Once the initial excitement of finding out you’re having a baby calms down and you’re over that 12-week scan milestone moment, a mental to-do list starts forming. Namely: all the things that need to be done at home before the baby arrives. Top of that list? The nursery.
As a first-time mum, I was somewhat overwhelmed when I frantically started watching TikToks of what I needed to get before the baby arrived. But after a lot of analysing and advice from fellow mothers who have been there, I made a shortlist of the items I deemed a priority.
Nesting – as it’s been dubbed – is a process that has made the whole experience feel very real for me. Aside from the fact that my belly grows bigger every day, getting my head around the fact that I’m actually going to be a mum has been surreal – so getting physically prepared has also made me feel more mentally prepared.
Here’s what I’ve kitted out my nursery with…
Bedside crib
Starting off strong with an essential for the early newborn stage – a next-to-me crib. I went for the SnüzPod5. Assembly was easy (which isn’t always a given), and the design is gorgeous as far as these go – handy, since it’ll be living in your bedroom. It sits somewhere between co-sleeping and independent sleep: the height adjusts to your bed and the side drops down, so they’re right next to you but still in their own space.
It makes night feeds a lot easier, and it really delivers on that front. You don’t have to properly get up, which helps keep things calm in the middle-of-the-night moments. The shelf underneath comes in so handy too, especially for keeping the usual night-time bits within reach (think nappies, bottles, muslins, wipes).
It’s approved for overnight sleep with a firm mattress and breathable mesh sides, which was something I was really conscious of when choosing one – you’d be surprised how many baby products don’t meet the necessary standards. You can also use it as a standalone crib by lifting the side up, and the bassinet is detachable so you can move it around, which has been useful during the day.
The only real downsides are that it’s not the smallest footprint-wise, and like all next-to-me cribs, you don’t get a huge amount of use out of it – most babies outgrow them by around six months. That said, in those early days, it really does feel essential.
I added the SnüzCloud as well, which attaches to the crib. It’s a white noise and light combo that babies tend to love, and it’s especially good for naps when the house isn’t completely quiet.
Playmat
Totter + Tumble Morris & Co. The Strawberry Thief Playmat
Totter + Tumble Morris & Co. The Strawberry Thief Playmat
The Totter + Tumble playmat is one of those baby buys I’d recommend without hesitation. It’s rare to find something that’s genuinely practical and looks good in your home – even rarer when it ends up being used for far more than you planned, but this one really does. I went for the Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief print, which fits in perfectly and doesn’t scream ‘baby’. It’s reversible too, so you get two looks in one.
It’s much thicker and more supportive than standard play mats, so it works from newborn tummy time right through to rolling, crawling and those early wobbly steps. It’s made from non-toxic foam (free from BPA and phthalates) and is fully wipe-clean. I’ve even used it for nappy changes more times than I expected – it’s basically become a go-to surface for everything.
Separately, it’s been so good as a fitness mat for me. Postnatal, when you’re getting back into home workouts, it’s ideal – thick enough to be properly comfortable and supportive, and saves having yet another bit of kit lying around. The only downside is the price, but it gets used constantly and doesn’t need to be packed away, which makes it feel worth it.
Baby monitor
The Nanit Pro Camera combines a baby monitor with safety-focused sleep tracking, which is where it really comes into its own – giving you that extra peace of mind, especially in the early days.
The smart alerts pick up on crying, movement, and even if they’ve moved into a specific area you’ve set as off-limits, sending a notification straight to your phone. There’s also breathing motion monitoring, which works without anything attached to your baby, alongside temperature and humidity tracking to help you create the ideal sleep environment. It takes some of the guesswork out of those early months when you’re still finding your feet, and the insights definitely helped me feel less anxious and stopped me from repeatedly checking everything was OK.
You can choose between a wall mount, floor stand or Flex Stand depending on what suits your space, and the wide-angle camera means you can see the whole cot clearly. I was also really impressed with how clear the picture is at night. It also has built-in white noise and soothing sounds – a handy added extra!
It might sound like a lot to track your baby’s sleep, but it can actually help you pinpoint anything that’s causing unnecessary wake-ups. The breathing motion monitoring, in particular, feels very reassuring – especially as there’s nothing you need to attach to them.
