Nursery Essentials: 5 Things Every Mom Needs

Planning your nursery? Read on for 5 things I couldn’t live without!

When I was planning Aren’s nursery, I really had no idea what I should be splurging on and what I should be saving on. We went kind of high end on a few things (crib, dresser) and decided to save money on others (side table, rug). I didn’t know what was necessary and what was just fluff 😉

8 and a half months out, I have a pretty good grasp of what pieces I can’t live without!! 

• 1. Black out curtains 

This was one I had read about and am so glad I splurged on these tassle trimmed curtains. Black out curtains are a must, especially in the spring and summer months when it stays light out longer! Aren has a 7pm bedtime most nights and it’s usually fairly light out still! I rely on the curtains to help me block out that pesky light. Some of the nursery curtains on the market these days are so cute, but unless you have heavy duty shades underneath, make sure you are getting black out curtains! 

• 2. Sound machine 

Tbh this was something we didn’t really use until he was around 5 months old. And to be even more honest, I am not sure if it is really helping him sleep longer. (some parents swear by their sound machines for helping babies sleep better!!) But what I do know is that the sound machine allows us to move around freely around the house, without worrying about Aren waking up because the tv is on or because I’m washing dishes. 

We fell in love with this machine here after buying the portable version for our vacation! 

Shopping tip: make sure to buy one that has the capacity to run all night long! 

• 3. A comfy rug. 

Because you’re going to be pacing around on it for hours with a baby. Let’s be honest, even when you have a good sleeper on your hands, you inevitably have that night where you’ve got to step in and rock that baby to sleep or for comfort. 

You know what’s not fun when it’s 2am and you are walking around the nursery? An uncomfortable rug that has no cushion or support! 

You’re going to need something soft and plush! I did mention above that this was an area we saved on- we lucked out on this carpet though. It was a great price but also super comfy. Luckily it also vacuums well.

• 4. A good rocking chair

Once again, because you’re going to be using it All. Night. Long. 

The first few months Aren slept in our room but I still used the rocking chair for all his nightly nursing sessions. And these days I use it for those pesky late night wakings. To be honest, there have been plenty of times where I’ve fallen asleep on it. Many times.I’m glad we opted to go for this chair because it’s super comfy and I actually dare I say it, I don’t mind falling asleep on it.  A rocking chair is something you shouldn’t feel nervous to spend money on- your neck will thank you for it later!

• 5. A good monitor. 

Sure, back in the day I’m sure our parents didn’t have monitors to watch us while we were sleeping. But it’s so useful and definitely something every new mom needs. Once again this is something we only started using when Aren moved into his own room at around month 4/5. So if you’re on a budget you have time to pick one up a little later on.

What do we love about this Safety 1st monitor? That we can save cute moments and send them to friends and family. That we can watch it on our smart phones. And that the nighttime vision is so so good. I can pretty much see his pupils move- it’s that clear. Once again, this is something you don’t want to skimp on. 

Mama’s out there, what are your nursery essentials? I’d love to know! 

Xx

Gigi