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Essential Nursery Items
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Anonymous
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So the shopping has begun! Any advice on what items are "essential" for the nursery? FTM here.
Below is what I have on my list so far. Am I missing anything obvious? We have a small room so we couldn't go overboard on "stuff" even if we wanted to. 1) Crib 2) Dresser that can double as changing table 3) Toy Bin 4) Diaper Pail 5) Glider/Rocker |
Anonymous
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Fan.
At least is in my list of "essentials" since it reduces the risk of SIDS. Just had it installed today!!! 
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Anonymous
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A clock of some sort...so you can know how long you have nursed, etc.
A boppy or some sort of nursing pillow is nice to have if BFing. We also have cool mist humidifiers in our boys rooms, but up to you. Just some random suggestions. |
Anonymous
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CD Player. We listened to everything from Ella Fitzgerald to lullaby CDs. I also used to hold her in my arms and dance.
You will not need the toy bin for awhile, IMO. Most newborn toys are small and are of the rattle/stimulate vision variety. The thing my DD liked best was the black and white story book that came in one of those free diaper bags from the formula companies they give you at the hospital. I am also not a fan of the Boppy, but I seem to be in a distinct minority (and perhaps I have a really oddly shapped body!). |
Anonymous
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Consider shelves and baskets instead of a traditional toy box. It will keep the books/toys better organized and prevent things sinking out of sight (and mind) for months on end.
Lamp/overhead light with a dimmer is also handy to have. |
Anonymous
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We got one of those curved waterproof changing table pads from babies-r-us to go on top of the dresser. About $30 and another $25 for the cover, but we use it about 12 times a day...
Next to the dresser we got some wire mesh stacking thingees from The Container Store and put small baskets on them: the very top has the wipes, the step below it has a basket of diapers, the step below that has another basket with creams, lotions, etc. |
Anonymous
| This is not exactly a nursery item but absolutely a must have is the miracle blanket. Don't waste your money on other ones like the kidpotamus one from babies r us, go straight for the miracle blanket, it's the best item I ever received for the baby. |
Anonymous
Agree! We put a small bookshelf by the glider. It also holds a small CD player and a telephone. The phone is surprisingly handy, although I first put it there in case of emergencies. We don't have any toys stored in DC's room beyond what fits on the glider. Playtime is downstairs. We also have a small lamp with a 7 watt nightlight bulb. Great for nursing and middle of the night diaper changes. I used an Ironman digital watch to time nursing. It also has an alarm so I could wake DC every 3 hours at night (had trouble with weight gain). Blackout shades are popular, although some parents think that they spoil the child into only being able to sleep in pitch dark rooms. If you have hardwood floors, a rug will keep the room warmer in the winter, and will be nicer for baby when s/he starts to crawl. And nicer on your bare feet in the middle of the night! |
Anonymous
| OP here - many thanks to everyone for all these thoughtful responses!! |
Anonymous
| when did you all start shopping for baby? |
Anonymous
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A baby wipes warmer.
We didn't get this right away and put it into storage not long after we got it. We broke down and bought one soon after we brought our first one home from the hospital. He would really scream and cry when we changed him with the cold wipes. The problem was solved after we started using the warmer. It sure did make those first few months a lot easier. |
Anonymous
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what is a "miracle blanket?"
have not heard of baby wipes warmer before - does it run on batteries or need an outlet? |
Anonymous
| Get the most comfortable chair/glider you can afford - you will be spending a LOT of time in it! |
Anonymous
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a little wastepaper basket, a night light, a crib mobile
The wipes warmer (which you have to plug in) has been fantastic, even though it might sound silly. Floor rug if you have hardwoods. (Depending on where you get your furniture, you should find out the lead time for delivery - I was really surprised at how long it took to get our crib and dresser.) |
Anonymous
| I disagree that a diaper pail is an essential. Get a regular can that covers, ideally with a step. The odor isn't a problem until they start solids. |