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19 Things From Target For Anyone Designing Their First Nursery
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1.A 4-in-1 convertible crib with a classic look that fits different styles and could even be passed down to next generation. Tears at the thought of your baby's baby sleeping in this crib? Blame it on the hormones.Wooden crib against a patterned wall, no bedding, for a shopping article on nursery furniture
Wooden toddler bed with safety rail and arched headboard design. Suitable for a child's bedroom
Target
Promising review: "This crib is beautiful and I love that it can be converted into a bed eventually. The chestnut color is very nice in our woodland-themed nursery." —Maddy
Price: $199.99 (available in six colors)
2.A super soft crib sheet that doesn't make you choose just one color for the theme. Play up whichever ones you want!Crib with multicolored striped mattress cover
3.A plush changing pad cover with a very on-point message — because changing blowout diapers in the middle of the night? Oh yeah, that's real love.The plush changing pad cover
4.A swivel glider and reclining chair because you'll have a comfortable spot to help your little one relax before resting. This is a big deal when your arms become someone's favorite place to nap!Gray nursery swivel gliding recliner next to a crib
5.A changing table that is sleek and simple, so you can repurpose it and use it long after the diaper-changing days are done. Just think of all the art supplies it could hold!white changing table being used in a bathroom
6.A colorful and sweet rug to add a pop of color to your tiny human's room — it has a pretty rainbow design and will look great next to a bookshelf, crib, or diaper changing station.Rainbow-patterned rug in child's room
7.Or, if you're more into neutrals, an area rug that will match any decor and will certainly come in handy when you're tiptoeing out of the room. Shhh!Gray area rug with abstract white pattern
8.A roll of herringbone stripe peel-and-stick wallpaper for an accent wall or maybe even a pop of pattern in the baby's closet. Whatever you do, trust us — you will *stick* the landing with this one.Beige and white herringbone pattern peel-and-stick wallpaper
9.A darling mobile in a cute animal motif that will help calm your baby when they're in beast mode (aka hungry and tired).Baby mobile with plush owl, sheep, llama, and dog toys hanging, designed for a crib
10.A decorative cloud wall shelf to hold all your favorite board books, because the time spent reading with your baby is like being on Cloud Nine.Cloud-shaped shelves on wall above child's bed
11.A piece of wall art for your out-of-this-world kiddo. And let's be honest, this baby is now at the center of YOUR universe so it's only fitting!Solar system art print in frame
12.A light-blocking curtain panel that will help you achieve the thing your baby needs the most: good sleep. Wait, that's what you need, too! *Adds second set to cart*Cream-colored curtains hanging on a rod beside a beige armchair and a wooden side table with a lamp
13.A stellar lamp with a perfect glow that will have you starry eyed. And by starry eyed, we mean bleary eyed, but that has everything to do with the baby and nothing to do with the lamp!Table lamp with a star-patterned base and plain lampshade
14.A faux plant because we all need a little greenery in our lives but let's be honest...Your focus will be on growing your own sweet little sprout and you won't have time to water something new.Potted faux plant on a table beside a scented candle
15.A bookshelf with a storage bin, because babies may be little, but they come with a lot of stuff! Fact: You can never have too many books or too many stuffies.White bookshelf with an angled bottom bin in a contrasting wood finish
16.A soft storage basket that can be used for anything from laundry to toys. Whatever it is, your kiddo will never outgrow it! Those newborn-size clothes on the other hand...Sigh.Textured laundry basket with towels and a polka dot cushion peeking out
17.A diaper caddy with style with function, which you'll appreciate when you're desperately looking for wipes to handle all that...Well, nevermind.Woven diaper caddy with baby items on a dresser next to a lamp
18.A rolling cart, which could be used as a diapering station, a pumping station, a formula station, etc. Basically, it is exactly what you need it to be in that moment.White rolling storage cart with three shelves, holding books, a plant, and decor
19.A wall hanging storage caddy because you're going to be looking for places to store all the new stuff you — we mean, baby — have.Hanging fabric storage with multiple pockets filled with baby items on a door
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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6 Lawn And Garden Tasks You Should Do Before June (And 1 You Can Skip!)
It's time to get growing.
Spring has finally arrived, and summer will be here before you know it. As the frost lifts, it's probably time to think about working on your garden. Whether you're planting flowers, veggies, or both, remember that nothing grows on its own. So, it's important to start getting ready now for your most beautiful garden yet. Here are seven lawn and garden tasks to do before June.
Check Your Tools and SuppliesIf you don't live in a year-round sunny or warm climate, the last time you took out your garden tools was probably at least a few months ago. Perhaps you didn't notice your shears were a little dull or your garden gloves had a few holes in them. Don't wait on this task. Check to make sure all of your tools are in good, working order. Then plan to replace anything that's no longer functional.