Play gym
When it came to finding a play gym that was multi-functional, supported their development, actually kept my little one entertained and folded down easily, the Lovevery Play Gym was the one I kept seeing recommended – and now I see why. It’s specifically designed with five developmental zones that encourage exploration and growth, with five detachable activity toys and three sets of cards included.
From the very early days, they’re drawn to the monochrome features and the mirror (babies love looking at themselves). As they grow, more elements come into play, bringing in sound, colour and different textures. Finding toys that don’t become redundant after a certain stage is such a win, and this sensory-led play gym really delivers. It keeps my baby engaged for far longer than anything else I’ve tried, and has become a bit of a lifeline if I need to do something and keep them occupied (in the same room, of course).
Baby nest
DockATot Deluxe+ Dock
DockATot Deluxe+ Dock
I’d heard mixed reviews on the DockATot, but it’s been in constant rotation for me – and it helps that it looks so chic. It’s my go-to for putting the baby down somewhere comfortable and contained during the day.
It’s lightweight enough to carry from room to room, so they can be with you wherever you are. I use it a lot on the sofa too, as it gives them their own defined space next to you. Compared to other ‘sleepyhead’-style baby nests, the DockATot feels a step above in terms of quality – more robust and supportive, and fully washable, which is a big plus.
It’s worth noting it’s not sleep-safe, but for daytime use it’s incredibly handy. The cocoon shape seems to make a difference – it’s more enclosed than a crib or Moses basket, which helps them settle, but the lower sides mean they can still look around, which I really liked as the Moses basket can feel a bit restrictive.
Nursing pillow
There’s a lot of debate around whether a feeding pillow is actually necessary (plenty of people just use a regular pillow), but I’m so glad I got one. In fact, I ended up with two: one for the living room and one for the nursery.
For the living space, I went for the DockATot La Maman Wedge, which (handily) matches the Dock. It’s more compact, so easy to move around and slot down the back of the sofa when not in use (although I’ve ended up just making it part of the set-up). It sits neatly against your body and helps position the baby properly without feeling bulky. It doesn’t attach to you, so it can move around slightly, but nothing major. The cover is washable too, which is essential, because they do end up covered in all sorts. This is my go-to for travel, too!
Upstairs, I use the Avery Row Nursing Pillow. This one is more cushioned, and it wraps around your waist so you feel properly supported – especially helpful during longer or middle-of-the-night feeds when comfort is key.
They do slightly different jobs, but having both has worked really well – one for ease and portability, the other for comfort and support when you need it most.
Furniture set
CuddleCo Clara 3 Piece Nursery Furniture Set
Furniture is the obvious place to start with a nursery, and I knew I wanted something that would last beyond the baby stage. The Clara 3-piece set from CuddleCo felt like a good balance – classic, practical and not something you’ll need to replace in a hurry.
The cot bed is suitable from birth up to around five years, with adjustable heights and the option to convert it into a toddler bed. I didn’t use it straight away though – we moved into it at around six months, once the SnüzPod was outgrown and it felt like the right time for them to sleep more independently. It felt like a natural next step rather than rushing into it too early.
The wardrobe is a good, in-between size – not too bulky, but still offering enough space to be properly useful as they get older. The drawer dresser changer is probably my most-used piece. The drawers are a great size, and the changing top keeps everything in one place, which makes day-to-day changes much easier. It fits a changing mat and nappy caddy, and once you’re out of the nappy stage, you can remove the top and use it as a normal set of drawers – which is why I know this will stick around.
Design-wise, it’s simple and classic, so it works with pretty much anything. It also wipes down easily, which, given how often the dresser gets used, really matters. It does come flat-packed, so there’s a bit of assembly involved. It’s also worth noting that the mattress is not included - I went for the Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Foam Cot Mattress, which has a waterproof cover that can be removed and washed, so handy for inevitable poo explosions. The bamboo fibres create a breathable inner foam that keeps your baby cool; again very handy as babies can’t regulate their body temperature.
Compact crib
If you’re planning to keep your baby sleeping in your room beyond the typical next-to-me crib stage (usually around six months), a compact cot is a great option that won’t completely take over your space.
