Setting up a nursery is exciting, but it is easy to overbuy. The essentials are simpler than you think: somewhere safe for baby to sleep, a way to monitor temperature, and a space for play and tummy time.
Our Pick
Stokke Sleepi
~£675–£736 (full bundle)
✓ Pros: Exceptional design and build quality (solid beech), grows from newborn to 5 years in one system, oval shape creates a cosy nest, wheels for room-to-room mobility, space-saving, strong resale value
✗ Cons: Premium price (though amortised over 5+ years it works out well), proprietary oval mattress means standard cot bedding will not fit, assembly takes 20-30 minutes
Where to buy: John Lewis, Natural Baby Shower, Stokke direct
Chicco Next2Me Magic
~£180–£220
✓ Pros: Easy night feeding access, 11 height settings, mesh sides for visibility and airflow, tilt function for reflux, award-winning
✗ Cons: Only lasts around 6 months, mattress is quite firm (by design for safety), more expensive than standalone cribs
Where to buy: Amazon, John Lewis, Boots
Ewan the Dream Sheep
~£30–£35
✓ Pros: Evidence-based sound options (pink noise, heartbeat), auto-off timer, washable, very affordable
✗ Cons: Not a magic fix (no product is), needs batteries, cry sensor only on deluxe version
Where to buy: Amazon, John Lewis, Boots
Gro Egg2
~£20–£25
✓ Pros: Instant visual temperature check, colour-changing display, affordable, USB powered, trusted brand
✗ Cons: No app connectivity, no humidity reading, some parents find the glow too bright for sleep
Where to buy: Amazon, Boots, John Lewis
Toki Mats / Skip Hop
Toki ~£120–£150 / Skip Hop ~£50–£70
✓ Pros: Toki: organic cotton, beautiful design, machine washable, thick padding. Skip Hop: reversible, wipe-clean, expandable, more affordable
✗ Cons: Toki is premium-priced, Skip Hop is not as plush
Where to buy: tokimats.com / Amazon, John Lewis
What we'd tell a friend
Start with the Chicco Next2Me Magic beside your bed for the first 6 months. Have the Stokke Sleepi set up in the nursery ready for the transition. The investment pays for itself over the years, and the resale value is excellent. Grab a Gro Egg2 (it is £20 and you will use it for years), and point gift-givers at Ewan the Dream Sheep.
Frequently asked questions
When should I set up the nursery?
Most parents set up the nursery between weeks 20 and 28. The Lullaby Trust recommends babies sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 months, so the nursery might not be used for sleeping straight away.
What cot safety standards should I look for in the UK?
Look for BS EN 716 safety standard, slats no wider than 6.5cm apart, a firm flat mattress with no more than 2cm gap around edges, and no drop-down sides (no longer considered safe).
What temperature should a baby's room be?
The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping the room between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. A room thermometer like the Gro Egg2 helps you check at a glance.
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