Nursery Checklist: What to Set Up Before Baby Comes (And What Can Wait)

(The no-panic version that actually makes sense)

You’re 34 weeks, staring at an empty room, and every blog is screaming “you need this NOW or your baby will suffer.”
Relax.

Here’s exactly what you need ready before the baby arrives and what can stay in the box until month 3 (or forever).

The Non-Negotiables (Set these up by 36 weeks)

1. Safe Sleep Space
   • Crib or bassinet with firm, flat mattress
   • 2–3 fitted sheets (waterproof mattress protector underneath)
   • Nothing else in the sleep space — no blankets, bumpers, pillows, toys

Quick science: Loose bedding is linked to 90 % of SIDS cases. A bare sleep space cuts the risk by over 50 %. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines 2022 – https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304)

“We spent $200 on a cute bumper set. Took it out the second the nurse did the home visit.” - Mom in r/NewParents

1. Blackout Curtains or Blinds Blocks light = longer naps. Even cheap $20 Amazon ones work.
2. Sound Machine Hatch Rest Go or a $30 Dohm — blocks dog barks and sibling noise.
3. Changing Station
   • Changing pad on dresser or dedicated table
   • Diapers, wipes, cream within arm’s reach
   • Trash can with lid (Ubbi or simple Dekor)
4. Somewhere to Put Baby Down Safely
   • Swing, bouncer, or play mat (Lovevery or Skip Hop)

Gear That Made a Difference for Parents

• Halo BassiNest or Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper “Rolled it right next to the bed. No getting up for night feeds the first month.”
• Hatch Rest+ “Red night-light + white noise combo. Worth every penny.”
• Keekaroo Peanut Changer “Wipe-clean. No laundry at 3 a.m. after blowouts.”
• Blackout EZ Curtains (the velcro ones) “$25 and turns the nursery pitch black at noon.”

What Can Wait (Seriously — Don’t Stress)

• Mobile (baby can’t see it well until 3–4 months)
• Cute wall art or shelves (you’ll rearrange anyway)
• Diaper pail refills (stock 1 pack, buy later)
• Baby monitor (your phone + a cheap camera works for the first month)
• Rocking chair/glider (you’ll live on the couch the first weeks)

Quick science: Newborns have 20/400 vision and see best 8–12 inches away — fancy mobiles and decor are for parents, not babies. Visual development doesn’t fully kick in until 3–5 months.(Source: American Optometric Association Infant Vision – https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/infant-vision)

“Spent $400 on a nursery theme. Baby slept in a pack ’n play in our room for 5 months. Live and learn.” — Dad in r/daddit

Your “Nursery Ready” Checklist

• Safe sleep space bare and firm
• Blackout curtains installed
• Sound machine ready
• Changing station stocked
• Somewhere safe to set baby down
• Temperature 68–72 °F (small fan or heater if needed)

You’ve got this.

Your baby doesn’t care about Pinterest — they just want you close and safe.

One fitted sheet, one sound machine, one giant love at a time. ❤️