Buying guide
First Nursery Starter Kit
Updated How we research
The core furniture every new nursery needs. The page is split into five sections (Pick a lasting crib; Set up changing; Add cozy seating; Store the essentials; Protect the mattress), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.6 to 9.0 out of 10.
- Best overall:Newton Baby Crib Mattress, Infant & Toddler, Dual-Layer, Breathable & Washable, 5.5 inch, Sky Blue. Highest overall score in this guide at 9.0/10.
- Also great value:Graco 6-Inch Dual-Comfort Crib & Toddler Mattress, GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US Foam, Waterproof Cover. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:Graco Ultra 2-in-1 Premium Dual Sided Crib & Toddler Mattress, GREENGUARD Gold, Machine Washable Cover. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Chest with Changing Topper and Change Pad, Espresso, Nursery Dresser. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Pick a lasting crib
- Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib (Gray) - GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Converts from Baby Crib to Toddler Bed, Daybed and Full-Size Bed, Fits Standard Full-Size Crib MattressOur score8.4/10
- Graco Hadley 5-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer, WhiteOur score8.2/10
- Delta Children Essex 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib, Bianca White with Natural LegsOur score8.2/10
- Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, NaturalOur score7.8/10
Set up changing
- Storkcraft Horizon 3 Drawer Chest with Removable Changing Topper, Driftwood | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Includes Removable Changing Table Topper, Chest of Drawers for Nursery & Kids Bedroom, DurableOur score8.2/10
- Delta Children Ava 3 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top and Interlocking Drawers, WhiteOur score8.2/10
- Delta Children Saint 4 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top, Bianca WhiteOur score8.2/10
- Delta Children Perry 3 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top and Interlocking Drawers, Moonstruck GreyOur score8.0/10
Add cozy seating
- Delta Children Mercer Electronic Power Recliner and Swivel Glider with USB Port in LiveSmart Performance Fabric - Water Repellent & Stain Resistant, PearlOur score8.2/10
- DaVinci Piper Swivel Glider Recliner Chair, Heathered Blue w/Cream Piping | GREENGUARD, CertiPUR-US Certified - Ultra Comfy Upholstered Glider Recliner Nursery Chair, Manual 360° Recline & Swivel GlideOur score8.2/10
- Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider & Ottoman, Natural/Beige | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Solid Wood Craftsmanship, Convenient Storage Pockets, Glider Rocking Chair for NurseryOur score7.8/10
- Delta Children Blair Slim Nursery Glider Swivel Rocker Chair, CreamOur score7.6/10
Store the essentials
- Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Chest with Changing Topper and Change Pad, Espresso, Nursery DresserOur score8.6/10
- Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Chest with Changing Topper and Change Pad, Pebble Gray Nursery DresserOur score8.6/10
- Storkcraft Crescent 6-Drawer Dresser White, Greenguard Gold Certified Nursery Storage ChestOur score8.0/10
- Storkcraft Crescent 6-Drawer Dresser Pebble Gray, Greenguard Gold Certified Kids Nursery ChestOur score8.0/10
Protect the mattress
- Newton Baby Crib Mattress, Infant & Toddler, Dual-Layer, Breathable & Washable, 5.5 inch, Sky BlueOur score9.0/10
- Graco 6-Inch Dual-Comfort Crib & Toddler Mattress, GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US Foam, Waterproof CoverOur score8.8/10
- Graco Ultra 2-in-1 Premium Dual Sided Crib & Toddler Mattress, GREENGUARD Gold, Machine Washable CoverOur score8.6/10
- Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Washable Waterproof CoverOur score8.4/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Newton Baby dual-layer breathable and washable crib mattress in sky blue, 5.5 inch thick, for infants and toddlers.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Breathable core is designed to allow airflow through the mattress
- + Washable design means the whole core can be rinsed clean
- + Dual-layer build offers separate infant and toddler sides
- - Premium price is far above standard foam crib mattresses
- - Sky blue cover color may not suit every nursery scheme
#2Graco 6-inch dual-comfort crib and toddler mattress with CertiPUR-US foam, GREENGUARD Gold and a waterproof cover.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certifications support a safer sleep surface
- + Waterproof cover protects the foam core from leaks and spills
- + Dual-comfort design covers both infant and toddler years
- - Foam mattresses are warmer to sleep on than coil or breathable designs
- - Waterproof covers can feel crinkly compared with fabric covers
