The 6 Nursery Essentials You Need Before You Buy Anything Else
What do you need for a nursery? We asked the experts at Mamas & Papas to share the 6 nursery essentials every parent should prioritise before buying anything else, from furniture and mattresses to feeding and changing must-haves.
One minute you're researching cot safety, the next you've somehow convinced yourself that your unborn child urgently requires a linen romper in seven different shades of beige. There comes a point in every pregnancy when you realise you've spent three hours debating the merits of a tiny knitted cardigan, yet haven't given a second thought to where your baby is actually going to sleep. Between Pinterest boards, TikTok recommendations and a whole world wide web of conflicting advice, it's remarkably easy to spend hours fussing over the (adorable) extras and completely overlook the things you'll actually use every single day.
One of the most common questions parents-to-be ask is: what do you actually need for a nursery? The answer is refreshingly simple. Before you buy anything else, focus on hardworking essentials that cover sleep, feeding, soothing, changing and storage. Get these right and everything else becomes infinitely easier. We get it. Tiny stuff is irresistible. But when it comes to creating a nursery, the smartest place to start isn't with decorative cushions and Instagram-worthy wall art - it's with the comfort buys that will feel like a lifeline during sleep-deprived 3am feeds and endless nappy changes.
The good news is that brands like Mamas & Papas make building a nursery feel easy.
Newly Parents podcasters Sophie Haboo and Jamie Laing using the Mamas & Papas Alma Nursing Chair & Stool
Ask any parent where their buying-for-baby journey began and chances are the answer will feature Mamas & Papas somewhere in the conversation. Partly because the British nursery specialist has spent decades helping families prepare for life with a newborn. But mostly because it understands something many first-time parents don't discover until much later: you need far less than you think.
To separate the genuinely useful from the merely cute, we asked the nursery specialists at Mamas & Papas which pieces parents use most, regret least and rely on daily. Their answer? These six must-buys...
Wedmore 3 Piece Cotbed Range with Dresser Changer & Wardrobe
Mamas & Papas
£1094.00
A matching set is a simple, time-effective way to bring a room together. A good nursery starts with somewhere safe for baby to sleep and somewhere sensible to store everything that comes with them (and there's plenty). The Wedmore Nursery Furniture Collection - complete with a cot bed, chest of drawers and wardrobe - combines timeless styling with practical longevity, creating a calm, cohesive space that works from newborn days through to toddlerhood. Its warm cashmere and oak finish feels elevated enough for design-conscious parents, while generous storage helps keep the inevitable baby clutter under control.
Essential Airflow Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress
Mamas & Papas
£115.00
If you're wondering what matters most in a nursery, sleep is always the answer. The Essential Pocket Spring Cot Bed Mattress is designed to provide firm, supportive comfort for growing babies, helping create a safe sleep environment while offering durability for everyday use. It's one of those purchases you'll never see on a moodboard, but you'll appreciate every single night.
Alma Nursing Chair & Stool - Off White Boucle
Mamas & Papas
£499.00
When is a chair no longer just a chair? Late-night feeds, early-morning cuddles, contact naps - you'll spend more time here than you think. It's tempting to buy any old chair based purely on their aesthetics but listen to the experts and invest once and well in furniture with proper support. The Alma Nursing Chair - and matching stool - pairs ergonomic comfort with sophisticated design, giving parents a dedicated spot for feeding, soothing and bonding without compromising on style. Plus, the boucle finish is so soft and chic - perfect for adding texture and warmth to the room.
Essentials Changing Mattress - Cloudy Moon
Mamas & Papas
£16.00
You'll use a changing mat multiple times a day, every day, so practicality matters. The Essentials Changing Mattress provides a comfortable, wipe-clean surface for quick changes, making everyday routines simpler and more hygienic. Not glamorous, perhaps — but absolutely indispensable.
Tempo 3-in-1 Rocker/Bouncer - Sand
Mamas & Papas
£99.00
There will be plenty of times as a new parent where you'll question how to settle a baby when your arms need a break. The answer: the Tempo Rocker Bouncer. Designed to gently soothe and entertain little ones, it offers a safe place for baby to relax while giving you a precious moment to make a coffee, reply to a text or simply breathe.
Cloud Musical Mobile - Welcome to the World Duckling
Mamas & Papas
£45.00
Nursery accessories should do more than look pretty. The Musical Mobile with Duckling & Cloud characters introduces gentle movement, soft music and visual stimulation that can help engage developing senses while creating a calming bedtime atmosphere. It's a small detail that will make such a huge difference not only to the look of the nursery but to your bubbas sleep time.