When you’re expecting a baby, whether it’s your first, second or fifth, preparing the nursery is easily one of the most exciting times. But, it can also cause a few prenatal jitters too as you struggle to balance a creative theme and all those newborn essentials. We’re here to help take the guesswork out of setting up your baby nursery with this simple checklist highlighting our top nursery must-haves!

Crib & Mattress

Even if you plan on having a tiny-sized roommate (think bedside bassinet!) for a few months, you’ll still want to purchase and put together a crib right away. Cribs provide a safe place for babies to rest their head once they are ready to spend the night alone.

Since most cribs are really only used for a short period of time, from newborn to early toddler life, it’s no wonder so many families have turned to shopping second hand. When vetting used cribs, it’s important that you are purchasing from a trusted source. At Stork Exchange, every item we receive is thoroughly inspected and cleaned. You can rest easy knowing our used cribs and second hand bassinets are authentic, in good condition, and germ-free. Many of our used cribs are factory sealed, open box or in gently used condition, making them next to new but available at a fraction of the price!

Once you’ve settled on a crib, don’t forget the mattress. As an eco-friendly family, we are big fans of organic certified crib mattresses that can offer firm, breathable support to keep baby safe while sleeping. Some of our favorite nontoxic crib mattress brands include: Avocado, Naturepedic, Organic Dream and Delta Children.

Changing Table and Changing Pad

Having a designated spot to change your little love makes life a whole lot easier, and hopefully less messy too! As important as the changing table is, so is the changing pad! A changing pad gives baby a soft, safe place for diaper changes and depending upon your changing pad of choice, cleaning up should be a breeze! High quality, durable and washable are the criteria we look for in a changing pad or changing pad cover.

Once again, shopping second hand doesn’t need to get a bad rap! At Stork Exchange you’ll find a wide variety of used changing tables and used changing pads that are actually in premium condition! Many of our diapering items are listed factory sealed, open box and like-new condition. Take this factory sealed,  second hand Delta Children Perfect Sleeper Contoured Changing Pad with Plush Cover, for example! Other diapering items we love include the Keekaroo Peanut Changer, Summer Infant 2 Sided Contoured Changing Pad and the Skip Hop Changing Pad. 

Nursery Glider

Late night feedings and early morning snuggles will be so much more comfortable with the perfect nursery chair! Gliders have easily become one of the top nursery room must-haves, and for good reason. Having a dedicated place for you and baby to rock makes those newborn moments all the more precious! Ultimately, comfort is key, so read reviews and ask your fellow parents what they love about their glider, before settling on your own. Features we look for in a nursery glider include: a soft seat cushion, silent swivel, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified whenever possible, to contribute to healthier air.

Baby Monitor

From high-tech Wi-Fi enabled to the most basic models, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to selecting a baby monitor for your nursery. Finding the right baby monitor that fits your budget doesn’t have to be hard, either!

Shopping second hand for used baby monitors is an easy way to get a top of the line device for a fraction of the traditional retail price. Open box (aka ‘like new’) used baby monitors are a safe, quality-checked option that can offer you the essential peace of mind you’re craving. At Stork Exchange, we currently have a ‘like new’ Motorola PIP Baby Monitor Connect available for the budget savvy parent who wants all the bells and whistles with some cost savings! Boasting built in temperate sensor and night vision, two-way talk and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, this used baby monitor can be controlled from the parent unit or with your smartphone so you can keep an eye on your little one no matter where they are!

At the end of the day, creating a nurturing, calm space that baby can all their own will be one the most rewarding steps in your parenting journey. Think about it, the nursery is truly the first personal space they will establish as home…aside from the time they spend cuddled up in your arms, of course!

When it comes to furnishing your nursery room and stocking up on baby essentials, don’t be afraid to shop second hand! At Stork Exchange, our goal is to make it easier than ever to shop for preloved nursery essentials on our expertly curated marketplace, all while reducing the cost of parenting both on your wallet and the planet.

Photo Credit: Pexels \ Vicki Yde