Before you visit your local garden center, it's also a good time to check on your supplies. Do you have enough soil? Do you need some new planters? Make a list so you do not forget anything.
Related: The 11 Top Gardening Trends of 2024, So Far
Start WeedingWhile it's probably the least fun part of gardening, Sara Abbass, owner of Sara Mairead Landscape Design, recommends beginning the weeding process before things get out of control. "Start weeding the invasive plants emerging in the spring such as Lesser Celandine and Mugwort, both of which can overrun your garden."
Prepare Your Garden BedAbbass suggests prepping your beds as soon as you can. This also allows for ample time in case anything needs to be ordered. "Carve out the intended space, prep the soil if amending is necessary (check soil testing available with your local Cornell Cooperative Organization), and plan the types of plants and quantities now so that you can order and the nursery hasn't sold out of what you would like to install."
Prune Any Flowering Shrubs"Prune any flowering shrub such as lilac, viburnum, or ninebark immediately after blooming," says Abbass. "Most shrubs that bloom in the spring bloom on old wood, so they set their new buds for the next year not long after blooming has finished."
Plant Dahlia BulbsWho doesn't love dahlias? If you've been thinking about planting dahlias, Anna Testa, Director of Garden Design and Maintenance for CMLA, tells me to get it done before June. "Plant dahlia bulbs, as this is the perfect time for planting."
Treat RosesThere's nothing quite like a garden full of blooming roses. But nothing ruins the beauty of this flower quite like black spot does. Fortunately, this is preventable. Testa tells me to treat roses in the spring with fungicidal spray to stop this unsightly issue.
One to Skip: Leave the StalksAbbass advises holding back on cutting those stalks. "Wait until the weather consistently is at 50 degrees and the hibernating pollinators can emerge and safely fly. Over the winter, native bee species hibernate in hollow stalks such as Joe Pye Weed or bury in the ground under leaf piles."
While it might be tempting—Abbass tells me it's best to resist the urge. "Cutting back some of your garden and consider leaving those cut stalks bunched together in a safe location on your property."
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The 10 Best Nursery Gliders To Suit Every Family
Whether you're feeding your baby or snuggling your toddler for story time, the best nursery gliders create an ideal spot for soothing little ones. With input from Forbes Vetted staffers, baby sleep experts and other parents I polled (myself included), I rounded up the best nursery gliders for all lifestyles and spaces, like the Babyletto Kiwi, an all-around crowd-pleaser, the under-$300 DaVinci Gabby and several more, including the one in use in my child's bedroom now.
The best nursery gliders are more than décor; this comfortable seat is where you'll feed and soothe ... [+] your new baby.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS"Choosing a comfy chair for the nursery can be a big bonus when it comes to your [child's] bedtime routine," explains Amber LoRe, pediatric sleep consultant at Huckleberry, a baby sleep service. "Calm feedings in a cozy spot lead to drowsy babies with full tummies. In other words, it's the perfect mix for a good night's sleep." And a "consistent bedtime routine" often turns into a "valuable tool" for parents as it can help to set the course for healthy sleep habits for the whole family, she adds.
We tapped nearly two dozen parents and scoured reviews to round up the 10 best nursery gliders to help make feedings and meltdowns a little more manageable. For more recommendations on nursery must-haves, see our lists of the best diaper pails, which were put to the test, and the best cribs that are equal parts safe and stylish.
Materials: Wood frame, recycled yarn, polyester, foam cushionsType of movement: GliderRecliner: YesUSB port: YesCertifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certifiedKey features: Stain-resistant, USB port, reclines, glides
When it came time to select the best nursery glider, there was no competition. Of all the parents I spoke with, a majority named the Babyletto Kiwi Glider as their absolute favorite. It reclines with the touch of a button, glides and swivels effortlessly and includes a charging port to keep your pump and phone fully operational. It's also Greenguard Gold certified and uses FSC-certified wood for the frame, as well as eco-performance fabric, so you know it's sustainably crafted and free of harsh chemicals.
What parents say: "I can't get over how convenient the charging port is—prior to having a baby, I would never have understood just how many hours I'd spend sitting in this thing," reports deputy editor and new mom Rebekah Lowin, who uses the Kiwi. "I also love the auto-recline button. In those sleep-deprived first months, it made feedings so much more relaxing. Oh, and the performance fabric really does come in handy. I've been able to clean spills in seconds. Finally, it's clearly just a well-made chair; the whole thing, from the frame to the fabric/filling, feels heavy-duty, sturdy and reliable."
