The Art of Everyday Living - The Peaceful Nursery

The Peaceful Nursery List
Everything You Need To Furnish and Stock a Healthy, Green Nursery

Below is a list of suggested items for the nursery, but keep in mind you may not want or need everything listed. Parents develop their own parenting philosophy, and should stock the nursery according to their needs. Of course, if you've never been a parent before guessing in advance what you will and won't want, can be difficult. We suggest asking a friend, who parents in a way you relate to, what she has in her nursery.

Also, while shopping keep in mind every parent hopes that some new product will make the parenting job easier - but unfortunately that's usually not the case! While some things are helpful, others become a waste of money and clutter, so try to keep it simple.

Finally, whatever you buy for your baby, look for the healthy, green version. Babies are less able to cope with the toxins in their environment than those of adults. So being conscious of what you're bringing into your home is particularly important when preparing for a new baby. We hope this list puts you on the right path to creating a healthy haven for your newborn…

The List

Sleeping:

Crib (even if you plan to co-sleep at first, you may want to have a crib set up for later)
Organic Crib mattress
Organic Cotton Crib sheet (at least 2)
Organic Wool Puddle pad
Bumper with Organic Fill
Organic Bumper Cover
Organic Receiving blankets for swaddling (at least 2)
Moses basket
Crib skirt (similar to a bed skirt)
Window Coverings
Bassinet, cradle or co-sleeper
Organic Mattress, sheets and wool puddle pad for your bassinette or co-sleeper

Feeding:

Chair to Nurse
Four 4oz bottles for the beginning and four 8oz bottles for later (Buy Glass or BPA-free Plastic bottles)
Silicone Nipples
Breast pump
BPA-free Plastic bottles or bags for storing milk in the freezer
Bottle brush for cleaning bottles
Organic Burp cloths
Bottle warmer (For night feedings, it can be helpful to have a bottle warmer so you don’t need to go to the kitchen to prepare bottles)
Support Pillow
Bottle sterilizer (You can also use the dishwasher to sterilize bottles though you may want a dishwasher-safe basket to hold the nipples)

Changing:

Changing Table
Chlorine-free, Perfume-free, Dye-free, Gel-free, Disposable diapers or Organic Cloth Diapers
Disposable or Cloth wipes
Natural Diaper cream
Organic Pad for changing table with cover
Diaper pail or Bio Bags
Laundry hamper
Wipes warmer (Warms cloth and disposable wipes and keeps cloth wipes moist, so you don’t need to carry your baby to the bathroom to wet them)

Bathing:

Grooming kit (comb, brush, nail clippers and file)
PVC-free Baby bathtub
Organic Soft towels and washcloth
Natural shampoo and body wash (for when your baby gets older – water is sufficient for a newborn)
Moisturizer such as Grapeseed and Olive oil for cradle cap or baby massage
PVC-free Bath toys

Clothing: (look for natural fibers such as cotton and linen)

Gowns that snap in the front and have a drawstring bottom
Long and short sleeve snap or side tie tees
Pull on elastic pants and snap shirts
Onesies
Sweater
Socks
Moccasin socks
Booties
Bibs
Cotton Mittens
Caps
Coat (for cold weather climates)

Playing:

Toys (look for toys made from natural materials such as solid wood painted with non-toxic paint, organic cotton or wool)
Floor mat
Mobile
Books
Music (CD Player and CD’s)
Rattles
Non-toxic Teethers
Mirror
Toy storage such as a bookcase, cabinets, toy box, bins or baskets

Outings:

Diaper Bag
Infant Carrier/Sling
Stroller
Portable Changing Pad
Pre-Measured Formula Holder
Car Seat

Other:

Natural, Non-toxic Cleaning Products
Clock
Lamp (with soft light)
First Aid Kit with Nasal Aspirator
Silicone Pacifier
Baby Monitor

For questions on where to find the above, give us a call! We offer phone consultations and will help you find healthy, green versions of everything you need.