The Mamas & Papas Petite Cot is one of the most space-efficient designs out there, measuring just 90cm in length while still being suitable from newborn through to around 18 months. That’s considerably smaller than many standard cots, especially those designed to convert into toddler beds. While those are handy if you have the room, this petite version is ideal for smaller spaces.
Paired with the Essential Pocket Spring Mattress – featuring an Airmesh breathable cover to help regulate body temperature – along with a 100% cotton waterproof mattress protector and fitted sheet, this setup offers a practical, longer-lasting sleep solution without compromising on space.
Changing mat
The changing mat is one of those things you don’t think much about – until you’re using it constantly and realise quality really does matter. I went for the Avery Row Changing Mat, which fits neatly onto the dresser and feels a cut above the standard plastic options.
It’s well-padded and firm, with a wipe-clean, water-repellent finish and a removable cover that zips off easily when needed. One thing I didn’t expect to notice but really do – it doesn’t have that cold, plasticky feel some mats have, which makes those middle-of-the-night changes a bit less alarming, especially in winter. The print is what sold it for me; it’s a beautiful wildflower design in soft sage and blue tones that works regardless of gender.
Nappy caddy
I ended up getting a nappy caddy to match the changing mat. It's made from organic cotton and is as practical as it is good-looking. You can load it up with everything you need – I keep ours stocked with nappies (Pura are our favourites), WaterWipes, plus Mustela No-Rinse Cleansing Water, cotton wool and a few muslins (we’re loving the aden + anais 100% cotton Muslin Squares) – and the handles mean you can just pick it up and move it wherever you’re set up.
Moses basket
The Little Green Sheep Organic Knitted Moses Basket, Mattress & Walnut Rocking Stand
The Little Green Sheep Organic Knitted Moses Basket, Mattress & Walnut Rocking Stand
I was um-ing and ah-ing about getting a Moses basket – it felt like quite a traditional baby item – but as soon as we had one, I quickly understood why they’ve stood the test of time. Newborns spend so much of their time asleep, and having somewhere to put them down in the main living space is genuinely useful.
We had our Little Green Sheep model set up in the living room and used it constantly in the early days, mainly for shorter naps. It gave them a safe, secure spot to sleep while I could potter around, and I do think it helped them get used to being put down rather than always being in our arms – which made the bedside crib feel less unfamiliar at nighttime.
The basket is made from natural palm leaf with a soft knitted liner and comes with a proper, supportive mattress, so it feels comfortable and well-made. It’s also lightweight with handles, so you can move it from room to room easily.
The rocking stand is what really makes it. If your baby likes a bit of movement, being able to gently rock them without picking them up every time is so useful. And aesthetically, it’s a lovely piece – the woven basket, tonal knit and walnut stand mean it’s something you actually don’t mind having on display, which makes a change. We didn’t use it beyond the early months, but for that stage, it really came into its own.
Baby bouncer
A baby bouncer was one of those things I wasn’t sure we’d actually use, or if it would just end up taking up space – but it’s turned out to be something we reach for most days.
I went for the Stokke Yoga, and it does feel a step up from more basic options. It arrives pretty much ready to use – the seat just clicks into the base – and is super sturdy and secure.
It’s a manual design, so no batteries or anything electric. You give it a gentle nudge at first, and as they get a bit older, they start to create the movement themselves. What’s different about this one is that it works as both a bouncer and a swing, so you get that subtle up-and-down motion as well as a side-to-side sway. It’s not a huge range of movement, but it’s a nice, rhythmic motion that feels a bit more natural.
There are three recline positions, and what’s nice is that it gives them a slightly more upright view early on. Most things have them lying flat, so this makes a change and means they can actually see what’s going on around them. It’s also a really handy place to put them down for a few minutes when you need to do something quickly (in the same room), and they can actually see you!
It holds up to 11kg, so it does become redundant after about a year. It dismantles easily, which makes storing it away much less of a pain than you’d expect. It is on the pricier side, and if you’re after something with a bigger, more obvious bounce, this isn’t it – but in terms of design and security, it feels worth it.
