Beyond the Crib: Must-Have Nursery Essentials

We all know the crib is the centerpiece of the nursery and helps babies safely and comfortably get the rest they need. But creating a nursery space that works for both baby and parent takes more than just the centerpiece.

Take it from us, the midnight feedings and messy diaper changes are more manageable when your nursery is designed to support daily life with a newborn. But you don't have to sacrifice the aesthetic of the home you've worked so hard to curate to create a nursery that works for you.

Figuring out how to design a nursery that is stylish, functional and safe can be challenging, especially as a first-time parent, so we've created this guide to help you understand the essentials and create a nursery that is as practical as it is beautiful.

Why Nursery Essentials Matter Beyond the Crib

Early parenthood requires a lot, and much of it involves time spent in the nursery—feeding, soothing, changing, organizing, and even napping. The right furniture setup keeps everything within reach and creates a fully functional nursery that grows with your baby.

Convertible and multi-use pieces are a great choice for new parents, especially as baby grows and develops in their first few years. Our cribs, dressers, and seating are designed to adapt to your child’s changing needs while keeping your nursery safe and clutter-free. Collect nursery essentials that can be used throughout the many phases of childhood. This will help you save money, time, and headaches with everything else you’ll have going on. Let’s go through a few of our favorites.

Must-Have Nursery Essentials for a Functional Space

A Comfortable Glider or Rocker

No matter what happens on any given night, nursing, bottle-feeding, or just rocking your little one to sleep, a comfortable seat is a game-changer. Gliders with ergonomic support and easy motion are a must for long nights and early mornings.

We’re obsessed with the Kiwi Electronic Recliner & Swivel Glider that offers incredible functionality, the Cali Pillowback Chair & a Half Glider in Fleece

A Dresser That Doubles as a Changing Table

Parents love 2-in-1 products, so skip the separate changing table and opt for a sturdy dresser for your nursery with a removable changing tray. This setup saves space and grows with your child, converting from a changing table back to a stylish dresser when you're done changing diapers and need to store all the kids' clothes, books, and toys down the line.

The Pogo Tambour Assembled Dresser paired with the Universal Wide Removable Changing Tray is perfect to grow with your baby from the newborn stage into childhood.

Smart Storage Solutions

For such little humans, babies require a lot of stuff! From diapers and wipes to books and toys, your baby's room needs thoughtful nursery storage ideas to keep clutter at bay. Modular shelves, baskets, and multi-use furniture pieces make organizing a breeze.

The Hudson Bookcase makes modular storage a breeze, or check out the Cactus Bookcase if you're looking for something more playful.

A Safe, Versatile Crib to Round Out Your Nursery Essentials

An ideal crib considers comfort alongside safety, reliability, and longevity. Convertible baby cribs that evolve with your child help save money by simplifying transitions and ensure your baby (and soon-to-be toddler) gets to sleep on a comfortable and familiar bed each night. Designed to grow with your family, Babyletto’s modern cribs easily transition into toddler beds, daybeds, and even full-size beds, making it easier to adapt as your child reaches new milestones. 

There are plenty of convertible cribs out there, so choose one that fits your style and meets your family's needs. We love the Pogo 8-in-1 Convertible Crib with All Stages Conversion Kits for its included conversion kits at every stage, and the Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit for its modern design and easy toddler bed transition.

Optional But Helpful Additions

Once the basics of your nursery checklist are covered, some add-ons can help make the room feel cozy and functional:

• Soft hampers for laundry

• Drawer dividers to keep clothes organized

• Dimmable nursery lighting for nighttime changes

• Blackout curtains for better naps (for baby and parent)

Tips for Choosing Nursery Furniture

When choosing nursery furniture, start with safety. Almost all of Babyletto’s products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they’ve been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs to support better indoor air quality. Our seating is also made with FSC® certified wood, which supports responsible forest management, and CertiPUR-US® certified foam, made without harmful chemicals and tested for indoor air quality.

Your child’s health is everything, and it’s at the heart of every decision we make. If you’re curious, we’d love for you to explore more about our sustainability and safety practices.

Final Takeaways

We know that was a lot, but we share it because we truly care about creating safe, thoughtful pieces for your family. Here are a few final notes to take away:

• Opt for durable materials that can withstand daily wear such as our eco-performance fabrics

• Choose furniture with built-in functionality and room to grow

• Keep your layout practical for movement, storage, and comfort

Designing your nursery doesn’t mean filling it with everything at once. Start with the nursery essentials—a safe crib, a comfortable glider, a versatile dresser, and smart storage—and go from there.

Babyletto’s collection of modern, thoughtfully designed furniture allows you to create a nursery that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.

Want to browse the whole collection? Click here!