Planning a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your baby's arrival but with endless checklists, advice and shopping lists online, it's easy to wonder where to start.
The truth is, creating a beautiful nursery isn't about filling it with everything you can buy. It's about choosing thoughtful pieces that make everyday life a little easier, creating a calm space for you and your baby, and investing in furniture that will grow alongside your family.
Whether you're planning your first nursery or refreshing a room for your newest arrival, our ultimate nursery checklist covers everything you'll need before baby arrives.
Start with the essentials
When you're expecting, it's tempting to think you need every gadget under the sun. In reality, there are only a handful of nursery essentials you'll use every single day.
Think of your nursery in four simple zones:
- Sleeping
- Changing
- Feeding
- Storage
Once you've planned those areas, everything else becomes much easier.
Nursery sleeping essentials
Your baby's sleep space is naturally the heart of the nursery, so it's worth taking your time to choose furniture that will last beyond the newborn stage.
✔ Cot bed
A cot bed is one of the biggest purchases you'll make, so choosing one that grows with your child can save both money and hassle in the years ahead.
Look for features such as:
- Adjustable mattress heights
- Protective teething rails
- A sturdy, well-built frame
- The ability to convert into a toddler or junior bed
All Bebe & Beyond cot beds are designed with longevity in mind, converting from a baby's cot into a junior bed as your little one grows. It's one less thing to replace as they reach the toddler years.
Our collections include:
- Dreamer Cot Bed
- Dancer Cot Bed
- Seeker Cot Bed
- Wanderer Cot Bed
Each offers its own design aesthetic, from clean contemporary styles to textured wood finishes, making it easy to find something that suits your home as much as your nursery.
Don't forget:
✔ Cot bed mattress (sold separately)
✔ Two to three fitted sheets
✔ Waterproof mattress protector
A practical changing space
Changing nappies soon becomes one of those jobs you could almost do with your eyes closed, although we wouldn't recommend it.
Having a dedicated changing area keeps nappies, wipes, clothes and creams all within easy reach.
✔ Changing unit
A changing unit offers valuable storage while giving you a comfortable height for changing your baby.
For long-term practicality, look for furniture that continues to work after nappies are no longer part of everyday life.
Every Bebe & Beyond changing unit features a removable changing top, allowing it to transform into a stylish chest of drawers you'll continue using for years to come.
Choose from:
- Dreamer Changing Unit
- Dancer Changing Unit
- Seeker Changing Unit
- Wanderer Changing Unit
Keep nearby:
- Nappies Baby wipes
- Nappy cream
- Muslin cloths
- Spare baby grows
- Cotton wool Changing mat
Storage you'll thank yourself for later
Babies may be tiny, but they certainly don't travel light.
Between sleepsuits, blankets, towels, toys and all those adorable outfits people can't resist buying, storage quickly becomes your best friend.
✔ Wardrobe
A dedicated nursery wardrobe helps keep everything organised from day one.
Look for:
- Hanging space for outfits
- Shelving
- Room to grow
Our nursery wardrobes are designed to continue working long after the baby years, making them a worthwhile investment for growing families.
Choose from:
- Dreamer Wardrobe
- Dancer Wardrobe
- Seeker Wardrobe
- Wanderer Wardrobe
Create a comfortable feeding corner
Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding or simply settling your baby back to sleep after a night feed, you'll spend countless hours sitting together.
Creating a quiet feeding corner can make those moments more comfortable for both of you.
✔ Nursing chair
A supportive nursing chair offers somewhere comfortable to feed, cuddle, soothe and simply enjoy those slower moments together.
Many parents tell us it becomes their favourite seat in the house.
Depending on your space and personal preference, you might choose:
- Nestler Nursing Chair for supportive reclining comfort.
- Storyteller Nursing Chair or Storyteller Nursing Chair & Stool for gentle rocking.
- Soother Nursing Chair or Soother Nursing Chair & Stool for everyday comfort in a choice of beautiful fabrics and calming colours.
Complete your feeding space with:
- Side table
- Soft lighting
- Blanket Water bottle
- Phone charger
- Burp cloths
Nursery organisation essentials
Small organisational touches make a surprising difference once baby arrives.
Consider adding:
✔ Storage baskets
✔ Drawer dividers
✔ Laundry basket
✔ Book storage
✔ Toy basket
✔ Keepsake box
Soft furnishings
Once the furniture is in place, soft furnishings help make the room feel warm and welcoming.
Think about adding:
- Blackout curtains
- Soft rug
- Cushion (for you rather than baby)
- Cosy blanket
- Wall art
- Shelving Lamps
Choose colours and textures that feel calming rather than overwhelming. Neutral tones, natural wood and soft fabrics tend to create a nursery you'll continue to love as your child grows.
Nursery safety checklist
Safety should always come before styling.
Before baby arrives, remember to:
✔ Secure furniture to the wall where recommended.
✔ Keep cords from blinds well out of reach.
✔ Fit smoke alarms and test them regularly.
✔ Keep medicines and cleaning products stored safely.
✔ Avoid placing cushions, loose blankets or soft toys inside the cot while your baby sleeps.
A little preparation now helps create a safe and reassuring space for those first months at home.
Nice-to-have nursery extras
These aren't essential, but many families find them helpful.
- White noise machine
- Baby monitor
- Night light Humidifier (if recommended for your home)
- Nappy caddy
- Baby memory box
- Books for bedtime
- Growth chart
Our top tip: Think beyond the baby stage
One of the easiest ways to make nursery planning simpler is to choose furniture that grows with your child.
A cot bed that becomes a junior bed. A changing unit that transforms into a chest of drawers. A wardrobe that's just as useful for a seven-year-old as it is for a newborn.
These thoughtful choices mean you'll spend less time replacing furniture and more time enjoying the moments that really matter.
At Bebe & Beyond, that's exactly how we design every collection, from timeless nursery furniture to comfortable nursing chairs that support you through feeding, cuddles and everything in between. Because while babies grow quickly, beautifully made furniture should be with you for much longer.
Your Nursery Checklist at a Glance
Sleeping
✔ Cot bed
✔ Mattress
✔ Fitted sheets
✔ Waterproof mattress protector
Changing
✔ Changing unit
✔ Changing mat
✔ Nappies
✔ Wipes
✔ Creams
✔ Muslins
Feeding
✔ Nursing chair
✔ Footstool (optional)
✔ Side table
✔ Blanket
✔ Lamp Storage
✔ Wardrobe
✔ Drawer organisers
✔ Laundry basket
✔ Toy storage
Finishing touches
✔ Rug
✔ Curtains
✔ Wall art
✔ Books
✔ Soft lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start setting up a nursery?
Many parents begin planning their nursery during the second trimester, with the room often finished by around 36 weeks. Starting early gives you time to choose furniture, decorate and organise everything without feeling rushed.
What furniture do you need for a nursery?
The essentials are a cot bed, a changing unit and practical storage such as a wardrobe or chest of drawers. A comfortable nursing chair can also make feeding and settling your baby much more comfortable, especially during those early months.
Is a cot bed better than a cot?
A cot bed is designed to last longer than a standard cot. Many convert into toddler or junior beds, making them a practical choice for families who want furniture that grows with their child.
What should I buy first for my baby's nursery?
Start with the larger pieces of nursery furniture, as these often shape the layout of the room. Once your cot bed, changing unit and storage are in place, you can add bedding, décor and the smaller finishing touches that make the space your own.
