to adjust it late at night after the baby arrives.

• Pack and Prepare: This period is often marked by the nesting instinct, so channel that energy into practical tasks like packing your hospital bag and installing the car seat. The car seat installation, in particular, should be checked by a professional to ensure it is correctly fitted before the due date.

How to Set Up a Nursery in Small Spaces and Shared Rooms

Not everyone has a dedicated, sprawling nursery waiting to be filled. If you're working with limited square footage or sharing a room, the key is to prioritise functionality, organisation, and safety over excess furniture.

Practical Space-Saving Tips

To create a functional baby room in a small apartment or corner of a master bedroom, think vertically and minimise clutter:

• Go Vertical with Storage: Utilise wall shelves above the changing station or dresser. Use tall, narrow bookcases instead of wide ones. Vertical storage saves precious floor space.

• Multi-Purpose Furniture: Skip the dedicated changing table. Instead, use a secure, contoured changing pad placed directly atop a sturdy dresser. Ensure the dresser is anchored securely to the wall.

• Rolling Carts: Use a slim, wheeled utility cart to store diaper essentials, creams, and extra burp cloths. This provides portable storage that can be tucked away when not in use.

• Slim Glider/Rocker: Opt for a compact nursing chair without bulky arms. You need a comfy spot for night feeds, but it shouldn't overwhelm the room.

Safety and Layout Adjustments for Shared Rooms

If your baby will be sleeping in your room (which is often recommended for the first 6-12 months), you still need to establish a distinct, safe sleeping environment.

• Separate Sleep Surface: The baby must sleep in their own crib or bassinet located next to the parents' bed. Never co-sleep on the same mattress, as this significantly increases sleep-related risks.

• Noise and Light Division: Use a screen, curtain, or strategically placed tall furniture (like a bookshelf) to visually and audibly separate the baby’s corner. This helps keep the baby from being stimulated by adult activities, promoting better sleep habits.

• Minimise Hazards: Be vigilant about objects near the baby’s sleeping space. Cords from monitors, lamps, and blinds must be secured out of reach. Keep small adult items (phones, jewellery, water bottles) away from the crib and changing station.

Smart Shopping Tips for Baby Nursery Essentials

Setting up the nursery can be a major financial undertaking, but smart shopping ensures you save money without compromising your baby's safety.

Smart Buying Tips for Used Gear

Buying pre-loved items is great for your budget and the environment, but you need to know where to draw the line: safety standards change.

• Avoid buying used: Car seats (protective abilities are compromised if they've been in even a minor crash, and they have expiration dates), and cot mattresses (they lose firmness and can harbour mould or bacteria, potentially increasing SIDS risk).

• Safe to buy used: Clothes (babies grow suspiciously fast, barely wearing items twice!), changing tables, high chairs, strollers, and sturdy wood or hard plastic toys.

• Inspection Checklist: When examining used items, check for recalls online, look for loose screws or worn parts, and test all locking mechanisms (like brakes on a pram or high chair straps). Deep cleaning or sanitising all surfaces is non-negotiable before use.

Smart Retail and Safety Checks

• Reinforce the Checklist: Stick to your nursery checklist to avoid splurging on impulse buys (like that ridiculously cute but unnecessary tiny guitar).

• Choosing Safe Items: For critical items like cots and prams, look for compliance with Australian Standard (AS/NZS) markings. While some products have mandatory standards, checking for voluntary certifications like Made Safe™ (indicating non-toxic ingredients) is a good extra step for textiles and toys. [4]

• Trusted Retailers: Choose reputable manufacturers or retailers known for adhering to the latest safety guidelines. Registering a new car seat or cot immediately ensures you'll be notified instantly of any recalls.

Should You Have a Baby Registry?

A baby registry is simply a wish list of items you need, registered at a store or online platform. It helps friends and family know exactly what to buy, preventing duplicate gifts (you only need one high chair!) and ensuring you get the baby nursery essentials you actually need, saving you a substantial amount of money. Set it up earlier rather than later, because by month 8, putting on socks is a full cardio workout.

Tip: If sharing a baby registry is not common amongst your family or circle, you can politely navigate this. Provide the link only when asked directly, or have a close friend or family member organise the baby shower and include the link on the invitations on your behalf.

FAQs

1. Do I need a separate room for the nursery, or can the baby sleep in our room initially?

Red Nose guidelines recommend the baby sleeps in the same room as the parents (in their own separate cot/bassinet) for the first 6 to 12 months to reduce SIDS risk. A separate nursery is great for storage and changing, but sleeping often happens in your room initially.

2. What kind of lighting is best in a baby room?

Soft, dimmable lighting. A harsh overhead light will wake the baby (and you) too much during night feeds. Use a warm-toned lamp or nightlight.

3. How can I make the nursery safe from hazards when the baby starts rolling or climbing?

Anchor all heavy furniture to the walls [3]. Cover electrical outlets. Keep the crib away from windows, blinds, and curtains. Lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting as soon as the baby can pull up.

4. What’s the ideal temperature and ventilation for a nursery?

Aim for a comfortable room temperature (around 20-22°C is often cited). Ensure good ventilation, and keep the crib away from direct flow of drafts, heaters, fans and air conditioning. 

5. What is the average cost to set up a nursery?

There is no single answer. Costs vary massively based on whether parents buy everything new or accept hand-me-downs, stick to basics (IKEA/Target) or lean into designer furniture, and whether they live in a high-cost city or a regional area. You can do it for $500 or $ 5,000 and above.

6. What colours are best for nurseries?

Soft, calming colours (pastels, neutrals, soft greens/blues) are generally preferred to promote sleep, rather than bright, stimulating primary colours.

7. When should I babyproof the nursery?

Do the basics (anchoring furniture, blind cords) before the baby arrives. Do the detailed babyproofing (locks on low drawers) before the baby starts crawling (around 6 months).

8. Are used baby items safe to buy?

Furniture is generally safe if it meets current standards and isn't broken. Avoid used drop-side cribs (banned standards), used car seats, and used mattresses 

References:

1. Red Nose Australia. Safe Sleeping Guidelines. https://rednose.org.au/section/safe-sleeping

2. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Nursery Safety Tips. https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/kids-and-babies/safe-nursery

3. Pennick V, Liddle SD. Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23904227/

4. Safe Cosmetics Australia (SCA). Non-Toxic & Environmentally-Conscious Certifications. https://cuddlies.co/blogs/bump-beyond/do-your-baby-products-have-the-right-certifications