#3Storkcraft Brookside 6 drawer chest in espresso with changing topper and change pad, a full dresser and diaper station.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 6 drawers give generous clothing storage well past the baby years
- + Changing topper and change pad are both included in the set
- + Espresso finish hides fingerprints and pairs with dark cribs
- - Wide 6-drawer chest needs a long wall in the nursery
- - Heavy dresser should be anchored and takes time to assemble
#4Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Chest with Changing Topper and Change Pad, Pebble Gray Nursery Dresser
Pebble gray Storkcraft Brookside 6 drawer chest with changing topper and change pad for a lighter nursery look.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Pebble gray finish feels lighter than espresso but hides marks better than white
- + Changing topper and pad come included, so the station is ready once built
- + Six roomy drawers handle clothes, bedding and diaper stock together
- - Gray shade may look different from other brands' gray cribs
- - Large chest takes up substantial floor space in smaller rooms
#5Graco Ultra 2-in-1 premium dual sided crib and toddler mattress, GREENGUARD Gold, with a machine washable cover.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Dual sided design gives separate infant and toddler sleep surfaces
- + Machine washable cover makes cleaning up leaks much easier
- + GREENGUARD Gold certification means lower chemical emissions in the nursery
- - Remembering to flip it at the toddler stage is an extra step
- - Premium version costs more than Graco's basic foam mattress
#6Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib in gray: converts to toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed, with 3 mattress heights and GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Converts from crib to toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed, so one purchase can cover several stages.
- + GREENGUARD Gold and JPMA certifications are listed, and the frame is pine and engineered wood.
- + Priced near $160 with a 1-year limited warranty, it is one of the more affordable full-size convertibles.
- - Mattress, toddler guardrail and full-size conversion kit are all sold separately.
- - Only three mattress heights are listed, and assembly is required.
#7Graco premium foam crib and toddler mattress, GREENGUARD Gold certified, with a washable waterproof cover.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Washable waterproof cover handles diaper leaks and spit-up
- + Foam core is light, so changing crib sheets is easier than with coils
- + GREENGUARD Gold certification appears in the listing
- - Single-sided foam lacks a dedicated toddler comfort side
- - Solid foam can retain heat in warm nurseries during summer
#8Graco's Hadley is a full-size 5-in-1 convertible crib with a built-in under-crib drawer. It moves from crib to toddler bed, daybed and full bed, and the mattress base has 4 height settings.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Converts through five stages, from crib to toddler bed, daybed and a full bed with headboard and optional footboard.
- + Full-size under-crib drawer with 2 organizer compartments adds storage without taking extra floor space.
- + Listing states GREENGUARD Gold certification and four mattress heights, including a higher newborn position.
- - Crib mattress, toddler guardrails and the crib-to-bed conversion kit are all sold separately, so the full cost is higher.
- - The drawer adds parts and assembly steps compared with a plain crib, and this listing is the white finish only.
#9Delta Children Essex 4-in-1 convertible crib in Bianca white with natural legs for a soft Scandinavian nursery.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + White body with natural wood legs gives a fresh two-tone modern look
- + 4-in-1 design grows into toddler, daybed and larger bed stages
- + Delta Children offers a wide range of matching dressers and changers
- - Two-tone finish can be harder to match exactly with other furniture
- - Larger bed conversions usually need extra rails bought separately
#10Storkcraft Horizon 3-drawer chest with a removable changing topper in Driftwood: interlocking drawers, tip-over restraint kit and GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Removable changing topper turns the chest into a changing station and later back into a normal dresser.
- + Interlocking drawer system lets only one drawer open at a time, and a tip-over restraint kit is included.
- + GREENGUARD Gold certification and a PU-coated, easy-to-clean surface are listed, with pre-installed drawer tracks.
- - Changing pad is not included, so budget for one on top of the roughly $200 price.
- - Three drawers give less storage than the larger four to six drawer changing dressers.
