Let's talk about new nurseries here. So the big news just appeared to you that you'll be having a baby and it's also your first time ever! Preparing for a new chapter in life is exciting. As a female, I love to decorate and incorporate cherished moments and pictures in some way. Now the other big question is WHAT DO I DO WITH MY NURSERY??! Where do I start? 

For anyone wondering where to begin with a nursery this blog is for you. Here are 10 things I am confident you'll want for a new baby on the way.

Let's be honest here though. Life has become more expensive, especially for millennials and Gen Z couples, singles, let alone new parents. So, not everyone can be tossing money around spending like it's nothing. With that being said, it's important to THINK before you buy. All the different websites and options can be overwhelming and you don't want to waste money. How about I offer some real opinions without typing in an automated response to a computer. Ok so. here's some real answers.

1) The most important piece to a useful and beautiful baby room is of course the crib. I would recommend getting a crib that is also functional for a toddler bed that way you're getting your use out of the item. Side note: I did get my crib from an auction website and it is brand new. I probably got it for 1/4 price of a regular crib!

2) You are definitely going to need a functional dresser. Of course If you have another small one to match, that's even better. If you have a smaller room (Like my husband and I do) you'll want to consolidate some things and figure out how to make storage work. Having a tall dresser is the best way to go to hide all the miscellaneous and important items you'll need. I thought for sure I'd use a changing table on top of the dresser, but I ended up not using it. When  your baby is actually here you'll want to change the diapers straight on, not sideways. So, some things you learn what works and what doesn't. I almost like having a little changing table on the ground lower than me. Nevertheless, find yourself a nice dresser. 

3) Now what's a nursery without any sort of charm or personalization? After all, you're reading this blog because you are excited to start piecing everything together at last. Just like adding family pictures to your living room, you'll appreciate a handmade item somewhere in the room. It's not just a functional room. This is the room you will navigate to late during the night with feeds...where you'll rock your baby to sleep so let's work on making this room a safe haven. In my opinion, I highly advise you to buy a customized nursery name sign, especially one that you can hang above the crib. The placement and everything just goes perfectly in my opinion.  

4) A rocking chair that is comfortable. You are going to have late nights of course with your baby and you'll want to be comfortable as well, whether you're handling the feedings or just spending quality time with your new loved one. 

5) A camera is an absolute necessity and I was happy to add one to my registry.  A camera is helpful to see what your baby is doing during the night. This is especially helpful if your bedroom is further away from nursery.  You can take a quick glimpse for a safety check while still laying down :)

6) How about some  relaxing soft lullaby music while your baby falls asleep? A white noise machine is a great addition to your new room so you're not rocking baby to sleep in complete silence. Somehow a soft, gentle noise adds an extra element of peace.

7) Do you plan on reading to your little one? Then I would suggest a bookshelf to keep this section nice and organized. Let's be true here too. As your baby gets older, the room will get messy and that's inevitable to a certain degree! So having things ready and structured beforehand pays off in the end. If you desire less clutter, then a bookshelf mounted on the wall may be a better option.

8) When I mention the nursery, I also want to include the closet. I thought it was helpful to have baby closet dividers.  This is another element to keep everything organized! The clothing size separators are newborn size-24 months old. You don't want to be searching through the closet unsure of where to look for a certain size. In addition to this item, you'll need baby hangers of course. Who wants baby clothes laying all over the place in bins or in the room? 

9) Don't forget somewhere to dispose of dirty diapers! Ok, this is a MUST! Lots of places sell a trash can specifically made for soiled diapers. This item is very handy to have rather than the alternative of having to just throw diapers away in a regular trash can without a lid. After all, you want the area to be clean smelling and tidy. If you want an extra layer of "protection" you could also dispose diapers in a small grocery bag and then throw away in the diaper pail. I've just found out that the diaper pails will still need a regular clean out a couple times a year to preserve any smells. But hey, maybe someone out there can make something similar to a kitty litter box so it won't smell as much.

10) You can't go wrong with a plastic bin organizer, especially for the closet. You'll need somewhere to put swaddles, burp bibs, and extra necessities in there. You'll realize the more organization and storage, the better.