The Minimal Nursery List
Spoiler: the IKEA crib is better than the $700 one. Here's what you actually need, what's nice to have, and what to skip entirely.
The Philosophy
Nursery marketing is designed to make you feel like you need a Pinterest-perfect room or you're already failing as a parent. You don't.
Your baby needs: a safe place to sleep, a clean place to get changed, and a way to get around. That's it. Everything else is optional.
The reality
For the first few months, baby will sleep in your room anyway (AAP recommends room-sharing for 6-12 months to reduce SIDS risk). The nursery is more for you than for them.
The Essentials (Must-Have)
IKEA SNIGLAR Crib
Simple, solid beech wood, meets all safety standards, and costs $80. I've seen $700 cribs that are objectively worse. The mattress situation works fine - use a Newton or any firm crib mattress.
Do
Newton Baby Mattress
Breathable crib mattress - baby can breathe through it if they roll face-down. Peace of mind for safe sleep. Worth the splurge over regular crib mattresses.
Do
Halo BassiNest (for first months)
Swivels to bedside for those early months of room-sharing. Simple, no fancy tech, just works. Baby will outgrow it around 4-5 months.
Do
IKEA SNIGLAR Changing Table
Same wood as the crib, cheap, functional. Put a Keekaroo Peanut changer on top and you're set. Or just use the dresser you already own.
Do
Keekaroo Peanut Changer
Wipeable changing pad - no covers needed. When there's a 3am blowout, you'll understand why this matters. Worth every penny.
Do
Nanit Pro Camera
Baby monitor with breath tracking and sleep analytics. Two cameras on one plan for baby #2. The app is solid. Mounting is easy.
DoSleep Environment
IKEA Blackout Curtains
Cheap and effective. Dark room = better sleep. Let them air out before baby arrives (any curtains can offgas).
Do
Hatch Rest Sound Machine
White noise + night light + okay-to-wake light. Grows with the kid. App controlled (you'll appreciate not opening the door to turn it off).
Do
Yogasleep Dohm (Alternative)
If you don't want app-connected everything, this mechanical white noise machine is the OG. Consistent, reliable, no WiFi needed.
DoGetting Around
UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller
Expands for a second kid (rumble seat or piggyback board). Smooth ride, great storage, excellent resale value. Yes it's expensive. Yes it's worth it if you can swing it.
Do
Nuna Pipa Car Seat
Lightweight (for a car seat), easy install, works seamlessly with UPPAbaby via adapter. Dream Drape cover is great. No complaints.
DoBudget alternative
If the UPPAbaby is out of budget, look at the Mockingbird stroller (~$395). Good quality, similar features, better price point. The Graco Modes is even cheaper (~$300) but heavier.
Nice to Have (Not Essential)
Glider/Rocker
You'll spend a lot of time feeding in this chair. A comfortable one is nice. But any comfortable chair works - you don't need the $1,500 nursery glider.
Nice to haveDresser
Baby clothes are tiny. You don't need much storage. A small dresser works, or use closet organizers. We used an IKEA MALM and it was fine.
Nice to haveDiaper Caddy
Portable container for diapers, wipes, cream. Nice for bringing supplies to wherever you're changing baby. Any basket works.
Nice to haveSkip These
Wipe Warmer
Creates a dependency on warm wipes. Baby will learn cold wipes exist eventually. Skip the hassle.
SkipExpensive Designer Crib
Baby doesn't care about aesthetics. The $700 crib is not safer than the $80 IKEA one (both meet safety standards). Save money for things that matter.
SkipCrib Bumpers
Safety hazard. Not recommended by AAP. Baby's arms might poke through the slats and that's fine. Skip the bumpers.
SkipChanging Table Pad Covers (multiple)
If you get the Keekaroo Peanut, you don't need covers at all. Wipe and go. Even if you get a regular pad, you don't need 10 covers. 2-3 max.
SkipElaborate Mobile
Baby can't focus on it for weeks. When they can, they'll be more interested in looking at your face. Skip the $100 mobile.
SkipContentious Items
The Snoo
See our full decision memo. We said no. Some parents swear by it. At $1,700 (or $159/month rental), it's a gamble. If you're curious, rent it first.
Budget Summary
| Item | Our Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | IKEA SNIGLAR | $80 |
| Mattress | Newton Baby | $300 |
| Bassinet | Halo BassiNest | $200 |
| Changing Table | IKEA SNIGLAR | $40 |
| Changing Pad | Keekaroo Peanut | $130 |
| Monitor | Nanit Pro | $300 |
| Blackout Curtains | IKEA | $30 |
| Sound Machine | Hatch Rest | $70 |
| Stroller | UPPAbaby Vista V2 | $1,000 |
| Car Seat | Nuna Pipa | $350 |
| Total | ~$2,500 | |
Budget version
Swap the UPPAbaby for Mockingbird ($395), skip the Nanit for a basic audio monitor ($50), and use IKEA dresser instead of changing table. You can get a functional nursery for under $1,500.
Not gospel
These are our picks. Your style, budget, and priorities may differ. The goal is a safe, functional space - everything else is personal preference.