List of Nursery Items

When a pregnancy advances to the stage where you can see your protruding belly, it is time to fix up the nursery for the little one. You may be taking a room formerly used as a guest bedroom or a den, or have a room waiting to be filled with all those things needed to make the new baby comfortable and safe.

Walls

Decorate the walls with bright, fun colors. Make the walls something fun for the baby to see and explore. Decorate with images appropriate for your baby. From coloring books or other sources, find large images of cowboys or cowgirls, farm animals, stars, Noah's Ark or dinosaurs. Using tracing or carbon paper, trace images on the wall and paint. Stores that carry baby supplies often carry decals and other nursery decorations.

Baby Bed

Your nursery needs a sturdy crib that meets current safety requirements. If using an older model, make sure the slats aren't too far apart. Also check that any mechanism to lower and raise the sides will not pinch or otherwise pose a hazard. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "slats, spindles, corner posts and rods cannot be more than 2 3/8 inches apart at any point."

Buy a mattress that fits firmly against all sides of the crib with no space for the baby to wedge an arm, leg or whole body. Make sure the sheets fit snugly and won't pull loose. Check the crib for any loose parts, screws, nails, etc., or any rough or parts that might catch, poke or otherwise cause harm.

For the first few weeks or months, you may wish to use a bassinet. Make sure it is sturdy and that both bassinet and mattress meet current government requirements. Also lay in a supply of soft, baby-sized blankets.

Changing Diapers

Every nursery needs a changing table. While any surface that allows you easy access to the baby for changing will do, a changing table provides a safe, smooth surface. They often include drawers for diapers and other clothes. A changing table has room to keep wipes, baby powder, rash ointment and other supplies handy.

Include a diaper pail with disposable plastic bags. The pail should be close to the changing table so you won't need to handle that dirty diaper very long.

Rocking and Soothing

Every nursery needs a solid, comfortable rocker for Mom to rock, soothe and feed the baby. Include a side table close to the rocker for nursing supplies such as a burping cloth, lamp with dimmer and books you can read to your baby. Adding a radio, CD or other device that plays music also helps in soothing a fussy baby or in encouraging your baby to calm down and sleep.

Toys

Babies grow quickly. Before long they explore their environment. Be prepared with a sturdy toy box with a lid that won't slam down on the baby's neck or head. You can use the same theme on the toy box as on the walls. Use the toy box for larger toys. Also include a basket of safe, educational, cuddly and noisy toys, easily reached by a baby just starting to get around.