After having 3 kids I would not say that I am a pro and know everything you need for a baby. However, I do know that which baby items we got the most use out of and which items just collected dusk. I feel like something is in the water right now and so many women are pregnant. I am always sharing with you all on how to be savvy shoppers, so I thought it would be great to share my top 10 baby nursery essentials.
I know that when you are pregnant or shopping for someone that is pregnant, you can feel like your list of baby essentials is never ending. I remember having Cameron and being a young mom, and I honestly didn’t know how I’d be able to get everything. Then once I got them, I barely used half the things I got!
These top 10 nursery essentials are necessities but also some nice-to-have items. I am excited to share that Walmart recently created a personalized Baby Registry experience. Here are some of the features included in the personalized registry: ease of sign-up & list management, personalized list, welcome box, thousands of stores for easy purchase.
I WISH Walmart had this when I was pregnant with my boys! We got most of our baby items from Walmart when we did our baby shopping. I am the price comparison queen, and I always feel Walmart gave me the best cost and variety.
I encourage all my pregnant mamas to try out Walmart’s new registry experience. You want to have an easy process and save money while you are at it.
Top 10 Nursery Essentials
Crib
From my experience, a $150 crib does just as good as an $800 crib. If it is not in your budget don’t feel you have to pay tons of money for a crib. There are plenty of durable and cute cribs that you can get for under $200
Bedding/Sheets
The same concept applies for crib bedding. I stopped paying a ton of money on bedding. There are so many cute bedding choices that you don’t have to break the bank!
Dresser
If I were to shop for nursery essentials again, I would probably get a double dresser with more space. Cyrus has so many clothes and blankets and I could use all the storage I can get.
Mattress
Y’all, don’t pay an arm and a leg for this. We used for all our boys the same $50 Walmart mattress. It did its job and never had any issues.
Changing Table/Pad
Capitalize on space and try to get a changing table that also has drawers. It will come in handy!
Baby Monitor
When we lived in a 2 bedroom apartment we didn’t use our baby monitor very much. However, for our 2nd children we used it all the time. Assess your home layout and see if it is a requirement. As an option, you can always get a sound-only monitor which is super affordable.
Chair
I didn’t have a chair for Cameron but it is SO helpful for those late night feedings. Cyrus now uses his chair as more of a play apparatus, but it’s definitely a necessity at the beginning.
Sound Machine
I am sure you are wondering why this is a necessity; this was a game changer for us. We didn’t have it initially for Cyrus. After speaking with a family that swears by it, we decided to give the sound machine a try. Y’all, the first nap we got it Cyrus slept so much better. Our house is always loud and now that we have 3 kids, maybe the sound machine allowed Cyrus to rest easier. I don’t know what the exact reason but it’s a game changer!
Diaper Organization
When you are changing your baby you need an easy set up with all the things you need within easy reach. I love our organizer: I can store bags, diapers, ointment and more. The last thing you want is to be searching for your diaper necessities when you have a blow out!
Diapers/Wipes
Stock pile on these. On my last kids I asked for just Diapers and Wipes and created a section in Cyrus’s closet to keep them. I would rather my friends and family buy these as a gift than decor,
Nice to haves but NOT Necessities
Lamp
During those late night feeds, you will want a softer light than your main overhead light.
Rug
I love having our rug in this room, definitely makes the room look comfier.
Mobile
These add to the nursery decor, and did mesmerize 2 out of our 3 boys but I can’t say it’s a necessity.
Table
I would consider this as it is very helpful during late night feedings if you want to bring a snack or drink in the room. Or if you decide to make a breastfeeding station.
Extra Storage
Babies accumulate a lot of things. We have an extra storage shelf that gets used a lot. I also find it helpful when you can get cribs that have extra drawers, or even ottomans. Take advantage of hanging shelves as well. This will be a great way to eliminate floor space.
Humidifier
Our boys go in a rotation of being congested. Having the humidifier on a few nights always knocks it out.
Diaper Pail
We barely used our diaper pail because it was easier to dispose of the diapers. However, in our apartment we heavily used it. I think it is nice to have but definitely not mandatory. Let me also say that poop is poop. So a diaper pail can help with the smell but will not 100% eliminate it.
Decor
Yes decor is great to complete the room, but don’t allow decorating the nursery to overwhelm you. The baby will think little of the decor, you also don’t have to feel like you have to pay a ton for decorations. Do it as your budget allows.
Boppy
I am putting this in the optional section because it is technically not a nursery item! BUT, our Boppy has been so helpful. Then I loved it when they came out with the Lounger for Cyrus to sit on!
Remember the first few months the baby will likely not be in the room. So if your pregnancy is not allowing you to get the nursery finished don’t sweat it. Hopefully this blog post on nursery essentials will give you a good starting point when shopping.
What about you? What are the most important nursery essentials? Let me know in a comment below!
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* this nursery essentials post is in partnership with Walmart, all ideas and thoughts are forever and always my own*
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THE DETAILS
All Items are linked on pictures above or click text below
Crib | Chair | Ottoman |Rug | Blocks | Changing Table | Diaper Station