Comfortable, calming and functional – these are the three essentials when it comes to styling a nursery. With so many products on the market, it’s easy to feel slightly overwhelmed and end up cramming the room full of cute finds that don’t really serve a purpose.
Mum Central’s nursery checklist is designed to help you sort out what you need, what you want and what you’ll especially love for your baby’s room. Whether you’re newly pregnant, entering your third trimester, or are transitioning bub from your own room to their nursery, we’ve got everything you need to style your nursery, including tips, our top picks, and a nursery checklist to help you tick them all off.
TIPS for Styling a Nursery
1. Functionality (and safety) first – When buying baby furniture, it’s critical that you’re buying items that ideally don’t just meet but exceed Australian safety standards, so always be mindful to look out for this. Be sure to also consider the placement of items and ensure no cords are hanging anywhere near your baby that could cause a strangulation or safety hazard. From a functionality standpoint, you want to design your room so that it’s not only easy to navigate during the day, but also at night. Consider a night light to help you at night – and calm bub – as well as a functional changing space with drawers, baskets or other storage systems that can help keep you organised.
2. Look for big-ticket items that go the distance – Timeless and elegant big-ticket items are not only lovely but also designed to go the distance. Many cots will last your little one until they are five and changing tables that can double as dressers mean they will store onesies now, but will be suitable for preschooler items down the road.
3. It’s all about the lighting – Not only do we suggest investing in a night light or white noise machine that doubles as a light, but also something to keep the room dark. This is incredibly important to keep the room dark for those late-night feeds and help bub differentiate between night and day. Blackout blinds or curtains work a treat also!
4. Get comfortable – Investing in a high-quality cot and mattress is a must! Sure, your baby is used to sleeping in a waterbed, but a breathable mattress can help make this transition easier for them. We also suggest investing in a really good feeding chair, such as a glider or a rocking chair. You will be spending a lot of time in it!
5. Add some prettiness – Functionality and comfort aside, it’s time to get creative and add a bit of love to the nursery. Less is always more so focus on selecting the right bedding, play mat and artwork that complements your style and adds a little bit of ‘you’ to the nursery.
6. Let’s talk about the theme – Do you really need one? Of course not! Do you want one? Probably, because themes are fun, or at least sticking to certain colour palettes and patterns can be. Check out some of the top nursery themes for some nursery inspiration.
TOP PICKS: 10 essentials for any nursery
Aroma-Snooze Plus By Lively Living
Our pick for: Sleep Aid and Humidifier
Price: $135
Where to buy: Lively Living
Say goodbye to restless nights and sniffles, and hello to sweet dreams, with the new Aroma-Snooze Plus by Lively Living. Released in April 2023, this revolutionary humidifier is brand new to the market, and there’s no other sleep aid humidifier quite like it.
The highly advanced sleep aid incorporates multiple features to promote restful deep sleep, respiratory health and overall well-being. It combines mist, light and sound therapies including pink noise, meditation and a colour mood light. The unit is made from BPA-free thermoplastic and manufactured with quality materials.
Suitable for children and adults of all ages, the Aroma-Snooze Plus by Lively Living will provide comfort and calm for years to come. Includes 2 decorative covers, remote control and organic oil.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 15% OFF CODE: Snooze15 EXPIRY: 31.05.2023
Gaia Baby Hera Collection Cot Bed
Our pick for: Cot
Price: $899
Where to buy: GAIA Baby
Mark the start of your baby’s journey with a beautiful real wood baby cot, sure to be the pièce de résistance in your baby’s nursery. Part of a timeless, heirloom collection, the Hera Cot Bed is designed to live and grow with your little one, suitable from newborn to five years. It’s easy to transform from a cot to a toddler bed and then onto a ‘big’ bed thanks to its two adjustable mattress heights. All parts included.
Not only functional but also absolutely gorgeous, the Hera Cot Bed is made using sustainably sourced European natural ash wood, certified to the highest global safety standards. Inspired by iconic mid-century designs, the Hera Complete Sleep cot features contrasting accents, gently curved ends and beautiful wood grain. The Hera Cot Bed is part of the stunning Hera Nursery Collection and comes in Scandi White/Natural and Natural Ash/Walnut. Check GAIA Baby to see the bundles on offer and save on all your nursery furniture.
