
Nursery Checklist
Sleep time
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Crib or moses basket – create a calm, comforting sleeping environment
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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
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Mattress – NHS safety advice says you should make sure it fits firmly in the cot with no gaps
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Fitted cot sheets – at least three sheets is best
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Blankets – keep your little one snuggly
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Sleepsuits – choose plain white or go for bright colours and patterns
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Baby sleeping bags or swaddling blankets – some parents prefer them as the baby can’t kick it off and get cold in the night
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Moses basket – your newborn might look lost in a big cot and a moses basket is easy to move around
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Waterproof mattress cover – an easy way to keep the mattress clean and avoid dust mites
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Room thermometer – your baby’s nursery should be between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius
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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
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Nightlight – a newborn won’t be afraid of the dark but you can check on her easily with a dim light
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Baby monitor – hear your baby from the other side of the house
Baby changing
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Changing mat – makes it much easier to change all those dirty nappies!
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Changing bag – ideal for keeping all your changing gear in one place when you’re out and about
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Nappy disposal bin – keeps smells at bay
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A changing table or unit – choose one with raised sides to stop your baby rolling off
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Antibacterial hand gel – so you don’t have to leave your baby to wash your hands after changing
Toiletries
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Nappy cream – soothes sore bottoms
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Baby lotion – great for tackling dry skin
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Baby wipes – the fastest way to clean your baby during changes
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Cotton wool balls– kind and gentle on delicate skin
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Cotton wool buds – great for cleaning outer ears, skin creases and belly buttons (but never use inside the ear)
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Digital thermometer – make sure your baby isn’t too hot or too cold
Bathtime
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Baby bath – help keep your baby safe in the water
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Bath thermometer – make sure the water temperature is just right
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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
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Socks – keep little feet toasty
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Warm hat – choose one without a turn-up so it doesn’t flop over your baby’s nose and mouth
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Scratch mittens – prevent your baby scratching her skin
Anything else
- A comfy chair – makes night-time feeds much easier
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Storage – now is a good time to get organised!
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Soft toys – something special for your little one
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Photo frames – to show off those first pictures