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Nursery Essentials
A practical guide to creating a safe, cozy, and functional space for your baby — featuring the products I actually used and loved.❤️
Designing a nursery can feel like a big (and expensive) project, but you really don’t need to overdo it. After lots of research and hands-on experience, I’ve narrowed down what truly matters. Whether you’re creating a full nursery or setting up a corner in your room, these are the pieces that helped me feel prepared and made those early months smoother.
Below are my favorite nursery essentials — thoughtfully chosen for safety, comfort, and practicality.
$499
Cribs
Remember to look for Greenguard Gold certification and adherence to ASTM, CPSC and or JPMA standards.
For full info & official resources read our Safely Sleeping page
I chose the Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib for our nursery after a lot of research — and it’s been a great fit for us. While I’ll share a few other safe and well-reviewed options below, I only bought one crib (of course!), and this is the one I went with.
The Gelato Crib comes with the toddler bed conversion kit included, making it a smart long-term investment. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it’s been rigorously tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs. It’s also FSC-certified, so the wood is responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests (New Zeland pine wood).
What I particularly love about this crib: how sturdy it feels, how easy it was to lower the mattress once my baby started standing, and how minimalistic and safe it is — both in terms of design and materials. Teething is also not a problem because its finishes are non-toxic.
Brands that Stand out - Our Recommendations
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Babyletto: bassinets, mini-cribs (alternative to a bassinet) and full-size cribs. Greenguard gold. Mid-to-premium pricing ($299–$699)
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Dadada are constructed in Italy, Greenguard Gold certified.
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Price range:$399–$799. Assembles in under 30 minutes with tools included
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DaVinci is Greenguard gold certified and the most budget friendly option ($179–$499)
All offer conversion kits e.g. for 3-in-1and 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed
Best Value
Bassinet
While a bassinet isn’t strictly necessary—especially if you have a crib that converts from newborn to toddler—I decided to get one for the early months and chose the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper. It’s a safe and well-reviewed option that meets JPMA standards, and like all bassinets sold in the U.S., it’s certified by both ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). These certifications ensure it meets key safety benchmarks for infant sleep.
Best Value
Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet Featuring Clear Mesh Panels with Fold-Down Side, Large Attached Storage Basket, 4 Wheels, and Height-Adjustable Legs, White
$225
Although it doesn’t have the GREENGUARD Gold certification for low chemical emissions, I spent a lot of time researching and picked it because I live in a small apartment and needed something practical. The built-in wheels were a game changer—I could easily move the bassinet between rooms so family members could help with the baby while I rested. Plus, the under-bassinet storage was incredibly helpful for keeping diapering essentials close by, especially during late-night changes when I was too tired to walk over to the changing table.
Some first-time parents- including myself- refer to have a bassinet for the first 6 months and then transition the baby into a bigger crib.
Highly-Rated options: Our Recommendations for side-sleeper
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Newton Baby Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper with Mattress & Sheet - Ultra-Breathable & Completely Washable, Removable Dual-Layer Cover | Solid Birch Frame Adjustable Height & Infant Access, GREENGUARD GOLD certified $299
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HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 – Over-Bed Baby Bassinet with 360 Rotation, Adjustable Height, Breathable Mesh, Safe Close Sleeping, Lowering Wall for Easy Access, Feeding & C-Section Recovery ($279)
Crib Mattress
When choosing a crib mattress, safety and support should come first. Look for a firm surface (recommended by pediatricians to reduce SIDS risk), a snug fit inside the crib, and materials that are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.
Certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, GOLS, and MADE SAFE can help you identify mattresses that meet high standards for health and sustainability. Bonus points for waterproof covers and dual-stage designs that grow with your baby!
