Welcoming a newborn into the world is a momentous milestone for any parent, but there is a lot to do and prepare for before its arrival — and setting up their nursery should be at the top of the list.

Credit: Wunderkids

The nursery is their little corner of the home. Where they learn to sleep through the night and where they begin the stages of their early development. Having all of the essentials ready and waiting for them will give you the peace of mind you need to ensure they’re getting all of the benefits of this special room.

Designing a beautiful and functional nursery for your little one is easy when you know what you need to make it a comfortable, safe space to bring them home to. In this article, we take a look at four essential features that your baby needs in their nursery.

Swaddles and Sheets

Since you already know about the importance of having a crib or bassinet in your nursery, let’s talk about the essential components of your baby’s sleeping conditions.

Your little one is used to sleeping in your belly, tightly secured and kept warm — so when they’re sleeping in their crib, they’re expecting to have that same feeling. Swaddling blankets are very important in the first months of their life. Look for swaddle blankets that are made of lightweight, breathable fabric to ensure their temperature is regulated when they’re sleeping.

The same principles apply to their crib sheets. If you’re adding a sheet to your mattress cover, look for equally breathable fabrics that will feel soft against their skin.

Development Tools

Essentials such as cribs and change tables are no-brainers when it comes to outfitting a nursery, but have you thought about their early development stages? The reality is that having features that are designed to encourage them to explore their cognitive development.

Take a Wunderkids playmat for kids, for example — as your child reaches the three-month stage, they’re going to start rolling onto their stomachs. This is often referred to as tummy time. This is a crucial part of their development, and having a soft, durable playmat underneath their body can help them stay safe and comfortable while you have the peace of mind of knowing they’re not going to injure themselves on your floor or pick up any dirt from carpets.

Lighting

Fostering a comfortable sleeping environment is essential during the first months of your baby’s life. The right lighting can help set the tone by connecting dimmer lighting in their brain to nighttime. Consider adding a nightlight to their room — you’ll be grateful you did when the time comes for late-night feedings.

Nursing Pillow

Whether you’re nursing yourself or using baby formula, your child has multiple meals throughout the day, and you want to be as comfortable as possible during this time with them. A nursing pillow is a simple and effective way to ensure you can comfortably sit in your nursing chair or rocker for as long as necessary without any pain or discomfort.