Baby Nursery Essentials: How to Prepare a Nursery

For many, setting up the nursery is one of the more fun parts of pregnancy. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what to include. That’s why we’ve put together a list of must-have nursery items. Before we delve into our top baby nursery essentials, here’s everything you need to know to prepare a nursery for your little one

The Basics of How to Prepare a Nursery

When to Start Setting Up Your Baby’s Nursery?

While there’s no strict timeline for this, many parents decide to set up their nursery late in the second trimester. That way, you’ll (hopefully!) be in that sweet spot between any horrible bouts of morning sickness typical of the first trimester and the impending aches and pains of the third trimester.

Whatever you decide, aim to have your nursery completed at least 2-4 weeks before your due date just in case your little one decides to make an early arrival. And do take into consideration that some of your furniture choices may take up to 12-14 weeks to arrive so you will want to order it as soon as possible.

When to Transition Baby to Nursery?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sharing a room with your baby for at least the first 6 months of their life to reduce the risk of SIDS. After those first 6 months, many choose to move their baby into its own room as room sharing tends to result in less nighttime sleep and more night wakings.

During the room sharing phase, you can either move the crib from the nursery into your bedroom temporarily (if space allows!), or buy a bedside bassinet. Our pick? The Tutti Bambini CoZee Bedside Crib, $2,159 from Baby Central

6 Tips For Designing Your Nursery

Create a comfortable, safe, and beautiful room for your little one with these 6 tips

Go for an ageless aesthetic – There’s a reason that so many nurseries you see on Pinterest and Instagram all have that same neutral aesthetic – because it’s timeless (and flexible!). Plus, it creates a soothing and calming setting (pivotal for fostering a positive sleep environment for your little one). With that said, some experts argue that our proclivity towards minimalism may be boring for our babies. A great way to balance this is to keep the main decor in the nursery neutral, but add high contrast toys for stimulation.
Have the furniture be multipurpose – Cut down future expenditure by choosing multipurpose furniture from the get-go. For example, a convertible cot bed that can be used as a cot for your baby’s first few months and then converted into a toddler bed for when they are older. Short on space? We feel you. While there are certain items you certainly cannot live with out (a crib, for instance), there are others that can be adapted to suit your needs. For example, is a rocker/glider absolutely necessary? Probably not (though it’s a wonderful luxury item to have!). The sofa or armchair in the living room will do the job just fine. Similarly, do you really need a designated changing table? Or can you simply incorporate a dresser that doubles as a changing table?
Invest in pieces you really love – You and your baby are going to spend a lot of time in this room. A good crib can see you through multiple babies, and (depending on the brand and wear & tear) can have a pretty good resell value in Hong Kong. With that said, it’s also recommended to mix some more affordable pieces in there – especially if you plan to change things up as your child grows.
Don’t buy too many baby items ahead of time – We know how tempting this can be when preparing a nursery. But baby items take up space – a lot of space! Something we don’t have a whole lot of in Hong Kong. Plus, every child, parent, and family is different. So what is regarded as crucial for one, may serve no purpose to another. Case in point: I was told that nursing pillows were a MUST! But kept getting recommended two very different products from two different brands. In the end, overwhelmed and heavily pregnant, I ended up ordering both “just in case”. I used each one approximately two or three times before giving up and just using pillows I already had. Money wasted, lesson learned.
Avoid toxic materials – This goes without saying. Babies will put anything and everything into their mouths, so be sure to check product labels for any harmful chemicals before purchase. Examples of things to avoid? Toys and flooring with VOCs or PVC, Phthalates in rugs and carpeting, baby products with talc, and flame retardant fillings, amongst others! Learn more: 6 Chemicals to Avoid for a Non-Toxic Nursery
Keep important items within easy reach of the changing table – Trust us when we say that you don’t want to be scrambling in the dark searching for a nappy or a wipe. Other essentials to keep nearby include burp cloths, a change of clothes (for those inevitable poop explosions!), your chosen diaper disposal system, and diaper cream, amongst others.

Must-Have Baby Nursery Essentials

Scroll on to discover our pick of baby nursery essentials – all available in Hong Kong.

Crib

This is arguably the most important piece of nursery furniture that you will purchase. When deciding between cribs, it’s crucial that you ensure your selected crib conforms to current safety standards. Avoid drop-side cribs and only buy those sold by reputable retailers (no, this is not an item you want to buy on TaoBao). Also, skip the bumpers, but don’t forget the mattress!

Our top pick: Mamas & Papas Atlas Cotbed, $3,190 from Mothercare

With a simple, classic design and a woodgrain finish, the Atlas Cotbed is sturdy, elegant, and good value to boot! Perfect for when your little one starts to grow, the Atlas cotbed converts to a toddler bed that’ll keep your little one comfy until they’re around 4 years old. And because it has 3 handy adjustable base height settings, you can easily pop baby down for a nap without disturbing them. A stunning addition to any nursery!