For full info & official resources read our Safely Sleeping page
Best Value
$279
We picked the Naturepedic Organic Classic 150 Crib Mattress because it works for both infants and toddlers—so we won’t need to buy a new one as our baby grows. It’s made with organic cotton and super safe. In addition to holding two of the most prestiguous certifications including GREENGUARD Gold and EWG verification, it also has:
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GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – ensures the cotton is truly organic
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GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) – means the latex (if used) is certified organic too
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MADE SAFE – guarantees it’s free from harmful chemicals
Brands that Stand out - Our Recommendations
Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage) ($390)
Mattresses are GOTS, EWG Verified, Greenguard Gold, MadeSafe. Offers: 100-night trial, Lifetime Warranty, Free Returns & Shipping
Avocado Eco Organic Crib Mattress: ($299)
Lightweight & Breathable Organic Wool and Cotton that is GOTS certified, EWG Verified, MadeSafe, FSC certifications. Offers: 30-night trial, 10 year warranty, Free shipping
Newton Baby Essential Crib Mattress - Safe, Ultra-Breathable & Machine Washable Infant Crib Mattress, Removable Cover, Thick Cushion - White ($199.99)
Newton baby ranges from $199.99 for the essential, $299.99, for the original and waterproof for $349.99). Greenguard Gold mattresses with high breathability technology. Offers: 100-night trial, Free Returns & Shipping
Sheets & Mattress Cover
When choosing crib mattress covers and sheets, go for materials like organic cotton or bamboo that are soft, breathable, and gentle on your baby’s skin. To ensure safety and quality, look for certifications like GOTS (organic and responsibly made), OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (tested for harmful substances), and MADE SAFE (free from toxic chemicals). These labels offer peace of mind that your baby’s bedding is clean, safe, and non-toxic.
Best Value
Burt's Bees Baby Essential Organic Cotton Fitted Crib Sheet, Breathable for Boy Girl Standard Crib & Toddler Mattresses
$22.49 for 2-pack
Naturepedic
Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress Sheet
$29 each one
Naturepedic
Mattress cover (Protector) GOTS certified Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad
$58.65
I chose Naturepedic for our mattress, cover, and sheets because I trust their commitment to safety, organic materials, and third-party certifications. Everything is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, which gives me peace of mind and feels incredibly soft for my baby. I’ve been really happy with the quality, comfort, and performance of all their products. I also use extra sheets from Burt’s Bees Baby, which are also GOTS certified and just as soft and cozy—another great option for safe, breathable bedding.
Brands that Stand out - Our Recommendations
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Honest Baby Fitted Crib Sheets Set Standard Mattress, 100% Organic Cotton ($22.78 for 2- only in white)
Swaddles & Sleepsacks
aden + anais Essentials Muslin aden + anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets 100% Cotton 4 Pack Country Floral $49.99
Best Value
HALO 100% Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle, 3-Way Adjustable Wearable Blanket, TOG 1.5, Midnight Moons Grey, Newborn, 0-3 Months
Coming back from the hospital we used soft, 100% cotton aden+anais Muslin swaddles to help our baby feel snug and sleep better. I can only praise the quality of these swaddles because we washed them more times than I can count (and still use them to clean my baby) and they still look great.
Once my newborn started trying to escape from this swaddle we got the HALO Swaddle, originally passed down from my sister-in-law—her son used it, and we loved it so much we got two more for our baby. What I appreciated most about the HALO was the inverted zipper that opens from the bottom, making nighttime diaper changes super easy without fully unwrapping or disturbing the baby.
Once our little one started rolling (around 3 months), we switched to sleep sacks for safer, blanket-free sleep. We chose Moli&Co, a Spanish brand certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Better cotton—super cozy and perfect for the transition.
Make sure to get the right TOG depending on the season and temperature. Read within the Q&A section here for more info. The sleepsacks here are TOG 1 (mid-season) and TOG 0.5 (summer).
Molis&Co
Baby sleep sack - Kai - TOG 0.5
$38
Molis&Co
$54
$34.99
Brands that Stand out - Our Recommendations
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Margaux & May Organic Muslin Swaddle Blankets 2 Pack - GOTS Certified Organic ($26.18 for 2) or $13.09 each unit
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Naturpedic Organic Breathable Swaddle Blankets 4 - Color Pack ($79) GOTS, Greenguard Gold, MADESAFE certified or $19.75 per unit
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Burt's Bees Baby Organic Beekeeper™ Wearable Baby Blanket, GOTS certified ($33.62)
Rocking Chair/ Glider
A rocking chair or glider isn’t a must-have, but it’s definitely one of those nursery items that many parents grow to love.
