- May 14
- 5 min read

Newborn Essentials: How to Prepare Your Bedroom for Baby's Arrival

Bringing your baby home is an incredible moment - filled with excitement, love, but also some adjustment. It's common for newborns to share a room with their parents early on to make night feedings and continuous care more manageable. Having a well thought out setup in your bedroom can ease the stress of those nighttime wake ups and feedings, ensuring that everyone gets as much sleep as possible.

Organizing your room for the newborn phase might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be complicated, and it certainly doesn't have to be a Pinterest project! Stick to the basics: a safe sleep space for the baby, a comfortable feeding spot, and a convenient changing area. Anything beyond that is just icing on the cake! Remember, the recommendations below will depend on how long the baby will stay in your room, how you're recovering postpartum, and the support you have at home. Feel free to adapt these suggestions to best suit your situation and lifestyle!

Bassinet/Crib

When it comes to where your baby will sleep, the most important factor is safety, not the type of bed. Whether you choose a bassinet, crib, pack and play, or a Moses basket, ensure it's a secure and safe environment for your little one to rest. I personally used and loved the Halo bassinet, as featured in this picture. It’s incredibly convenient for pulling your baby closer when needed. The flexible sides can be pressed down to easily lift your baby out, and the mesh siding is both safe and allows you to see your baby without any obstruction. This type of setup can really simplify those middle of the night feedings and check ins.

White Noise and Nightlight

White noise is a consistent, soothing sound that can greatly aid in helping your baby sleep. For newborns, white noise can mimic the constant whooshing sounds they heard in the womb, providing a familiar, comforting audio backdrop that can encourage deeper and more restful sleep. It also works by masking other potentially disruptive noises in or around the home—such as loud neighbors, traffic, or even the sounds of other household members. Setting up a device that continuously plays white noise throughout the night can help stabilize your baby’s sleep patterns and reduce the likelihood of abrupt awakenings.

A soft nightlight can also be super helpful for nighttime feeds or diaper changes without fully waking you or the baby with harsh overhead lights. This helps maintain a calm, sleep inducing atmosphere, making it easier for both you and your baby to return to sleep.

We had (and still use) the Hatch Sound Machine. The Hatch is an investment for sure, but I believe it's worth it. It has many features and can be combined as a white noise machine, a nightlight, and later transitioning into a toddler’s time to wake clock.

Comfortable Chair

When it comes to feeding your newborn during those frequent night wakings, having a comfortable place to sit is more important than you might think. With my first daughter, I didn't have a designated feeding chair and instead fed her while sitting in bed. Unfortunately, this took a toll on my back, making an already challenging time even tougher on my body.

Learning from that experience, I invested in a glider for my second daughter, and it was the best decision I ever made! I can't emphasize enough how much of a difference it made.

While a glider is wonderful and I definitely recommend it if it's within your budget and space, it's not essential. The key is to have a comfortable seating area—whether that's a glider, a rocking chair, or any supportive chair. Make sure it's a spot where you can relax, feel supported during feedings, and easily reach any items you might need without having to strain or get up too often. This setup will not only help keep you comfortable but also make those nighttime feeds a little easier and more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Feeding Pillow

When it comes to feeding your baby, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, a good nursing pillow can help maintain a proper position, reducing strain on your arms, shoulders, and neck. We loved the Boppy nursing pillow. One of the standout features of the Boppy is the ability to change out the covers. This is especially handy because, as you can imagine, things like milk spills and spit up can quickly make a mess. Having removable covers means you can easily swap them out and wash them, keeping the pillow fresh and clean for each use.

Diaper Changing Area

Creating an efficient diaper changing area is key to managing those frequent changes with ease. Whether you choose a full changing table, a mat on top of a dresser, or even a simple towel on your bed, the goal is to have everything you need within arm's reach. Stock this area with diapers, wipes, and diaper cream to ensure you're prepared for anything.

Organizational Baskets: Your Best Friends!

In the newborn stage, staying organized can make all the difference between chaos and calm. Baskets are such a simple tool for keeping everything you need within easy reach. Here are my top three baskets to have prepared in your room:

The Mama Basket: Keep this basket near your bed or chair. It should include items like a water bottle, snacks (especially for the breastfeeding Mama), earphones, nursing pads, silver nursing cups, medications (if needed), and your phone charger—essentials that cater to your comfort and needs during recovery and feeding sessions.

Mama Tip! Instead of scrolling your phone or looking at a screen during night feeds, use your earphones and listen to some easy lighthearted podcasts or audio books. Remember, your sleep health is important too!

The Essentials Basket: This basket focuses on your baby’s immediate needs and should be kept nearby, stocked with wipes, burp clothes, pacifiers, a change of clothes, and anything else you might need during the night.

The Just-in-Case Basket: Store backup supplies like extra sheets, swaddles, clothes, and emergency items. This is particularly useful for those middle of the night surprises that require a quick solution.

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To make setting up your space easier, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite items that can be directly purchased through these links:

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Creating a cozy and functional bedroom for you and your newborn will help ease the transition into Motherhood and enhance your ability to care for your new baby while taking care of yourself. By planning ahead and organizing what you can, you’ll be setting up a nurturing environment that promotes health, comfort, and most importantly SLEEP for both you and your baby.

If you have any questions or are looking for more tips on setting up your nursery and baby sleep, be sure to check out our Instagram for additional free resources and helpful insights!