Our luxury pick: Leander Baby-Junior Bed with COMFORT+7 Mattress, $12,240 from Baby Central

If there’s one piece you plan on investing in, make it this one! Aesthetic and oh so practical, the much coveted Leander bed follows your child from 1 up to 7 years old. The bed is built to last, and takes just an Allen key and a couple of screws to change the design and function. 5 great beds in one. How can you say no to that?

On a budget: SUNDVIK cot, $1,699 from IKEA

While most cribs in Hong Kong run at $4,000+, this simple, modern-looking crib comes in at a totally affordable $1,699. Available in white, a black-brown, or a grayish brown, it is included in many a “Top Cribs” feature, and is totally safe!

You might also be interested in: Transitioning from a Cot to a Bed

Newborn Bedding Guide

For the first 12 months of your baby’s life, you will only need the following:

A firm mattress – Have your baby sleep on his/her back on a firm mattress, to reduce the risk of suffocation. The mattress should fit snugly in your chosen crib, without a gap of more than an inch at any point on any side.
A fitted sheet – Go for something lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic, with elasticated edges. If you plan on placing fresh sheets in your baby’s crib once a week, plan for two or three crib sheets.
A waterproof mattress protector – Keep your baby’s bassinet / cot clean, hygienic, and dry with a well fitted mattress protector. Pick a brand that fits your intended cot, and make sure the protector is either the same size or one size larger than your mattress size.
A swaddle – We love the SwaddleMe swaddling sleep sack for convenience and ease of use, $125 at Baby Central; as well as the Love to Dream Swaddle UP sleep sack, $279 at Mothercare. If you’re confident in going the DIY route, then you can’t beat Aden + Anais in terms of quality and design. $329 at Mothercare
A baby sleeping bag – Between 3-4 months, you’ll want to transition your newborn into a baby sleeping bag (or “sack”). A safe alternative to a blanket, we love the ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag, $269 at Petit Bazaar. We recommend a 2.5 tog for Hong Kong air-conditioned rooms.

Remember, the safest sleeping environment for a baby is a snug, fitted crib sheet on a firm, certified organic crib mattress, and nothing else. This means no toys or extra blankets, as these can cause your baby to become tangled and stuck. Resist the urge to buy any extras until your baby is at least 1 years old.

Dresser

If you’re anything like us, your little one is going to have a LOT of clothes. Naturally, you’ll need somewhere to store them! Most cribs (including the ones listed above) will have a matching dresser to go with it.

Keen to save both money and space, consider purchasing the HEMNES 8-drawer dresser, $1,999 from IKEA

As you can see, the HEMNES dresser doubles perfectly as both storage and changing table. If space is an issue, there’s also a 3-drawer version for $1,999.

Regardless of which brand of dresser you end up going with, we highly recommend getting some drawer organisers, $69.9 from IKEA. Not only do these allow you to maintain some order, but they also help to maximise the amount of space in each drawer. You can even inject a little fun and personality with this set for $99.9, also from IKEA.

And for those opting for a wardrobe over a chest of drawers, do remember to stock up on these cute baby hangers, $24.9 at IKEA.

Changing Table

Like the dresser, many cribs will come with matching changing tables. Opt for something sturdy and with plenty of storage underneath.

Our preference? The Leander Linea™ Dresser Changing Unit. Available for $1,800 at Baby Central

Top tip: Use a basket to store all your baby’s necessities. This not only adds beauty to your space but also ensures practicality and convenience. Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll want to keep on hand:

Diapers
Wipes
Diaper cream
Diaper cream applicator ($43, Amazon)
Hand sanitiser
Gas reliever (discuss BioGaia with your paediatrician)
Baby lotion
An extra baby outfit
Plastic bags (dog poop pouches work great, too!) or a bin nearby
Pacifiers (if you’re using)
Hair brush and comb
Nail clippers or electric nail file

Changing Mat

Once you’ve got your changing table (or dresser slash changing table), you’re going to need a changing mat – a cushioned surface used for diaper changes.

Our pick: The Leander Matty Changing Mat, $898 at Baby Central

Yes, as you can probably tell by now, we are big, big, fans of Leander. Their products are hard to compete with aesthetically-speaking, and their changing mat is no different. Produced in Denmark and made from the softest PUR foam (a unique material that is extremely close to the feeling of bare skin and adapts to room temperature very quickly), the Leander Matty Changing Mat really looks and feels luxurious. No wonder it’s won awards…

Other options include:

Bumbo Changing Pad, for $552 at Petit Bazaar
VÄDRA Changing Mat, for $179 from IKEA

Depending on the changing mat you end up opting for, you may or may not need to also buy changing pad covers. Some changing pads (like the Leander) can simply be wiped down after use. Others (like the foam ones) require removable cloth covers. In this instance, we suggest you get 3 to 5 covers as they will get soiled.

