A well-crafted dresser with classic lines can grow with your child's room décor, so consider investing in a quality piece. In a nursery, the dresser can serve as a changing station by simply attaching a changing pad to the back panel using the screws already in place. To protect the dresser, lay a flat flannel pad under the changing pad.

Crib mattresses come in all foam, innerspring and double-sided (foam on one side, innerspring on the other). For newborns, firm support is key, which makes sturdy foam with little "give" a solid choice. An all-foam mattress is lightweight -- less than 10 lbs compared to more than 20 lbs for an innerspring mattress -- which makes for easier sheet changes. (For safety reasons, a crib mattress fits snugly into the crib and can be difficult to maneuver.) If you plan to convert your crib to a toddler bed, consider a double-sided mattress. Crib mattresses made of natural or organic materials are available for a premium.

Nursing moms often find it helpful to have a comfortable chair with cushioned arms and a footrest, expecially in the early days and for late nights. An upholstered rocker or glider is an investment that can grow with your family from the nursery to the playroom to the family room. Wood-frame, cushioned gliders specially designed for nursery use are less expensive but not as versatile -- borrow one if possible.

In the early weeks, feedings may be as frequent as every two hours around the clock. With a bassinet or co-sleeper, your baby is within reach during the night. A bassinet is a separate little bed, whereas a co-sleeper creates an extension to your bed for the baby. A co-sleeper is a good choice for nursing moms -- no need to get up or to rouse the baby out of bed. However, having the baby right next to you may make it difficult to rest, and a co-sleeper is not as attractive as a wicker bassinet, which makes a great family heirloom. Bassinets and co-sleepers are quickly outgrown, so consider borrowing if possible.

In days past, little ones were put in "playpens" to keep them safely put while mom did chores around the house. Nowadays, a playard, or "Pack-n-Play" (Graco's product name), more often serves the purpose of a secondary nursery or portable crib. The changing table and bassinet options, preferably with a bumper, are essential accessories. Ask the grandparents to purchase a playard for their house if you visit often. As for set-up, if the sides won't lock into place, raise the center piece higher and try locking the sides again. (You will thank us later for this tip!)

For frequent travelers, a lightweight travel crib, without the space-consuming features of a playard, makes a lot of sense.