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The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Materials: Polyester, polyurethane foam, metal baseType of movement: GliderRecliner: NoUSB port: NoCertifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, FSC-certifiedKey features: Headrest, optional ottoman available
The DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider looks a lot like some of its higher-end competition but without the price tag. Of course, it doesn't recline or include the favored USB port, but reviewers say that it's durable (holding up sans stains through multiple children) and comfortable. I like that there's an optional ottoman to add to it (a footrest is truly a must when feeding or hanging out with little ones in the chair), and the Greenguard Gold certification is an unexpected perk in a more affordable nursery chair.
What the reviews say: With high customer ratings all around, one Wayfair buyer writes,"... Super comfortable for my husband and I who are 5'9 and 5'10. Rocking is quiet, no squeaking and I really like that you can swivel 360 making it easily accessible to your surroundings. The size of the chair works perfect for smaller rooms but does not comprise how comfortable it is."
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Nurture&
Nurture& The Glider
Materials: FSC-certified Birchwood, poplar plywood, polyester, nylonType of movement: GliderRecliner: YesUSB port: YesCertifications: FSC-certified woodKey features: Reclines almost flat, adjustable headrest, power recline, performance fabric
The Glider from Nurture& is meant to do it all. The chair reclines to an almost flat position so that you can lay down if you need to, which will come in handy in the middle of the night. The adjustable footrest and headrest are a rare addition, and yet they feel so necessary to avoid any extra strain. The fabric is stain-resistant and easy to clean, and you can choose upgrades like a matching pillow and storage ottoman if need be. Further customize your pick by choosing from The Glider (it reclines and glides), The Glider Plus (it reclines, swivels and glides) or the Swivel Glider (it swivels only).
What parents say: According to senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, "The electric controls on this chair are a game-changer," especially when compared to her previous manual recliner. "The recliner I purchased for my first baby is manual, and bringing it back to its upright position takes some force—not ideal when you have a sleeping baby (or now, toddler) in your arms," she says. "Nurture&'s control settings aren't just smooth, but they also allow for comfortable positioning with headrest and lumbar support adjustments—this, of course, in addition to its recline, which you can set to any angle. The firmness of this chair is also comfortably supportive, and I'm so excited to use it with our newest addition."
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MOST POPULAR
Materials: Plywood and pine frame, polyester wrapped cushionsType of movement: GliderRecliner: YesUSB port: YesCertifications: Greenguard Gold certifiedKey features: 3 reclining options, power recline, USB
If you're looking for something elevated and traditional that reclines at the touch of a button and has a built-in footrest, the Charleston is for you. This glider and recliner is specifically designed for use in a nursery, so you can maneuver in it while holding a baby. For example, the chair locks in place while in recline mode. It's crafted with longevity in mind to prevent sagging, wood splintering and stains. It also negates the need for an additional ottoman, which allows for more space.
What parents say: Carlene Forkel, a teacher and mom to a 2-year-old, called this glider "expensive but so chic and worth the splurge." She went on to say, "I like that it rocks, swivels and reclines," and that while it doesn't get as much use now that her son is a toddler she "will keep it for baby number two" because of the quality. Her one hangup with the chair is "the white has gotten dirty, so I need a good performance fabric cleaner."
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2Modern Furniture & Lighting
Babyletto Tuba Extra Wide
Materials: Wood, steel, spring coil and foam cushions, recycled yarn, polyesterType of movement: GliderRecliner: NoUSB Port: NoCertifications: Greenguard Gold certified, FSC-certified wood, CertiPUR-US-certifiedKey features: Extra wide seat, performance fabrics, environmental and safety certifications
The top pick in our Best Nursing Chairs For Twins story, the Babyletto Tuba offers a roomy 35-inch seat for maximum comfort and space. For reference, it's 6 inches wider than the aforementioned Babyletto Kiwi, meaning there's plenty of cuddle room for two. While the Tuba doesn't offer recline or power functions, the wide arm rests provide adequate support for dual nursing (and are cushy enough to accommodate you, a toddler and a baby if need be). The textured fabric is stylish and stain-resistant, plus the chair's eco-conscious credentials are clear: in addition to various green and forest-friendly certifications, the performance upholstery is made with recycled plastic bottles.
What the reviews say: Reviewers love the extra wide construction of this chair. One calls it "comfortable, sturdy, and wide enough for me and my 1- or 2-year-old." Another mom shares: "We're having twins, and I'm confident I will be able to rock at the same time comfortably with all the extra space."
