12 Essentials for the Perfect Nursery

Sarah Sherman Samuel nursery design — Sarah Sherman Samuel

When a new baby comes into your life, it's absolutely overwhelming, and there isn't much time for anything else but caring for and loving that beautiful little human. So it's imperative that you spend as much time as you can before your newborn's arrival to create the perfect nursery. Since there are so many practical elements to this room, getting the style and function right is your biggest challenge—we often look to celebrity nurseries for design inspiration.

So we went on a hunt and tracked down some of the chic and sensible pieces to create your perfect nursery. Keep reading for our 12 picks.

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Restoration Hardware Bellina Arched Panel Crib

Restoration Hardware Bellina Arched Panel Crib $1,299.00

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This is probably the most crucial element of your baby's new room and also one of the biggest, so take your time. This is also a big investment, so make sure you find the right design, color, and style to work in with all the other furniture and décor you've chosen. This Restoration Hardware crib is a timeless piece that will work in any space.

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Nook Sleep Pebble Pure

Nook Sleep Pebble Pure $439.00

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Finding the right crib mattress can be a challenge considering you can't ask the newest member of your family to test it first. Given the amount of time baby will spend on the mattress, it pays to find one that's organic and, most importantly, machine washable. This Nook Sleep version is super breathable with a certified organic coconut core that's layered in eucalyptus—dreamy.

03 of 11

Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Metallic Star Fitted Crib Sheet

Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Metallic Star Fitted Crib Sheet $32.00

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While babies are impossibly cute and lovable, they are also very messy and have a tendency to poop, pee, and puke without warning. This means you will need at least a few days’ worth of sheets to cover the time it takes to wash and dry the dirty ones in between. We love this fitted sheet with stars as cute as your little cherub.

04 of 11

Motorola Digital Video and Audio Baby Monitor

Motorola Digital Video and Audio Baby Monitor $120.00

Baby monitors have come a long way since I had my son seven years ago. The new versions have incredible sensors to pick up even the slightest murmur without the distraction of a crackly reception. Most of them are equipped with wireless technology and high-quality video so you can see what your baby is doing. This allows moms to sleep soundly knowing their baby is too.

05 of 11

Bubula Stainless Steel Diaper Pail

Bubula Stainless Steel Diaper Pail $119.00

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Diaper pails are absolutely key to any nursery. When newborns arrive, they go through more diapers than you ever imagined, and you definitely want a convenient and smell-free way of containing them all. The biggest challenge is finding one that looks chic. Thankfully we discovered Bubula's stainless steel design, which has moms raving. Not only did they get the look right (it also comes in other colors), but also, the stainless steel design doesn't absorb odors over time. Genius.

06 of 11

Elegant Baby Gray Elephant Bath Wrap

Elegant Baby Gray Elephant Bath Wrap $25.00

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Giving your newborns a bath is one of life's greatest treasures. They just love the warm water, it instantly relaxes them, and it's so cute to see their little legs kicking in the water. A hooded towel is perfect for wrapping them up when they get out, because they really don't like being cold. They also look super adorable in animal ears.

07 of 11

Crate and Barrel Sheepskin Throw/Rug

Crate and Barrel Sheepskin Throw/Rug $159.00

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Every nursery needs a sheepskin. It's probably the most versatile piece in the whole room. You can use it as a rug, a throw, or a liner for your pram or bouncer. It's super soft, breathable, and easy to clean. I would often take mine with me when visiting a friend's house so I could use it as a soft place for baby to rest or play.

08 of 11

West Elm Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner

West Elm Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner $1,099.00

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When you are planning a nursery, don't forget to dedicate a corner to yourself. All baby rooms need a mom corner; let's face it—you'll be spending a lot of time there, so it needs to be a place of comfort and rest for you too. A stylish rocking chair looks gorgeous and is the best place to feed baby during the day or night; the subtle rocking motion helps them to settle and fall back to sleep, Mom included.

09 of 11

Pottery Barn Fibreworks Custom Boucle Wool Rug

Pottery Barn Fibreworks Custom Boucle Wool Rug - Ivory $896.00

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When choosing the right rug for a nursery, it needs to be practical and pretty, but also really soft. Why? Well, you'll often use that rug as a makeshift change table or a place to lay babies down and have tummy time when they're a little older. A plush, hand-knotted style in wool is usually the most durable and easy-to-clean version, and it looks the best too.

10 of 11

Pottery Barn Kids Bassinet & Mattress Pad Set

Pottery Barn Kids Bassinet & Mattress Pad Set $299.00

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In the first few weeks, you will want to keep baby close to you all the time. This is where the bassinet comes in handy. It might seem old-school, but this traditional piece was a lifesaver for me. It can be wheeled around to wherever you need it: beside your bed or at the dining table. It's also a better size for newborns until they're ready for the crib.

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Land of Nod Andersen Changing Table

Land of Nod Andersen Changing Table $899.00

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For the first few weeks, your newborn is a beautiful eating, pooping, and sleeping machine. So given how many times a day you will be changing diapers, it pays to find a nice change table that you won't tire of quickly. Choose a stylish, timeless design in a shade you love.