Nursery Checklist

Sleep time

• Crib or moses basket – create a calm, comforting sleeping environment
• Cot or cot bed – choose one with variable sides and mattress heights so it grows with your baby. See NHS advice on choosing a cot
• Mattress – NHS safety advice says you should make sure it fits firmly in the cot with no gaps
• Fitted cot sheets – at least three sheets is best
• Blankets – keep your little one snuggly
• Sleepsuits – choose plain white or go for bright colours and patterns
• Baby sleeping bags or swaddling blankets – some parents prefer them as the baby can’t kick it off and get cold in the night
• Moses basket – your newborn might look lost in a big cot and a moses basket is easy to move around
• Waterproof mattress cover – an easy way to keep the mattress clean and avoid dust mites
• Room thermometer – your baby’s nursery should be between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius
• Blackout blinds or curtains – a great way to get your baby used to the idea of sleeping when it’s dark. You can also buy travel blinds
• Nightlight – a newborn won’t be afraid of the dark but you can check on her easily with a dim light
• Baby monitor – hear your baby from the other side of the house

Baby changing

• Changing mat – makes it much easier to change all those dirty nappies!
• Changing bag – ideal for keeping all your changing gear in one place when you’re out and about
• Nappy disposal bin – keeps smells at bay
• A changing table or unit – choose one with raised sides to stop your baby rolling off
• Antibacterial hand gel – so you don’t have to leave your baby to wash your hands after changing

Toiletries

• Nappy cream – soothes sore bottoms
• Baby lotion – great for tackling dry skin
• Baby wipes – the fastest way to clean your baby during changes
• Cotton wool balls– kind and gentle on delicate skin
• Cotton wool buds – great for cleaning outer ears, skin creases and belly buttons (but never use inside the ear)
• Digital thermometer – make sure your baby isn’t too hot or too cold

Bathtime

• Baby bath – help keep your baby safe in the water
• Bath thermometer – make sure the water temperature is just right
• Cuddle robe or towels – for cosy cuddles!

Getting dressed

• Babygrows/sleep suits – your newborn will probably spend most of her early weeks in them!
• Tops – an extra layer when it’s cold or perfect for warm weather
• Bottoms – for girls and boys
• Socks – keep little feet toasty
• Warm hat – choose one without a turn-up so it doesn’t flop over your baby’s nose and mouth
• Scratch mittens – prevent your baby scratching her skin

Anything else

• A comfy chair – makes night-time feeds much easier
• Storage – now is a good time to get organised!
• Soft toys – something special for your little one
• Photo frames – to show off those first pictures