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10 Essentials and 10 Things to Avoid in the Baby Room

10 Things Every Baby’s Room Absolutely Needs


Alright, enough with the dangers. Let’s talk about what every nursery actually should have. Because while safety is priority number one, comfort and convenience matter too.

1. A Crib—The One Place They’ll (Hopefully) Sleep

Babies spend most of their early months sleeping (or at least, that’s the theory). A safe, comfortable crib with a firm mattress is non-negotiable. No frills, no extras—just a sleep space that promotes safe slumber.

2. A Changing Table—Because Diapers Won’t Change Themselves

Diaper changes happen a lot. A dedicated space with diapers, wipes, and a changing pad makes the whole process smoother. Bonus points if it has storage for those middle-of-the-night emergencies.

3. A Baby Monitor—Because You Can’t Be in Two Places at Once

Want to check on your baby without sneaking into the room like a ninja? A baby monitor is a game-changer. Whether it's an audio-only model or a high-tech video version, having an extra pair of eyes (or ears) brings peace of mind.

4. Soft Lighting—Midnight Feeds Need a Gentle Glow

No one wants to turn on a blinding overhead light at 2 AM. A dimmable lamp or a soft nightlight creates a soothing ambiance for nighttime feeds and diaper changes.

5. Baby Clothes—Because Messes Happen

Babies go through outfits faster than you think. Have a variety of sizes and styles ready. Pro tip: zippers over buttons. You’ll thank yourself later.

6. A Rocking Chair—For Those Endless Cuddles

Some of the sweetest moments happen in a rocking chair. Whether it's feeding, singing, or just holding your baby while they drift off, a comfy chair is a must.

7. Storage Bins—Because Baby Stuff Multiplies Overnight

There’s so much stuff—tiny socks, pacifiers, books, toys. Storage bins keep it all organized and (somewhat) under control.

8. A First Aid Kit—Better Safe Than Sorry

A thermometer, baby-safe nail clippers, nasal aspirator—little things you don’t think about until you need them. Keep them handy.

9. Blackout Curtains—Because Daylight Shouldn’t Ruin Nap Time

Babies don’t understand time. Help them sleep better with blackout curtains that keep the room dark and cozy.

10. Baby Books—Because It’s Never Too Early to Read

Even newborns love hearing your voice. Reading helps with bonding and early language development. Start the habit early—you’ll never regret it.

should be in baby room
baby room

10 Things That Should Never Be in a Baby’s Room (And Why You’ll Regret Having Them)

Step into a baby’s room, and you’ll find a world of soft pastels, tiny socks, and an almost sacred air of innocence. But here’s the thing—just because something looks harmless doesn’t mean it belongs near your baby. Some items can pose real risks, and it’s easy to overlook them in the whirlwind of setting up a nursery.

You’d think a nursery is the safest place in the house. And it should be. But small oversights can lead to unnecessary dangers. Here’s a list of things you might want to reconsider keeping in your baby’s space—because a peaceful nursery should never be a place for hidden hazards.

1. Heavy Furniture That Isn't Anchored—A Disaster Waiting to Happen

A bookshelf filled with adorable baby books? A dresser neatly packed with onesies? Sounds perfect—until your little one starts pulling themselves up. It takes just one tug, one moment of curiosity, for an unanchored piece of furniture to tip over. Babies don’t understand physics, but they do understand grabbing onto anything that helps them stand. Secure it to the wall, or you’ll always have that gnawing worry at the back of your mind.

2. Loose Bedding—Not As Cozy As It Looks

Soft, cloud-like pillows. Fluffy blankets. A crib that looks straight out of a dream. It all seems so inviting, right? Except, for an infant, these things aren’t cozy—they’re dangerous. Loose bedding increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The safest sleep environment? A firm mattress with a fitted sheet and nothing else. Let’s keep the decorative pillows for Instagram photos, not for sleep.

3. Cords and Strings—Silent but Deadly

The nursery is dimly lit, a gentle breeze sways the curtains, and… wait, what’s that? A dangling cord from the blinds? A loose string from a baby mobile? These might seem like tiny details, but they can be life-threatening. Babies have a knack for getting tangled in the most unexpected ways. Cordless blinds exist for a reason—consider making the switch.

4. Harsh Chemicals—Not on Baby’s Watch

That lavender-scented air freshener you love? The multi-surface cleaner that leaves everything gleaming? If they contain harsh chemicals, they have no place in a baby’s room. Babies breathe faster than adults, meaning they inhale more of whatever is in the air. Stick to natural, baby-safe cleaning products. Trust me, their tiny lungs will thank you.

5. Stuffed Animals in the Crib—Cute But Dangerous

That teddy bear? Absolutely adorable. That plush rabbit? Beyond precious. But in the crib? A potential suffocation hazard. Until your baby is older, their sleeping space should be as minimalist as a modern art gallery—clean, clear, and free from anything that could block airflow.

6. Smoke or Secondhand Smoke—The Invisible Threat

We all know smoking is bad, but secondhand smoke is just as harmful, especially for babies. Even the residue left on clothes or furniture can impact a baby’s developing lungs. If someone in your household smokes, keeping it far, far away from the baby’s room is non-negotiable.

7. Uncovered Electrical Outlets—Tiny Fingers, Big Risks

Babies explore the world with their hands—and sometimes, unfortunately, with whatever they can fit into small spaces. Electrical outlets should never be left uncovered. Outlet covers are cheap, easy to install, and could prevent a serious accident. Consider them an essential, not an afterthought.

8. Unsupervised Pets—Even the Gentlest Can Be Unpredictable

That golden retriever who’s been your best friend for years? The cat who naps on your lap? As sweet as they are, no pet should be left alone with a baby. Not because they’re bad—just because they’re animals. A startled pet can react instinctively, and even an innocent paw swipe can be dangerous. Supervision is key.

9. Excessive Noise—Not the Soothing Kind

A nursery should be a sanctuary, not a concert hall. Sudden loud noises can startle a baby, interfere with sleep, and even impact early hearing development. White noise machines? Great. Blasting the TV or playing music at full volume? Not so much.

10. Small Objects—A Choking Hazard in Disguise

You’d be surprised how many tiny things end up within a baby’s reach. A forgotten button on the floor. A coin that rolled under the crib. A small toy meant for an older sibling. If it’s small enough to fit inside a toilet paper roll, it’s small enough to be a choking hazard. Do a quick scan of the nursery every day—your future self will thank you.


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