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Amazon
Nursery Works Sunday
Materials: Polyester, plywood, rubber wood baseType of movement: Swivel gliderRecliner: YesUSB port: YesCertifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, FSC-certified woodKey features: Multiposition power recline, swivels 270 degrees, USB
As someone who writes about baby gear for work, selecting the ideal recliner for my second boy's nursery was admittedly challenging. Ultimately I went with the recently-released Nursery Works Sunday Power Recliner because the seat is wide enough to accommodate myself and my toddler son while I'm holding the baby. This way, there's room for everyone as we navigate the shift to family of four. The chair is also stunning, exceptionally comfortable, reclines seamlessly, uses non-toxic materials and only required two steps to assemble. While it's costly, I know it will look equally as chic in our living room down the line.
What parents say: I can personally verify that this chair is so comfortable, I've set up camp in it in my third trimester and have taken several naps in it. It's also high quality enough to survive my toddler's incessant pressing of the recline button. The charger works well and the fabric is easy to clean.
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Materials: Kiln dried wood frame, down-blend cushions, polyester, foamType of movement: GliderRecliner: NoUSB port: NoCertifications: Greenguard Gold certifiedKey features: Down filling, 360-degree glide and swivel, extra comfortable
For those looking for a stunning nursery glider that works alone or with a matching ottoman, the Pottery Barn Kids Dream Swivel Glider might be the answer. Not only is it beautifully designed, but it's unbelievably comfortable and comes in 48 color and fabric combinations so it suits any style of nursery, or—down the line—living area. It also swivels 360-degrees, glides silently and is made from sustainably sourced materials.
What parents say: Edward Ahn, dad to a 1-year-old, tells me that "the padding is down filled so that it feels like a pillow." While it does come with the option to add an ottoman, Ahn's wife, Annelise Bamberg, points out that it provides enough leg support that you don't really need one. I first spoke with the Ahn-Bamberg family in regards to their glider when their daughter was 3 months old. Many months later, Bamberg assures me she "still loves it" and uses it constantly.
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Materials: Foam, polyester, engineered hardwood frameType of movement: GliderRecliner: NoUSB port: NoCertifications: Greenguard Gold certified, Sustainable Forestry Initiative-certified woodKey features: Extra high back support, lumbar cushion included, 360-degree swivel
There's no shortage of comfortable and beautifully made gliders on the market. However, if you're especially tall, some of them may not be long enough to support your head and neck. The West Elm Kids Graham Glider has a higher than average 42-inch seat that allows moms and dads to fully sink in even if they're on the taller side. It's also handcrafted, comes in 21 fabric and color choices (with performance options available) and has a 360-degree swivel. It's also helpful to note that it comes with in-room delivery and full assembly, plus it's far lighter than other options at just 60 pounds. Although it doesn't recline, there is a matching ottoman available to put your feet up.
What parents say: One happy parent tells me that the West Elm Kids Graham Glider is optimal for taller parents. "It has a high back so you can actually rest your head while seated. Way more important than a full recline," they explain.
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Materials: Polyester-wrapped cushions, pine and engineered wood, steel springsType of movement: Glider and reclinerRecliner: YesUSB port: NoCertifications: Greenguard Gold certifiedKey features: Power recline, 240-degree swivel, 3-recline positions, plenty of fabric choices
Nursery gliders are generally expensive, but the Pottery Barn Kids Paxton Swivel Glider Recliner is more of a splurge than others. Parents who've made it a part of their household, however, say its well worth it. Not only is it luxurious in appearance and comfort, but it's available in a manual or power recliner, has 45 color and fabric options and is complete with a 240-degree swivel and three recline positions. It's also tall enough to accommodate taller parents and has no-sag steel springs in the seat so it's a forever chair. Parents also love the white glove delivery but note that some of the fabrics have an extremely long lead time.
What parents say: Two moms I chatted with spoke highly of the Paxton glider and said it's worth the cost. "Beyond comfortable. Certainly the best we sat in," says one. But another, who opted for the manual recline, admits that it "became a little tough to recline" after several years of use.
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Wayfair
Babyletto Madison
Materials: Wood frame, recycled polyester yarnType of movement: GliderRecliner: NoUSB port: NoCertifications: Greenguard Gold certified, CertiPUR-US certified, FSC-certified woodKey features: Rocks and glides, 360-degree swivel, stain-resistant fabrics available
It's not often that you can find a glider for the nursery under $500, let alone an attractive one. That's exactly why mom and fashion entrepreneur Elianna Peak was drawn to this Babyletto swivel glider in the first place. Peak says she likes that "it rocks, glides and rotates and is aesthetically pleasing." Plus, the rounded back and wide seat allows for plenty of room for a parent and baby or toddler. It's also compact (29 inches wide) without compromising craftsmanship.