I personally found it super helpful for nursing and just having a cozy spot to settle in with my baby. The gentle rocking motion can be so soothing, and it often becomes a special part of the bedtime routine.
If you’re considering one, look for GREENGUARD Gold certification and CertiPUR-US to make sure it’s low in chemical emissions, and try to avoid upholstery treated with flame retardants or formaldehyde.
Highly - rated recommendations
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DaVinci Piper 360° Swivel Rocker Recliner Chair - Glider Rocking Chair for Nursery and Living Room GREENGUARD Gold, FSC & Certi-PUR US Certified $349
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Babyletto Toco Upholstered Swivel Glider and Stationary Ottoman in Performace Cream Eco-Weave, Water Repellent & Stain Resistant, Greenguard Gold Certified $499
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DaVinci Suzy Glider Recliner Nursery Chair - Glider Rocking Chair for Nursery and Living Room GREENGUARD Gold, FSC & Certi-PUR US Certified $499.99
DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider in Natural Oat, Greenguard Gold & CertiPUR-US Certified
$290
Changing Station
When choosing a changing station, safety goes beyond stability and straps—it includes the materials used in its construction and compliance with official standards.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), baby changing products must meet the ASTM F2388-21 safety standard, which includes requirements for structural integrity, stability, guardrails, secure restraint systems, and entrapment prevention.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends using changing surfaces with at least a 2-inch guardrail on all sides, a concave pad, and always keeping one hand on your baby during changes.
The safest options are made from solid wood, finished with non-toxic, water-based paints, and certified for low chemical emissions (like GREENGUARD Gold). Avoid MDF or particle board when possible, as these can emit formaldehyde.
Most of the top options combine a dresser with a removable changing tray, making them a smart, space-saving solution that grows with your baby and transitions easily into a standalone dresser after the diapering years.
Keep it mind that these changing pads require you to buy the changing pad separately (see options in the next section for compatible changing pads)
Highly - rated recommendations
Babyletto Hudson 3-Drawer Changer Dresser with Removable Changing Tray in Washed Natural and White
Greenguard Gold Certified
$339
Delta Children Eclipse Changing Table with Changing Pad, White
$115.99
Best Value
Changing Pad
Keep in mind that most changing pads measure around 31" x 16" or 32" x 16", which fits standard changing trays and dressers, but always double-check dimensions for compatibility.
The best pads are made with organic cotton covers, plant-based foam, or food-grade polyethylene, and should be free from PVC, phthalates, and flame retardants.
Certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, MADE SAFE, and GOTS help ensure the materials are safe, non-toxic, and low in chemical emissions.
All the recommendations below are 31" x 16"
$103.20
Best Value
$19.99
Naturepedic Organic Contoured Changing Pad - Easy to Clean, Lightweight & Portable - Comfort 2-Sided Waterproof Baby Diaper Changing Pad for Dresser or Changing Table - 16" x 31"
GOTS, GOLS, Greenguard GOLD certified
$103.20
Babyletto Contour Changing Pad for Changer Tray
Waterproof, Greenguard Gold Certified
$49
Navari - Vegan Leather Waterproof Baby Changing Pad - Wipeable, Extra Thick & Portable & Non-Slip Diaper Mat for Dresser, Crib, Travel | Soft & Safe (White)
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
31" x 16"
$36.99
Modera Store - Organic Cotton Contoured Baby Changing Pad w/Waterproof Foam Mattress, Includes Soft, Removable & Washable Cover, Safety Strap, Non-Slip Bottom, Topper for Standard Size Infant Diaper Table & Dresser
(31.25" x 16")
CERTI-PUR, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
$27.99
Sleepah Store- Cotton Baby Changing Pad Waterproof Liner Contoured Diaper Change Pad for Dresser by Sleepah
Breathable & Washable Cover – Three-Sided with Certipur Certified Foam
CERTI-PUR, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
$19.99