Nursery Essentials: What You Really Need for a Functional (and Beautiful) Baby Space

Let’s be honest …. planning your baby’s nursery can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming. There are so many cute, Pinterest-worthy options out there, but when it comes down to it, what do you really need?

At Bumps n Babies, we’re here to keep it real. Here’s your no-fluff, mum-approved checklist for a functional nursery that works for both you and your baby, with a few luxuries thrown in if space and budget allow!

🛏 Cotbed (Not Just a Cot)

Trust us on this one — go for a cotbed over a traditional cot.
Why? A cotbed transforms into a junior bed, giving you years of use from one essential piece of furniture. It’s a smart, long-term investment for growing babies and growing budgets.

✔️ Our tip:

Look for cotbeds with adjustable mattress heights and teething rails. They’re game-changers in the early months!

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💤 Don’t Forget the Mattress – It Really Matters

Choosing the right mattress for your baby is just as important as the cotbed itself. It’s not just about comfort — it’s about support, safety, and breathability.

We always recommend opting for a good-quality, breathable mattress — not just any fibre-filled version. While fibre-only mattresses may be suitable for occasional use at a grandparent’s house or travel cot, they don’t offer the long-term comfort or support your baby needs night after night.

✔️ Our top tip:

Go for a dual-sided mattress:

• 🍼 Fibre side for the newborn stage — breathable, safe, and soft
• 👶 Pocket sprung side as your baby grows — providing extra support for developing bones and better weight distribution

It’s the kind of investment that not only helps with better sleep (for baby and you!) but also extends the lifespan of your nursery setup.

Your baby’s sleep space is where they’ll spend most of their early life — make it as safe and supportive as possible from day one.

👕 Dresser with Removable Changing Top

A dresser/changer combo is the ultimate space-saving multitasker. The removable top means it works as a nappy-changing station now — and becomes a stylish chest of drawers later. One piece, multiple stages of parenting.

✔️ Don’t forget:

Add a wipeable or washable changing mat. We’ve got both PVC basics and luxury wedge-style options depending on your vibe.

💤 Bedding Basics

Keep it simple (and keep the laundry cycle moving!):

• 🛏 2–3 fitted sheets for easy swaps
• 🌙 2–3 sleeping bags (we recommend a mix of 1.0 tog and 2.5 tog depending on the season)
• 🎠 Cot mobile to soothe and entertain your little one

📹 Baby Monitor

We’re big fans of the Owlet Smart Monitor — it’s clever, compact, and helps give parents peace of mind. Whether you’re checking in from the next room or getting alerts while your baby sleeps, a monitor is a must.

🪑 Nursing Chair + Footstool (If You Can!)

If there’s one “nice to have” we’d shout about — it’s this. A nursing chair (and ideally a footstool) is a total game-changer. Late-night feeds? Nap contact sessions? Cuddles on repeat? You’ll want somewhere comfy to sit that supports your back and arms.

✔️ Look for:

Rocking, reclining or gliding options depending on your style and budget.

✨ Accessories & Extras

Once the essentials are sorted, here’s where you can bring the cute:

• 🧸 Soft toys (keep them out of the cot for safe sleep)
• 🪟 Blackout blinds for better daytime naps
• 💡 A soft lamp or nightlight — helpful for night feeds and nappy changes
• 🎨 Wall art, bunting, shelving… let your imagination run wild!

Final Thoughts

Your nursery doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to work for you. Focus on function first, comfort second, and then sprinkle in the cute. Whether you’re shopping big or small, remember: it’s your space and your baby’s safe little world.

Need help choosing the right essentials? Pop into Bumps n Babies or browse our curated collections online. We’ve got options for every style, space and budget — and we love helping parents build something special.

📦 Ready to build your nursery?
Shop our nursery essentials collection today or visit us in-store for expert advice and personalised recommendations.

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