Koala Joey Baby Mattress
Our pick for: Cot mattress
Price: $299
Where to buy: Koala
Pair your cot with a Koala mattress, Australia’s most safety-certified baby mattress. Koala’s Joey Baby mattress is the newest addition to the popular Koala family and part of the new Joey range.
It comes with Red Nose approval and features a removable, washable outer cover and water-resistant protective inner layer, perfect for those poonamis and spit-ups. Your newborn will love falling into a blissful sleep on top of a Koala too, so easy to clean and extra comfy.
The mattress is made with high-quality, tempered steel pocket-springs and CertiPUR-USⓇ certified foam and features a cloud pattern in cosy Oatmeal Melange. It comes with Koala’s signature 120-night trial and a 5-year warranty. It also comes with a limited edition bedtime story – Rhianna the Goanna.
Oricom Baby Monitor
Our pick for: Baby monitors
Price: Varies depending on model
Where to buy: Oricom
Oricom has been paving the way for peace of mind for Aussie parents for years now and their range of baby monitors comes with all the bells and whistles you want when relying on an extra ‘set of eyes’ on bub. Secure with night vision, 2-way audio, lullabies and white noise and large LCD display screens, you will love the assurance Oricom monitors can offer.
There are a few different baby monitors in their range but our top picks include the:
- OBHGPRO Guardian Pro Sleep Tracker Plus Video Baby Monitor – This is a Smart Wearable Anklet that monitors a baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels and more.
- Smart HD Dual Camera Baby Monitor – This is Oricom’s new connected baby monitor which is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing access to the HD camera feed from an external smartphone.
- OBH650P 5” Smart HD Nursery Pal Skyview Baby Monitor With Cot Stand – The adjustable cot stand allows you to get the perfect overhead view of baby every night.
- OBH930 5″ Smart HD Nursery Pal Glow+ Baby Monitor – Comes with remote access to a smartphone to ensure you are able to stay close to your baby in the home, or while away.
Oricom has a baby monitor to suit all budgets and nurseries, starting at $179 to $749.
Lucy Change Table
Our pick for: Change table and dresser
Price: $1,499
Where to buy: Incy Interiors
Incy Interiors is known for its stylish and functional nursery furniture and we are in love with their Lucy Change Table. With a classic and timeless design, the Lucy Change Table can easily grow with your little one, transforming from a changing table to a bedroom dresser.
Made from high-quality material and handcrafted with a non-toxic, lead-free finish, the changing table features a removable topper plus three large drawers to hold all of baby’s stuff. We love the little details too, like the elegant spindle accent and matte finish.
What sets the Lucy Change Table apart from the rest is that it’s incredibly durable and designed to last, whether storing newborn nappies and onesies, toddlers’ shoes and toys, or kindy clothes and superhero outfits. Check out the full range at Incy Interiors – it really is quite exquisite.
Drift Away White Noise Machine
Our pick for: White noise machine
Price: $64.95
Where to buy: ergoPouch
An important device for any nursery is a white noise machine and Drift Away White Noise Machine is a perfect choice. It comes with 7 calming pink, white and brown noises to help promote sleep and features an incredible 48 hours of playback without charge – the most playback time on the market.
Drift Away is sleek, simple and easy to use, perfect for parents who don’t want the fuss of connecting to an app. Simply plug it in and let it do its thing. The device is also travel-convenient, portable, compact, and lightweight, and accepted by most airlines.
The Drift Away White Noise Machine plays at a max 65db, safe for a baby’s developing auditory system and safe to use from birth. If you’re after a white noise machine that is incredibly easy to use and effective, without the complex bells and whistles, then add the Drift Away White Noise Machine to your list. Use the Drift Away in combination with ergoPouch’s complete newborn sleep system including their award-winning Cocoon Swaddle Bag & Baby Tuck Sheet for a safe and sound sleep.
Kira & Billy Bedding
Our pick for: Bedding
Price: Bassinet Sheets $49 / Blankets $129 / Cushions $99
Where to buy: Kira & Billy
One of the most exciting purchases to add to your nursery checklist has to be bedding! There are so many cute designs, patterns and prints and no one does baby bedding quite like Kira & Billy!
