The nursery is you and your baby’s new sanctuary, so it follows that it needs to be stylish and pretty as well as practical.
The best nursery essentials will ensure your transition into parenthood is as seamless and easy as possible, pairing functional pieces with a design aesthetic.
Of course, you’ll need basics like a crib and a changing table to make those nappy changes as stress-free as can be. Your mini me will also need to be soothed and stimulated, so a baby mobile and a night light are always a good idea.
And, when you’re not in the nursery, you’ll want to know your newborn is happy, so a baby monitor is also a must.
From storage baskets and laundry bins to rocking chairs and dressers, these are the top nursery essentials you’ll need when your baby comes home.
10 best nursery essentials under £100
1. Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Crib
Cribs can be an expensive nursery essential, but you certainly don’t have to spend a fortune to get a stylish and reliable option.
This foldable crib is easily transportable, so you can move it between rooms if necessary. It has vented mesh sides so your baby doesn’t become overheated and you can keep an eye on your little one.
The legs can be twisted to allow for a rocking motion to lull the baby to sleep, and it also comes with a travel bag and an anti-allergy mattress.
Price: £79.99, Smyths Toys – buy here now
2. Snuz 3-Piece Bedside Crib Bedding Set
Once you’ve got your crib, you’ll need a baby bedding set to keep your new arrival cosy.
This cute cloud print includes two fitted sheets and a reversible blanket crafted with 100% soft jersey cotton. Perfect for snug snoozing.
Price: £31.45, Amazon – buy here now
3. Babiie Stars Changing Table with Bath
Having an organised changing station will really help make those nappy changes more seamless.
This star-print option has loads of handy storage space for wipes, creams and nappies, with a changing mat on top. There’s even a concealed bath under the changing mat and a drainage tube for super-handy bath times. A nifty little investment.
Price: £97.99, Wayfair – buy here now
4. Sweet Dreamers Deluxe Ewan the Sheep
A night light is a soothing nursery essential that will help your newborn drift off to sleep.
Ewan has five calming pink and white noise sounds: the ‘shush’ of a real human voice, vacuum cleaner, rainfall, harp melody and a recording of the womb. And all sound sequences feature a resting heartbeat in the background.
He can also be used as a cuddly toy, and has a removable control pad so Ewan can also be washed. Your baby will definitely love Ewan.
Price: £39.99, Amazon – buy here now
5. Nuby Musical Cot Mobile
Keep your little one entertained and soothed with a mobile to hang over the cot.
This cute mobile attaches to the side of the crib, and baby will love the gentle spinning of the clouds and aircrafts. There’s also a soothing colour-changing starlight projection for walls or ceilings, and over 18 minutes of calming music and lullabies.
Price: £19.99, Boots – buy here now
6. Victure Video Baby Monitor with Digital Camera
A baby monitor is an absolute nursery essential so you can make sure your baby is happy and safe at all times.
This baby monitor comes with an LED screen so you can see your little one and relax during your leisure time. There’s even a night function so you can see clear images in the dark.
You’ll be able to monitor your baby remotely and talk to the baby if necessary.
Price: £52.69, Amazon – buy here now
7. Next Woven Bear Storage Basket
Storage baskets are excellent nursery essentials, and it’s a good idea to have a few dotted around the room.
You can store extra blankets by the crib, or burp cloths next to your favourite breastfeeding spot. And it’s always great to have somewhere to store toys. A tidy home is a tidy mind!
Price: £25, Next – buy here now
8. Argos Home Scandinavia 4 Drawer Chest
You’ll soon realise that babies can go through multiple changes a day, so a dresser to store all their little outfits is a good nursery essential.
This Scandinavian-style piece is affordable and stylish, and will fit seamlessly into any room decor theme. The perfect spot for sleepsuits, socks, bibs, onesies and all your little bits and pieces.
Price: £85, Argos – buy here now
9. SoBuy Relaxing Rocking Chair
A comfortable spot to breastfeed or bottle feed and do night feeds is a super-important nursery essential.
A rocking chair is a good idea as the motion can help soothe baby back to sleep. It’s a good idea to have a little snack station next to your chair, as you never know how long you’ll be there each time.
This is a great option from Amazon, and Argos also has a stylish, Scandi-inspired option in beige or charcoal for £100.
Price: £74.95, Amazon – buy here now
10. Vertbaudet Fox Washing Basket
Considering the amount of things that need changing when you have a little one, a laundry basket is a definite nursery essential.
This fox washing basket is an ultra-cute place to pop all those bibs, burp cloths, sleep suits, rompers and bedding.