Decor and accessories
Decorating a nursery before you know the gender is surprisingly tricky – everything leans so heavily pink or blue. Unless you go very muted (which I wanted to avoid), the options feel quite limited. That was until I discovered the Avery Row Little Farm collection.
Bedecked in the sweetest farm animal print, it’s the perfect middle ground – gender neutral but still full of character. It injects colour without feeling loud, and makes the space feel a bit more considered.
I went for the Little Farm Bunting along the fireplace, the Organic Cotton Cotbed Bedding Set & Sheet (this won’t be needed for a while, but I couldn’t resist) plus a few extras I knew we’d use daily – Organic Baby Muslins and the beautiful Embroidered Muslin Blanket. It all ties together without feeling too themed, which is where a lot of children’s decor can miss the mark.
I also added the Maize Stripe Basket Set for storage – ideal for toys and all the other bits that quickly build up. They look good, add a bit of warmth to the room, and are perfect for throwing everything into at the end of the day.
The Riverbank Activity Mat is perfect for those moments when you just need something quick and fuss-free – no assembling, no faff, just lay it down. Despite being compact, it still packs in plenty to keep them entertained, from crinkly leaves and a peekaboo otter to a rattle frog, squeaky duck and mirror. It’s ideal for tummy time without feeling over the top, and because it folds away so easily, it’s one I find myself taking out and about just as much as using at home.
Sleeping bags
When it comes to baby sleep, you’re told to avoid anything loose in the cot – so blankets come with a bit of caution. I opted for sleeping bags instead. It felt simpler from a peace-of-mind point of view, and they give that more contained, swaddle-like feel – closer to the womb – which I do think makes a difference in keeping them settled.
The Love To Dream Swaddle Up is the most hyped by mums far and wide, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a hybrid between a swaddle and a sleeping bag – actually making a difference to their sleep rather than just being another layer.
The main thing is the arms-up design. Instead of pinning their arms down, it keeps them in that more natural, womb-like position, which can help with self-soothing. It still feels snug and secure, but without being restrictive, which really helps with the startle reflex – and they can’t scratch themselves!
Choosing the right one can feel slightly confusing as it’s based on weight and tog. I started with the Newborn in a 1.0 tog as my baby was born in the height of summer – the bamboo fabric is really soft and breathable so it didn’t feel too heavy. I then moved onto Size 1 (8–13lbs), which lasted us up to around three months, and went for the 1.5 tog. I’d say this is the most versatile for UK weather – ideal for those in-between months.
The Swaddle Up Transition Bag is the next step (which we used until around 9 months) designed to move them on from the swaddle without completely changing what they’re used to. The zip-off wings mean you can gradually transition to arms-free sleep, and once both are removed, it becomes a sleeveless sleeping bag – so you get more longevity out of it. I went for the 2.5 tog for winter, which is noticeably thicker and much better suited to colder nights.
If your baby gets used to them, it’s worth having more than one – they’re in it every night, and when the inevitable poo explosions happen, you’ll want a backup ready to go. It’s not the easiest for middle-of-the-night nappy changes and can take a bit of manoeuvring to get them in and out, especially when you’re trying to keep things calm.
Another sleep suit I’ve loved once baby hit around the 6-month mark is the SnüzPouch Sleeping Bag in this gorgeous cloud print. The zip design is the real selling point – you don’t have to fully wrestle them out for night changes, which makes those half-asleep, middle-of-the-night moments feel far less disruptive. The fabric is noticeably softer than most, and it actually holds up after endless washes rather than going thin or losing its shape. It’s hands-free rather than swaddling, so it’s ideal once they’re ready for a bit more freedom – they can move around, stretch out, and get comfortable without losing that cosy feel.
For colder nights, The Little Green Sheep Organic Muslin Baby Sleeping Bag in a 2.5 tog is another great option once you’re past the 6-month stage. The muslin cotton feels noticeably soft but still breathable, so it doesn’t have that heavy, overly padded feel some winter sleeping bags do. It does come up slightly roomier depending on the size, but I actually found that a plus – there’s space to grow, and it lasts well up to around 18 months. The side zip and shoulder fastenings make changes pretty fuss-free, even when you’re trying not to fully wake them.
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