What the reviews say: Writes one Wayfair customer, "Love this armchair! It's just great for my 5'3 height—not too tall and not too deep. It swivels and glides beautifully."
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As any seasoned parent will tell you, you'll spend more time than you think in the nursery glider during the first few years of your child's life. For that reason, you'll want a comfortable glider above all else. Look for gliders that offer plenty of back support and are made of an easy-to-clean material. The footrest of a nursery glider recliner can help you relax more, especially during nursing. Swivel chairs are convenient and USB ports will also come in handy.
Julieta Hernandez, a NICU nurse at Northwell Health's Cohen's Children Medical Center, notes the benefits of creating a serene environment and how a comfy chair can help with that, even promoting that all important skin-to-skin contact.
"Babies experience stress just like adults do and rely on their caretakers to regulate their environment," she explains. In order to cultivate a serene environment for your child, Hernandez says it's imperative that the caretaker feels comfortable and calm. She notes that getting skin-to-skin time in, especially in the beginning, is a good practice "to help families bond, thermoregulate babies and stabilize their heart and respiratory rates." Hernandez adds, "When doing this at home, it's important to have a good nursery chair that you and baby are comfortable in."
Hernandez most values, "a chair that reclines with good leg support can aid in comfortable positioning for maximum cuddles."
In addition to leg and back support, she also maintains that it's important the parent is comfortable so that the baby can remain calm. A proper nursery chair should allow "either parent to sit back, relax and place baby skin-to-skin on your chest" so that the whole family can truly enjoy the experience.
Comfort And SupportComfort is key when it comes to choosing a glider or chair. You'll spend a lot of time in that chair, especially in the early months, while breastfeeding and during sleep regressions or cluster feeding. Separate of that, a great chair will offer comfort even as your child becomes older and story time becomes an even more important aspect of the bedtime routine. A footrest can really bump up your comfort level, so if a recliner isn't built into it, you may want to seek out an ottoman.
VersatilityWhile it depends on your space and your family's needs, it's optimal if a nursery glider is versatile in its movement options (who knows which sensation your baby will best respond to). If it reclines, glides or rocks and swivels, then you've checked all the boxes.
FunctionalitySimilar to things to keep in mind in terms of versatility, you should note the functions your family requires. Do you need a charging port? Do you need performance fabric or a slipcover to make cleanup easier? (That's a trick question; every parent needs it. Consider darker fabrics, too. You'll thank me later.) Be sure to ask yourself these important questions before investing in a glider just because it suits your nursery's style. If you're breastfeeding, a footrest and padded armrests become important as well, helping you get into the right position over and over again.
Is A Glider Worth It For My Nursery?Of the 18 parents that I spoke with when researching for this story, only one said she didn't think a glider or nursery chair was worth the investment. Most parents, however, maintain that it's an integral part of a fully-functional nursery. The right chair provides a comfortable and safe place to feed an infant, lull a child to sleep or read a story.
"Gliding, rocking and swaying all provide a similar sensation to what babies experienced in the womb, which is why these motions are used universally by people to soothe and settle babies," Shapiro says. They can also be used beyond infancy, making them a lasting addition to a child's room for story times, for example.
Of course, "necessary" is a strong word. Can you get by without one? Sure. But, "Gliders make it easier for parents and caregivers to rock their baby in a comfortable, relaxed way," says Shapiro.
Having made the mistake of purchasing a traditional rocking chair without padding or a footrest myself, I can attest that the most comfortable nursery gliders take stress off your legs and back, making soothing your child far easier.
How Safe Are Nursery Gliders?Baby gliders are like a modern version of a rocking chair and they glide more smoothly and seamlessly than rockers. Thanks to their stable base, as opposed to the curved legs of a rocking chair, they are generally considered safe. "If used properly, gliders are considered safe," says Jada Shapiro, founder of Boober, childbirth educator and lactation counselor. "As babies begin to crawl, be mindful of any moving parts in the base which could pinch fingers." Like any other piece of furniture, baby gliders have the potential to be unsafe if babies are left with them unattended. Some gliders have a locking feature to prevent such accidents.
Are Nursery Gliders Good For Breastfeeding?Gliders are an excellent spot for breastfeeding. They offer enough room for a parent and baby, and the arms and high backs give great support. You can breastfeed in a glider just like you would on a bed or a couch. Some gliders recline to make you feel more comfortable, while others offer footrests or come with ottomans that can elevate your feet, easing the pressure on your back while holding baby for breastfeeding. Consider adding a nursing pillow to improve the experience even more. If you're using a breast pump, some gliders offer USB and charging ports to keep items fully charged.
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