Kira & Billy is a new Melbourne-based nursery and homewares brand that includes locally designed, unique illustrations by artist Alexia Ktenas. The timeless range features luxurious cotton and bamboo bassinet sheets, cotton knit baby blankets, swaddles and cushions. Breathable yet beautiful, these products will be a treat for your baby’s skin and a gorgeous addition to their space.
Featuring a delightful cast of illustrated characters, including Boris the Bunny, Lila the Unicorn, Gezabel the Giraffe, Tallulah the Teddy and Kimberly the Koala, Kira & Billy’s range is bound to bring joy to your nursery. The unique and stylish aesthetic incorporates playful patterns with contemporary styling for the modern home and comes in both black and white and colour prints.
Boho Polkadot Wall Decals From Alphabet The Label
Our pick for: Nursery wall decals
Price: $49.95
Where to buy: Alphabet the Label
Adding a bit of colour to the walls is another important factor when styling a nursery. Alphabet the Label has everything you need to transform the room in under 30 minutes thanks to the premium range of wall decals for kids.
Our top pick for kids’ wall decals has to be the gorgeous Bohemian earthy-inspired irregular polka dot fabric wall decal, but there are plenty of choices on the website to complement any theme or colour palette including Alphabet wall decals, irregular wall decals and animal prints.
All of their nursery and playroom wall decals are made from a premium fabric material (no PVC or vinyl) so there’s no damage to your walls or sticky residue. All wall decals are removable, reusable and super easy to install. Check out the full range of Alphabet wall decals and wall stickers, plus matching wall prints.
Rugabub Designer Play Mats Foam Padded Play Mats
Our pick for: Play Mat
Price: From $159.95
Where to buy: Rugabub
A play mat makes a beautiful addition to any nursery, not only to brighten up the space, but also to promote tummy time and play. We absolutely adore the range at Rugabub which has recently won a Good Design Award – in recognition for outstanding design and innovation.
Rugabub play mats look like designer rugs and it’s this one-of-a-kind artistry that makes them stand out from the crowd. They feature simple lines and decor-friendly prints that enhance any room rather than make it look too busy.
Of course, they also feature a baby-friendly print on the other side, perfect for playtime. Made of soft, squishy wipe-clean memory foam and crafted from sustainable, biodegradable and non-toxic TPU, these play mats have been a nursery checklist staple for several years.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: $10 OFF CODE: MUMCENTRAL EXPIRY: 09.08.2023
Braun ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer
Our pick for: Thermometer
Price: $135.99
Where to buy: Braun
You will never regret putting a thermometer on your nursery checklist, especially during that night when your baby develops a fever. Australia’s number one ear thermometer brand is Braun and the Braun 7 Thermoscan Ear Thermometer comes with all the user-friendly features you want.
It features AgeSmart™ technology which, thanks to the colour-coded display, takes ALL the guesswork out of interpreting a thermometer reading. A green screen suggests no fever, a yellow screen suggests moderate fever, and red signals high fever.
It’s easy to use without complicated buttons and gentle for bub with a pre-warmed tip. Additional features include a night light and storage cradle, memory recall, a unique positioning system and ultra-speedy temperature readings. Expect safe, easy and accurate readings every time, plus a 2-year warranty included. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
NURSERY CHECKLIST: What you need
The big-ticket items
- Cot (and cot mattress) or bassinet (and bassinet mattress)
- Glider or rocking chair
- Changing table, cushion and dresser to hold bub’s items
The technical stuff
- Blackout blinds or curtains
- Night light
- White noise machine
- Humidifier or other sleep aid
- Baby monitor
- Baby thermometer
- Nappy bin (if you want)
The tasteful treasures
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- Bedding (fitted sheet, cot sheet, blanket and cushions – for decorative only)
- Some soft toys and books for playtime
- A play mat
- Artwork or wallpaper
- Storage baskets
NOTE: In addition to the nursery checklist above, you’ll also need to shop for baby wardrobe essentials, bath, feeding and other needs. Check out our full baby checklist to see what else to include.
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There you have it, folks, our nursery checklist for 2023. But, of course, styling a nursery is only the beginning! Check out some of our other guides on what to buy for your little one.
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