As a first-time mom, I know how overwhelming it can be to figure out what you actually need for your baby. There are so many products out there, and it’s hard to tell what’s truly essential versus what will end up collecting dust. We wanted to create our nursery on a budget while making sure we still had everything we would need for our baby girl. After a lot of research—and now that I’m a few months into motherhood—here are a handful of items that I use daily and genuinely can’t imagine living without. These are the nursery essentials that have made our lives so much easier, and I’m excited to share them with you!
1. Keekaroo Diaper Changing Pad
This game-changer lives on top of our changing table and has become the MVP of diaper duty. Unlike traditional changing pads, the Keekaroo is made from a soft, water-resistant material that’s super easy to wipe clean. No need for covers or constant laundry, which is a win in my book! Plus, it feels comfy for my baby, and the modern design fits seamlessly into our nursery.
You can shop this item on Amazon here.
PS: You don’t NEED this brand, but I personally love it. I’m linking more affordable dupes here that serve the same purpose!
Papablic Waterproof Non Slip Changing Pad
2. Wall Shelves for Baby Books and Decor
Since our bedrooms are quite small, I love taking advantage of our vertical space, and these wall shelves have been perfect for displaying baby books, framed photos, and other decorative touches. They keep everything within arm’s reach without crowding the room and add such a sweet, personal touch to the space. Here are a few that I like!
22.5 inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelf Set of 2
Amada Homefurnishing Floating Shelf
3. Earth Mama Diaper Balm
Earth Mama Diaper Balm Set of 2 | I actually use this product EVERY. SINGLE. DAY (at every diaper change). We use this to prevent sticky poop from irritating our baby’s skin and sticking to her between diaper changes. This gentle, organic balm has been a lifesaver. It soothes my baby’s skin without any harsh ingredients, and I love knowing I’m using something safe and natural. Bonus: it smells amazing and works well on other dry patches of skin too!
4. Bumco Silicone Spatula
Applying diaper cream used to be a messy ordeal—until this little tool came into my life. The Bumco spatula spreads cream evenly without it getting all over my hands, making clean-up a breeze. It’s easy to wash because it’s silicone, and has a suction cup base to make it easy to access. It’s one of those things I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. Also, who wants to touch/spread diaper cream on using their fingers? Yuck!
5. Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
This sleek diaper pail doesn’t just look nice; it keeps the nursery smelling fresh thanks to its steel design that traps odors. It works with any standard trash bag you have at home, which is a great way to save on those expensive refills that other brands require. I was skeptical at first, thinking I didn’t need a whole separate “fancy” diaper pail when I have other trash cans, but I promise you– this is a MUST. You don’t want to be taking out the trash every single day!
6. Electric Baby Nail Filer
We all know how sharp little baby nails can be! If you’re a parent, you know.
Clipping tiny baby nails is nerve-wracking, so this electric nail filer has been my go-to for keeping my daughter’s nails smooth and short. It’s gentle, safe, and quiet, which means I can use it while she’s napping.
7. Egg Shaped Dimmable Touch-Activated Light
This touch activated dimmable light has been a lifesaver for late-night feedings and diaper changes. It’s portable, easy to adjust, is color changing, and gives off the perfect soft glow that doesn’t fully wake the baby (or me). I’ve even found myself carrying it around the house—it’s that handy.
8. Expandable Wooden Wall Pegs
These accordion style wooden pegs are both functional and decorative. I use them to hang baby towels, display cute outfits, and organize accessories like hats and bibs. They’re a practical way to add character to the nursery and keep essentials within easy reach.
9. Hatch Sound Machine
The Hatch Sound Machine is a multi-tasking wonder. It’s a sound machine, nightlight, and time-to-rise alarm all in one. The white noise has been a lifesaver for helping my baby in establishing a night routine, and I love how customizable it is with the app. You can assign sounds to play at a specific time, change/dim the colors, and so much more.
These essentials have brought so much ease and joy into our lives as new parents. If you’re putting together a nursery or looking for baby gifts that parents will actually use, I highly recommend these items. Trust me—they just make sense!
What’s your go-to nursery essential? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!