Nursery Glossary: 14 Terms Explained
The words that show up in nursery specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon.
- Anti-tip anchor
- A strap or bracket securing dressers and bookcases to the wall, essential in any nursery.
- Bassinet
- A small bed for the first months, often kept in the parents' room.
- Related: Best Bassinets for Safe Newborn Sleep Close By (2026) →
- Blackout curtains
- Curtains that block daylight for naps and early summer mornings.
- Related: Best Blackout Curtains for Darker Naps and Longer Sleep (2026) →
- Changing table
- A waist-height surface for diaper changes. Always keep a hand on the baby.
- Related: Best Changing Tables for a Safe, Organized Nursery (2026) →
- Convertible crib
- A crib that later converts to a toddler bed or full bed.
- Related: Best Convertible Cribs for a Nursery That Grows (2026) →
- Cordless window covering
- Blinds and shades without pull cords, which remove a strangulation hazard.
- Crib mattress firmness
- Infant mattresses must be firm and flat and fit the crib snugly, with no gap that fits two fingers.
- Related: Best Crib Mattresses for Firm, Safe Infant Sleep (2026) →
- Glider
- A chair with a smooth back-and-forth motion for feeding and soothing.
- Related: Best Nursery Gliders for Comfortable Feeding Nights (2026) →
- Safe sleep
- American Academy of Pediatrics guidance: babies sleep on their back, on a firm flat surface, with no pillows, bumpers or loose bedding.
- Sleep sack
- A wearable blanket that keeps babies warm without loose bedding in the crib.
- Related: Best Sleep Sacks for Safe, Cozy Baby Sleep (2026) →
- Swaddle
- Wrapping a newborn snugly. Stop swaddling once the baby shows signs of rolling.
- Related: Best Swaddle Blankets for Snug, Safe Newborn Sleep (2026) →
- TOG rating
- A measure of how warm a sleep sack or blanket is. Choose based on room temperature.
- Video monitor
- A camera and screen or app that lets you see and hear the baby from another room.
- Related: Best Video Baby Monitors for Peace of Mind (2026) →
- White noise
- Steady sound that masks household noise. Keep the machine away from the crib and at a moderate volume.
- Related: Best White Noise Machines for Calmer Baby Sleep (2026) →