#11Delta Children Ava 3 drawer dresser with changing top and interlocking drawers in white, an updated Ava design.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Interlocking drawer system is the key upgrade over the original Ava dresser
- + Changing top sits above drawers so supplies are always at hand
- + White finish fits easily with white cribs from most brands
- - Interlocking mechanism adds parts, so follow the assembly steps carefully
- - Three drawers offer limited space compared with wider dressers
#12Delta Children Saint 4 drawer dresser with changing top in Bianca white, adding an extra drawer over 3-drawer models.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 4 drawers give more clothing and supply storage than 3-drawer dressers
- + Changing top turns the dresser into a full diaper station
- + Bianca white matches other Delta Children nursery furniture
- - Taller chest shape can make the changing surface high for shorter parents
- - Check whether a changing pad is included, since toppers are often sold separately
#13Delta Children Mercer power recliner and swivel glider with USB and Type-C ports and water-repellent LiveSmart performance fabric.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10
- + Electronic recline at the push of a button, plus 240 degree swivel and a glide motion.
- + Stain-resistant LiveSmart fabric repels moisture, so spills bead up until blotted.
- + Built-in USB and Type-C ports charge devices during night feeds, and thick padding with steel springs supports long sits.
- - At about $400 it is a premium step up from a manual recliner like the Caleb it replaces.
- - Power recline needs an outlet nearby, and stock is listed as scarce.
#14DaVinci Piper swivel glider recliner in Heathered Blue with cream piping: 360 degree swivel, gliding, hidden recline mechanism and GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Metal base gives a smooth 360 degree swivel plus forward and backward gliding for feeding and rocking.
- + Hidden recline mechanism, plush leg rest and a high back are described for comfort.
- + GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US foam and FSC-certified frame wood are listed.
- - At $349 it costs well above the budget glider it replaces, and it is a larger recliner than a simple tub chair.
- - The Heathered Blue color is a distinct style choice, so check it against your nursery palette.
#15Delta Children Perry 3-drawer dresser with removable changing top in Moonstruck Grey: interlocking drawers, 36.75 inch wide, with a tip-over restraint.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Removable changing top is included, so the dresser works as a changing station and then as a regular dresser.
- + Interlocking drawer system limits how many drawers open at once, with a tip-over restraint included.
- + Listing gives clear dimensions: 36.75 x 20.25 x 38.25 inches assembled, with drawers 29.5 inches wide.
- - Changing pad is sold separately, with a recommended size of 32 x 16 x 1 inches.
- - At about $210 it costs more than basic open changing tables, and it is a heavier piece to move.
#16Storkcraft Crescent 6-drawer dresser in white, Greenguard Gold certified, a plain storage chest without a changing top.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 6-drawer layout holds clothes, blankets and extra bedding in one piece
- + Greenguard Gold certified, as listed in the product title
- + Plain white dresser works as a nursery piece and later in a kid's room
- - No changing topper, so a separate changing pad solution is needed
- - White drawers show scuffs from kicks and toys over time
#17Storkcraft Crescent 6-drawer dresser in pebble gray, Greenguard Gold certified storage chest for kids and nurseries.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Pebble gray is a calmer alternative to stark white nursery furniture
- + Greenguard Gold certification is stated in the listing
- + Six drawers give ample room for clothing as the child grows
- - Topper for changing is not included, so add one if you plan to diaper here
- - Assembly of a multi-drawer chest can take several hours
#18Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 convertible crib in Natural: converts to toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed, with 3 mattress positions and JPMA certification.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed, with a JPMA certification listed.
- + Three mattress support positions let you lower the mattress as the baby grows.
- + Made of New Zealand pine and engineered wood with a lead and phthalate safe finish, at around $135.
- - Toddler guardrail, daybed rail and bed frame are sold separately, and the mattress is not included.
- - Three mattress heights is fewer than the four-position cribs in this guide.
#19Storkcraft Hoop glider and ottoman in Natural/Beige: solid wood glider set with padded arms, side pockets and GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Includes a matching ottoman, and the listing describes smooth gliding with solid wood construction.
- + Padded arm cushions have side pockets for reading material, electronics or nursery essentials.
- + Listed dimensions are clear, with a 250 lb maximum recommended weight and a seat height of 17.5 inches.
- - A glider without a recline, unlike the recliner models in this guide.
- - Fabric and care details are limited in the bullets, so check the listing for cushion firmness and cleaning.
#20Delta Children's Blair slim glider in cream, a swivel rocker sized for nurseries where floor space is tight.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Slim profile fits beside a crib or dresser without crowding a small nursery
- + Swivel and rocking motion let you turn toward the crib while soothing a baby
- + Cream upholstery keeps the look light and works with most nursery palettes
- - Light cream fabric shows spit-up and milk marks, so spot cleaning is frequent
- - No ottoman in the listing, so a footrest for long feeds is a separate buy
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Nursery Setup Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.