Nursery Checklist: 10 “Must Not Forget” Items

July 14, 2011 | Filed under: Home,Miscellaneous,The List | Posted by: List Guy

Planning for the arrival of your baby can be an exciting and overwhelming time. Stocking the nursery can be a fun experience, but many parents forget essential items. Although you will probably remember the crib and diapers, you might forget the crib sheets, mattress cover or diaper pail. The last thing you want is for your significant other to rush to the store in the middle of the night because you forgot to buy baby monitors. Below is a list of some of the more commonly over-looked items many parents forget during this crazy time. Who could blame you? One of you is busy making a human being in their tummy, and the other is frantically trying to figure out why the other is crying and laughing at the same time while demanding Indian food.

1. Fitted Crib Sheets and Mattress Pads

Many parents neglect to purchase fitted crib sheets for their crib mattress, grab a few of these. Laundry will become even more daunting once the little one is here, having a few sheets available means that there should always be a clean one ready to go. In addition to getting the sheets, you should consider a mattress pad. This will help keep the mattress clean if your baby has an accident.

2. Baby Monitors

Baby monitors are an essential part of keeping your new arrival safe. It is better to purchase several receivers, so you can place them throughout the house and monitor your baby. If you can splurge a little, video monitors are a great option. Babies make lots of little chirps and groans, having a video of what’s happening means that you can easily just look down at the screen rather than sprinting up a flight of stairs each time your precious little one makes a peep.

3. Changing Table

Many parents find it more convenient to have a changing table in the nursery. Some parents get a changing pad instead, but it is a great option to have a separate table. You should pick a table that is a good height so that when you lay the little one down, you can easily change them without strain.

4. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Every nursery needs a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. You should also have them installed in other parts of the house. Make sure that you have them near the bedrooms and on both levels of your home. Of course, once they are in check batteries often.

5. Storage Bins

Every new parent is going to need extra storage space in the nursery. You may need it for extra clothes, sheets or toys. Consider getting several storage options including bins, boxes and shelves. You can also look into closet storage. If your closet and support it, think about adding shelves and trays so that you can keep items stored and organized.

6. Diaper Pail

You will be thankful for a diaper pail with a strong lid. Many parents do not realize how often they will have to change their baby’s diapers and how inconvenient a trash can is in the nursery. A diaper pail that can contain odors and keep the mess away is the best tool for a new parent.

7. Baby Wipes

Did you remember to purchase baby wipes with your diapers? Your baby’s delicate skin will need gentle baby wipes after you change him or her. It is important to remember this item. Another luxury items that I am sure your little one would appreciate…wipe warmer. Cold and wet is as uncomfortable to them as it is to us, adding a little warmth should make the experience a bit more pleasant.

8. Nightlights

You may want to install several safe nightlights in the nursery. Although many newborns may like them, this item is also helpful to parents. Imagine stumbling into the nursery at night and forgetting to turn the lights on. You will be grateful for a nightlight in these situations.

9. Thermometers

You will need several different types of thermometers. First, new parents should have a special baby thermometer to take a newborn’s temperature. Recommended thermometers are either rectal or temple, one of each is ideal. Second, you will need to install a thermometer in the room, so you can make sure the temperature in the nursery is always optimal.

10. Outlet Covers

These should be installed over all the outlets in your home. Although your newborn may not be crawling for a while, you should get used to covering all the outlets with this safety feature. Before you know it they will be walking and getting into everything, covering outlets early just gives you a head start to all the baby proofing in your near future.

Andrea Boley is a writer and blogger with Storkie.com. She has been writing articles and blogging for over 10 years and is always happy to share her passion for life and experiences through her work. Her educational backgrounds in psychology and journalism have given her a solid foundation to draw experience and expertise in an array of topics.

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Posted by List Guy on July 14, 2011. Filed under Home, Miscellaneous, The List. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry