By It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of nursery accessory choices available before your baby arrives.  Granted, the major cuteness factor of all things baby makes it extremely tempting to buy anything that strikes a doting parent’s fancy.  But, before you break your bank account, here’s some basic tips to get you started equipping your nursery. Remember, your precious little one will be content with basic things…it’s your love that’s priceless.

Crib and Crib Mattress─ Whether you’re leaning more towards an elaborate crib or a convertible one, your baby’s crib is the focal point of the nursery.  A crib should have a firm, tight-fitting mattress; no missing/broken hardware or slats, and no cutouts in the foot or head boards. Avoid drop-side cribs, as they not only fail to provide your little one with adequate support, but they were banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  Remember to order the crib early, as suppliers may take up to 12 weeks to deliver your specific model.  Websites can provide you with a vast range of name brands and models, but be aware of the shipping costs.  You can find hidden gems in consignment shops, but check for possible recalls on the CPSC website: www.cpsc.gov.  You may discover that the mattress doesn’t fit the crib well, so take the time to check the fit. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) recommends that all crib mattresses “fit snugly, with no more than two fingers width between the edges of the mattress and the crib side.”

Bedding─ From crib sheets to bumper pads and blankets, there are a multitude of choices available for baby’s sleep time.  Look for bedding with breathable, natural fibers that will be flexible and able to withstand Florida’s temperature changes; durable (to take on all those trips to the washing machine) and long lasting (many infants grow attached to the sense of security that a particular blanket provides). You should have three to five crib sheets; one or two moisture-proof mattress pads; five to seven lightweight and one to two heavier blankets.

Rocking chair/glider─ The traditional rocker is a timeless throwback to nurseries across generations.  It adds elegance to any nursery.  Gliders may provide a safer alternative to traditional rockers, which can injure a child who crawls too close to the base.  The soothing motion offered by a rocking chair/glider not only calms even the fussiest of babies, but provides comfort to parents during those late-night feedings.  Carolyn Yee, an Orlando mom of one, fondly recalls the benefits of her glider: “Since I had a baby who suffered from reflux, I had to hold her in an upright position for nearly 45 minutes after feedings,” she says. “Long periods of sitting this way would have been difficult without my comfy chair glider.  I still have it!”

Swings─ Swings are a virtual lifesaver for parents─ giving them  the ability to lull their fussy, colicky baby to a peaceful sleep. When busy parents need to get a few chores done, a swing offers a safe place for baby to sit securely and enjoy gentle rocking motions. Michelle Salvo, a mom of four energetic children, agrees, adding that a swing can help to “free your hands when you need to warm up a bottle or clean up after a diaper change.” If you decide to purchase one for your nursery, be on the lookout for a swing with a wide base and a low center of gravity, so the device doesn’t tip over if baby leans too far in one direction.  Each swing must have a seat belt as well as a harness.  Since every baby’s temperament is different, look for swings that have adjustable speeds as well as a variety of musical features.

Changing Table─ You might as well face it right now─ there’s going to be a mountain of dirty diapers in your immediate future!  Although most new parents say with pride that they very quickly became  pros at changing their baby’s diapers at all hours of the day and night, it’s always a good idea to have a sturdy, yet versatile, changing table in your little one’s nursery.  Changing tables come in numerous varieties─some with shelves for organizing your little one’s diapers and skin care products. A waist-high table is easier than a bed on a parent’s or grandparent’s tired back.

Layette─ Along with the joy that a newborn generates, you will also be embarking on a journey that includes spit- up and endless loads of laundry!  Have at least five burp cloths on hand…a few vinyl ones are good because they can easily be cleaned off in the sink.  Onesies should be an absolute staple in your newborn’s layette.  These one-piece bodysuits are extremely versatile─ baby can wear them during the humid Florida months, or as a body hugging, toasty undergarment during the cooler months.  A wide-brimmed 100 percent cotton sunhat will help keep your little one protected against the sun. During the cooler winter months, a warm cap will help retain body heat. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to baby year-round once your pediatrician approves.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors─ Both items are as important as a car seat. No nursery should be without them.

Best Laid Plans – No matter how much you plan before your little one arrives, you will likely discover that you forgot the hand sanitizer, the diaper pail is too far from the change table, or the butt cream container requires the strength of Hercules to open. Keep a sense of humor and gradually your list of nursery essentials will be complete and you will have created a functional, safe haven for you and your new arrival.