Rocking chair – I recommend one that is very comfy and has a high, supportive back. You will likely be spending a lot of time there nursing, feeding, and/or bonding with the baby.
Breastfeeding Station – Sometimes I breastfeed in the nursery, sometimes in my bed, sometimes in the living room so I love to set up my “station” on wheels for convenience. Make sure to have a Nursing pillow, utility cart, small baskets for organizing, breast pump, breast milk bags, nursing pads, haaka pump (more on this ESSENTIAL below), nipple cream, sharpie for labeling, night light, burp cloths, baby blanket wipes, baby nail clippers, snacks, water, and a long phone charger. BONUS if you have a charging brick for your phone to charge.
Subtle Night Light – I find myself not wanting to go into the nursery in the middle of the night and flick the lights on. This is startling for both mama and baby. Having a subtle, dimmable nightlight works well. If you need more light, or less light – it’s super nice to have the option. There are TONS of options on Amazon to fit the style of your nursery. You could even pick up two and place one at your breastfeeding station and one near your changing spot.
Diaper Caddy – I like a sturdy diaper caddy with handles so it can be dragged all around the house. I feel more organized when it’s fully loaded and ready to go. It’s super convenient to have everything put together. I can send the big kids to go grab the caddy and don’t have to worry about where everything is.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump – I feel like calling this a “manual breast pump” is confusing. This contraption gently suction cups to your nipple so that when you’re feeding baby on one side, all the let down on the other side is safely caught. No wasting that liquid gold, thank you very much.
Really good thermometer – Don’t cheap out on this, in my opinion. When I take a baby’s temp, I want to know, for sure, exactly what it is. I always am left wondering when I use a simple armpit thermometer from the drug store. Good ones are so much easier to find now.
Cool Mist Humidifier – You’re going to need it. It’s better just to have it upfront. Stuffy noses, coughing, wheezing…you’ll thank me.
Baby Medicine Essentials – Don’t wait, just buy it now. I like to have Infant Tylenol, Infant Motrin, Gas Relief Drops, Gripe Water, Baby Chest Rub, and anything else you can think of. These items do expire fairly quickly but if you don’t have to use them, great! Win-Win.
Laundry basket – Ok hear me out. You probably knew you wanted a laundry basket in the nursery but listen to my warning: don’t go buying a beautiful cloth or wicker basket for décor purposes. Think FUNCTION! The things you will be throwing into this basket will range from adorable to disgusting. You WILL get poo on this basket. A sturdy plastic basket might not be the cutest thing to add to your nursery, but trust it is the most functional.
Post-partum care kit – I like to set up my kit and place it right in my bathroom where I know I need it. You cannot overdo it!! You definitely want your pads or depends and back up underwear, just in case! I love to upgrade my peri bottle (this is the bottle used to spray yourself off when you pee so you don’t need toilet paper, it’s refreshing and nice and 100% necessary). The Frida Mom Postpartum Kit is a great one-stop-shop way to make sure you have what you need. Be prepared before the baby comes so you have one less thing to worry about.