Diaper Pail / Bin

Now, you may be wondering. Do you really need a diaper pail? Or can a regular lidded bin work? The answer really comes down to personal preference. If you think you’ll regularly empty your diaper bin (and by “regularly” we mean several times a day…), then a standard lidded bin should do the job. But if you’re like the rest of us, then a diaper pail is probably worth the investment. Sure, it doesn’t guarantee a stink-free environment, but it does a pretty good job of reducing odours.

Our pick of diaper pail: Ubbi Diaper Pail, $539 at Baby Central

Available in an array of colours, the Ubbi Diaper Pail is made of powder-coated steel to achieve maximum odour control. The best part? It doesn’t require proprietary refill bags, meaning you can use any type of bag inside, saving you money in the long run.

Glider / Rocking Chair

If your space (and husband!) allows it, then don’t hesitate – get that nursing chair! Yes, you can technically nurse anywhere (the bed, the sofa…), but don’t understatement the amount of time you’re going to spend nursing your baby and rocking them to sleep in those first few months. Later, it will evolve into the perfect spot for you and your little one to snuggle up and read a book during your evening bedtime routine. When picking the right chair for you, be sure to choose one with head and lumbar support for extra comfort and relaxation. A footrest (whether that be inbuilt or a freestanding ottoman) is also key, and for those breastfeeding mommas out there, arm rests are an absolute must!

Our pick: Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner & Swivel Glider w/ USB Port, $6,795 at Baby Central

In shopping for our very own nursing chair, we tested a lot (and I mean a lot!) of gliders and rockers out there, so trust us when we say this one really takes the cake! With its built-in USB port, smooth swivel motion, and effortless back and forth gliding motion, Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner & Swivel Glider brings a whole new meaning to comfort. The best part? Well, aside from being able to charge your phone, you can also lean back and kick up your feet at the touch of a button. And it’s not just mummies that enjoy this piece of furniture. We often find that husbands and in-laws tend to make a beeline for it, as well!

Tight on space? Consider the Quax Adult Rocking Chair De Luxe, $7,390 at Petit Bazaar. We found this surprisingly comfortable – especially on the lower back. Though we did miss having somewhere to rest our feet.

Nursing and Support Pillows

As mentioned earlier, this one really is down to personal preference. Designed to make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient, the two most popular ones on the market are My Brest Friend and The Boppy – neither of which are currently available in Hong Kong but can be found on Amazon (they sometimes pop up on Retykle, so if your heart is set on one of these, do check them out).

An alternative is the DockATot La Maman Wedge, $899 at Baby Central. Firmer than average, this crescent shaped pillow is portable, firm, and supportive.

Playmat or Washable Rug

In the early days, you’ll need a place to pop your baby down for that all important tummy time. Then (and sooner than you think!) you’ll need a safe place for them as they start moving and exploring. Protect your little one from bumps and bruises by purchasing a play mat, a baby nursery essential you won’t regret!

Play mats come in all kinds of stimulating colours and textures. There are foam interlocking playmats, rubber playmats, fabric playmats, and more.

Our pick: Toddlekind Prettier Puzzle Playmat, $799 at Petit Bazaar

A perfect blend of style, safety, and functionality, these playmats have been designed with both the child and parent in mind! These stylish playmats fit seamlessly into any space and are adjustable (multiple packs can be joined together so your mat can grow with your child). On top of that, they can be wiped clean, which is a big win in our books.

Another popular option in Hong Kong are Momomi’s Tatami Mats. Starting at $1,000, the Momomi mat is extremely soft to touch, and comes in a variety of colours and sizes.

Prefer to buy something that can be repurposed once the kids are older? A machine washable rug could be the way to go! Miss Amara offers a bunch of washable rugs ranging from $1,500 – $5,000 that are built to endure. Keep an eye on their site as they’re known to regularly offer pretty attractive sales.

Laundry Basket

No two ways about it – babies are messy. Which means, you’re going to be doing a lot of laundry in the coming few months. While any regular one will do, make sure it has handles or grips. We like the TJABBIG, $69.9 from IKEA

Blackout Curtains / Blinds

Creating the ideal sleep environment is paramount for establishing healthy sleep habits. Blackout curtains can be a game-changer as they help to create a dark and soothing environment for both naps and nighttime sleep. IKEA has blackout curtains for $599.9. They’re not perfect, but with a little help they can do the trick (we use adhesive strips on the edges of our blackout curtains to prevent any light seeping out the gaps).

