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One of the many fun activities surrounding the birth of a new baby is stocking the nursery. There are so many delightful things you could buy, you might worry about maxing out your credit card.

You don't have to. While the baby store is chock-full of tempting items, most of them aren't absolute necessities. Limit yourself to things you truly need. And if you have money left over, then you can buy that cute stuffed penguin.

Here are some essentials you'll want to pick up for your baby's nursery:

• A crib. It's best to buy a new one that meets all of today's safety standards. If someone does offer you a used one, make sure it hasn't been recalled and is up-to-date and safe. Do not use an older crib that has drop-side rails. These were banned several years ago.

• Bedding for the crib. This should include a flannel-backed, waterproof mattress cover and a tight, fitted sheet. What not to include: Infant cushions with soft fabric coverings filled with plastic beads or pellets, pillows, quilts, loose blankets, comforters, sheepskins and other soft products. These all increase the risk for SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. And keep in mind that your baby's safest sleeping position is on his or her back.

• A changing table. You want one that meets all modern safety rules. Choose one that's sturdy and has 2-inch guardrails around all four sides. The top of the changing table pad should be concave, so that the middle is slightly lower than the sides. Sit it on the carpet or a padded mat and against the wall. Don't place it against a window. Put shelves or tables that hold your basics—diapers, wipes and other changing equipment—within your immediate reach. You don't want to have to leave an active changing table even for a second.

Items you may want to have within easy reach—either stored in the changing table or on an adjacent shelf—include receiving blankets, burp cloths, a set of newborn-size disposable diapers or cloth diapers, diaper covers, diaper wipes or cotton balls, diaper rash cream, and nail clippers.

• A diaper pail. It should remain securely closed. If you're going to wash your own diapers, you'll need a second pail to separate wet ones from soiled ones.

• A cool mist humidifier. This can help clear your baby's stuffy nose if she gets a cold. Be sure to clean the humidifier frequently and empty it when it's not in use.

• A mobile. When choosing a mobile, hold it over your head so you can see what it will look like to your baby. It should be brightly colored (Did you know the first color your baby will see is red?) and offer multiple shapes. Make sure you remove the mobile as soon as your baby can sit up and possibly pull it down. 

• A night light. Choose a night light that's cool to the touch. As for other lights in the room, make sure they are out of baby's reach (including their cords). 

• A rocking chair or glider. You'll need a comfy place to sit while holding and soothing your baby. 

• A smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector. You should have a smoke detector outside of every bedroom and a CO detector on every floor of the house—install one outside your baby's room.

A safe sleeping area

You'll want to keep everything in the nursery clean and dust-free. That includes all surfaces as well as toys. That's one good reason to keep plush animals in a closet—stuffed animals can cause stuffy noses. You can retrieve them from hiding when your baby's ready to play with them.

Be sure there are no cords or strings dangling anywhere near the crib.

Keep in mind that your baby will be alone most of the time he or she is in the crib. So you want to be sure it's a very safe environment.

More pregnancy news

Your baby's going to need his or her own doctor. Here's our guide on what to look for when choosing a pediatrician.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Pregnancy Association

Reviewed 1/22/2024