What do you really need for a nursery?

There is SO MUCH out on the market for babies and if we narrow down the search to “nursery needs” the list is still so long and overwhelming. I am here to help you narrow down what you really need in a nursery and let me just say, it isn’t much. Would you believe me when I tell you that we didn’t buy a crib for our first daughter until she was almost one? She slept in a pack n play. A pack n play that was in our guest bedroom and it was perfect for what she needed. A safe and comfy place to sleep.

I know we could spend hours on hours scrolling Pinterest for the cutest themes and necessities, but when it comes down to your baby’s nursery and what they are meant to do in their room, simple is key. As you are loading your cart up, avoid over stimulating toys, mobiles, stuffed animals, because when it comes down to it you need a safe and comfortable place to sleep, cool temps, dark and boring.

I know what you are thinking, I just took all the fun out of it. What should a nursery have?

• A Crib and comfortable mattress. Consider investing in a good mattress for your little one. They will be spending a lot of time sleeping so comfort and safety are top priorities. Remember loose blankets, pillows and stuffed animals are not safe in a baby’s sleeping space the first year.

• Cool temperature. I know that is not something that you can add to your registry, but babies like cold. For a conducive sleep environment, temperatures should be between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow your baby’s lead and if they seem a bit cold, a swaddle or warm sleep sack will do the trick and add in that comfy cozy feeling a blanket brings.

• Make it dark. Babies are not afraid of the dark. They don’t know how to be afraid of the dark. Get a good set of black out curtains and go one step further, like I did with my kids and get the black out screens for the windows too! You shouldn’t stop there. Check your monitors, humidifiers and any added lights and cover them! I mean keep the room DARK!

• Last, the fun sucker. Keep the nursery boring. The last thing we want is for any toys to stimulate your baby and prevent them from falling asleep. There shouldn’t be any mobiles or stuffed animals within arm’s reach. Don’t overload the walls with vibrant pictures. A boring nursery is a nursery set up for sleep success!

Yes, the normal nursing chair and changing table are needed. Yes, a few decorations are okay, but keep in mind what is really important and what they do in their room. Sleep! So, as you are building your registry, keep these tips in mind.