White Noise Machine

Another baby nursery essential is a white noise machine. An integral part of our nap time and bedtime routine, white noise machines work by drowning out environmental noises that would otherwise disturb sleep.

Our pick: The Hatch Rest+, $694 on Amazon

The Hatch Rest+ has been a total gamechanger in our household. More than just a white noise machine, The Hatch offers other soothing sounds such as wind, rain, and even lullabies! The cherry on top? It also doubles as a night light, making nighttime feedings less cumbersome, and the dark less scary.

Baby Monitor

A baby monitor can be a helpful tool for parents who want to keep an eye on their baby from another room. It’s particularly helpful in those first few weeks after you transition your little one from your bedside bassinet to their very own crib in a different room. There are 3 basic types of baby monitors: audio, video, and wifi-based monitors.

For working parents, a wifi-enabled baby monitor is probably the best way to go as they allow you to monitor your child at a distance via your smartphone.

For increased security, however, we recommend opting for a non-wifi baby monitor. As these are not connected to the internet, they are less susceptible to cyber threats and unauthorised access.

Unfortunately, the options currently available in Hong Kong aren’t great. We recommend ordering your baby monitor from a reputable brand overseas (just check the voltage before completing checkout). Top monitors include theEufy SpaceView Pro E210(wifi-free)and the Nanit Pro Baby Monitor (wifi-enabled).

Baby-Proofing Products

This is one of the most important steps to preparing your nursery. Don’t wait until they’re already mobile – baby-proof your home before your little one’s arrival. Cover up all power outlets that aren’t in use, block off doorways and stairways with baby gates, place protectors on any sharp corners and edges, anchor heavy furniture to the wall, and add adhesive latches to cabinet doors and drawers. Learn more: Your Ultimate Baby Proofing Checklist

Decor – “Nice to Have” Baby Nursery Essentials

Wallpaper

Elevate your baby’s nursery by furnishing it with wallpaper! Choose from a range of designs from playful animal patterns and cloudy skies to painted rainbows and soothing florals, and add a touch of something special to your little one’s room.

Our pick: Wallpaper Plus (based in Hong Kong) and Olive et Oriel (Australian-based, but offering international delivery).

Crib Mobile

Inject a touch of creativity and personality into your nursery through the addition of a crib mobile. Designed to keep your baby stimulated, entertained, and help develop their senses, mobiles are one of those things that some parents swear by and others do without.

Our pick: Gamcha Mobile – Air Balloons / Pennants, $489 at Petit Bazaar

Postpartum and Newborn Cart

This can be a total lifesaver after birth and one that can then be repurposed again and again. Prepare your nursery (and home!) for any incident with a postpartum and newborn cart, a centralised, portable spot to store and organise breastfeeding, pumping, diapering, and other baby care supplies.

In our view, this should technically be in the “must-have” section, as this has been a baby nursery essential in our household since day dot!. We use the RÅSHULT, $279.9 from IKEA

Bookshelves

Not only are they great for displaying your little one’s favourite books, but they can also showcase cute decorations like plush toys or picture frames in a number of creative ways. $179.9 at IKEA

Storage / Toy Organisers

It’s amazing how quickly miscellaneous baby items add up. Keep the clutter to a minimum by investing in some storage early. We love the TROFAST storage combination boxes, $879 from IKEA

For something a little more special, Petit Bazaar has a wonderful range of raffia toy boxes, handmade with love in Madagaska.

Teepee Tent

We said “nice to have”!!! A cross between an indoor fort and hiding place all in one, teepees are easy to assemble and dismantle, and can provide a magical and secure environment for your little one to read and play in during those early years. With that said, while some kids love whiling away the hours in that tight space, others may simply never take to it.

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And so concludes our checklist of baby nursery essentials! You and your baby are both going to spend a lot of time in the nursery, so it’s important to make it a calm and cosy place for the both of you. Get the big essential items sorted early to avoid feeling too overwhelmed later on in your pregnancy, and be sure to keep referring back to this list of baby nursery essentials when preparing your nursery.

Feature photo courtesy of Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels; photo 1 courtesy of Mart Production via Pexels, photo 2 courtesy of Mothercare, photo 3 courtesy of Leander, photo 4 courtesy of IKEA, photo 5 courtesy of @diariesofmyhome via Instagram, photo 6 courtesy of Leander, photo 7 courtesy of Ubbi, photo 8 courtesy of Babyletto, photo 9 courtesy of Toddle Kind, photo 10 courtesy of Momomi, photo 10 courtesy of Miss Amara, photo 11 courtesy of Hatch, photo 12 courtesy of Olive et Oriel, photo 13 courtesy of Selfridges

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