Nursery Essentials: What You Really Need (and How to Add a Personal Touch)

Hi, I’m Sarah, owner of Timberwood Designs and mom of two. Over the years, I’ve not only set up nurseries for my own children, but I’ve also had the joy of helping thousands of families create beautiful, functional nurseries. One thing I’ve learned? Nurseries don’t need to be complicated. With a few key pieces, you can create a safe, cozy, and personal space that you’ll love spending time in.

Let me share the essentials I recommend, the same advice I give my clients and the same pieces I relied on as a new mom.

The Bed: Crib or Bassinet

Every nursery starts with a safe place for your baby to sleep. When I was preparing for my first child, I remember agonizing over whether to invest in a crib right away or start with a bassinet. The truth is, both are great options.

A crib gives you a long-term solution, while a bassinet is perfect for the first few months when you want your newborn nearby. The important part is choosing one that meets current safety standards.

So many of my clients choose to place a custom wooden name sign above the crib, and I always love that touch. It’s like saying, “This is your space, little one” right from the start.

A Place to Change and Store

Diapers, wipes, and baby clothes multiply quickly, so a functional changing station is a must. For my own kids, I chose a dresser topped with a secure changing pad, which grew with them over the years. Some families prefer a traditional changing table — both work as long as you have essentials within reach.

Tips for storage and organization:

• Baskets or bins for diapers, wipes, and blankets

• Drawer organizers for clothing and swaddles

• Shelves for books, keepsakes, and decorative items

Comfort for You: A Chair

This is one of my favorite essentials because it’s where so many memories are made. Night feeds, rocking babies to sleep, reading storybooks — all of it happens here. A comfortable glider or rocking chair with good back support is worth every penny.

From my experience, families often spend more time in their nursery chairs than they anticipate. This spot becomes a place for bonding and reflection.

A Monitor for Peace of Mind

You can’t always be in the same room as your baby, and a monitor helps give you peace of mind. Options range from simple audio monitors to video monitors with movement tracking. Each family chooses what makes them feel comfortable, and I’ve seen both types work wonderfully.

Adding Heart: A Custom Wooden Name Sign

Here’s the piece that truly transforms a nursery. A custom wooden name sign from Timberwood Designs isn’t just décor — it’s a keepsake.

• Made from high-quality maple, walnut, or cherry

• Fully personalized to match your nursery’s style

• Designed to grow with your child, moving from nursery to playroom to bedroom

“I love that we were able to add a meaningful and personal touch to our daughter's nursery with this beautiful maple name sign. I was initially nervous about the wood tone, but it's exactly what I was looking for and exactly how it looked in the photos online. It was also much easier to install than I thought it'd be. Lastly, the owner, Sarah, was a pleasure to work with. I'd definitely choose Timberwood Designs again!”

For me, these signs are the first pieces of décor I hang in a nursery — they instantly make the room feel personal, warm, and complete.

👉 Explore our personalized wooden name signs to see how families are creating beautiful, meaningful spaces.

The Little Extras

Once the essentials are in place, you can add finishing touches: soft bedding, cozy rugs, and subtle décor like growth charts or shelves for books and keepsakes.

• Opt for fitted crib sheets and wearable blankets for safety

• Choose soft, washable rugs for tummy time

• Incorporate meaningful décor that complements the nursery theme

These small details complete the space without cluttering it.

Putting It All Together

When designing your nursery, focus on three key things:

1. Functionality: Can you move easily between crib, chair, and changing station?

2. Safety: Are cords, outlets, and décor secured?

3. Heart: Does the space feel personal and welcoming?

A custom wooden name sign adds that personal touch, turning the room from simply a nursery into your child’s room.

“Perfect for baby boys nursery” — feedback like this from clients reminds me why I love helping families design these spaces.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a nursery doesn’t have to be stressful. Focus on essentials — a safe crib, a functional changing station, storage, a comfy chair, a monitor, and personalized touches — and you’ll have a nursery that’s safe, practical, and full of heart.

For me — as both a mom and the maker behind Timberwood Designs — the custom wooden name sign is the pièce de résistance. It’s the item that tells your child, “This room belongs to you.”

With these essentials, your nursery will be ready to welcome your little one home.

At Timberwood Designs, we’re honoured to be part of that story. Our handcrafted wooden name signs, personalized baby blocks, and matching nursery shelves are made with love and care in our Canadian studio. With free shipping in Canada and the USA on first and middle names, it’s never been easier to bring warmth and intention into your baby’s space.

At Timberwood Designs, we’re honoured to be part of that journey. Each sign we create carries a little piece of your story. And that’s something we don’t take lightly.

I love writing about nursery design and sharing inspiration with you! Keep checking back for the latest since I’m always adding new nurseries to the blog! And don't forget to follow us on Instagram for even more stunning nursery photos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content!

If you liked this article, you will also enjoy our 7 Essential Tips for Designing a Neutral Nursery That Feels Timeless and Personal, 7 Must-Have Ideas for Modern Baby Girl Nursery Decor or What is the Nursery Trend in 2025? and How to Design a Nursery!