Family & newborn photography for Cleveland families and surrounding areas.

Welcoming your little one into a beautifully designed nursery is such a meaningful chapter in your motherhood journey. While staples like a crib and rocking chair are essentials, there are a few other thoughtful, often-overlooked items that truly elevate the nursery’s comfort, functionality, and sentimental charm. These are the top 5 nursery items that moms adore—and often return to with each child.

Top 5 Nursery Items

1. Sound Machine with Night Light Combo

There’s something magical about white noise—it soothes baby (and you) into a deeper, more restful sleep. Pair that with a gentle night light, and you’ve got a multifunctional nursery staple. Whether you’re nursing in the middle of the night or tiptoeing in for a dream feed, this combo keeps the atmosphere peaceful and comforting.

My Favorite Pick:

• Hatch Rest Sound Machine – a modern favorite that fits beautifully into any nursery aesthetic

2. Portable Diaper Caddy

Forget being tied to the changing table. A portable diaper caddy lets you bring all your diapering essentials wherever you go in the house. Most moms quickly learn this is one of their top 5 nursery items—perfect for multi-level homes, late-night changes, or when your little one is napping in a different room.

My Favorite Pick:

• Seagrass Diaper Caddy – beautifully textured with divided compartments

3. Heirloom Keepsake Trunk

There are certain pieces in a nursery that quietly hold more than just items—they hold stories. An heirloom keepsake trunk is one of the most timeless and sentimental additions you can make to your baby’s space. It becomes a treasured capsule for the fleeting details of your child’s earliest days—the tiny hospital bracelet that once fit their wrist, the swaddle they were wrapped in on the way home, ultrasound prints, a letter you wrote while waiting to meet them, or that outfit they wore for their very first portrait.

My Favorite Pick:

• Pottery Barn Kids Keepsake Trunk – neutral and nostalgic, with optional personalization

4. Nursing Cart or Rolling Station

This is one of those game-changers. A rolling cart stocked with burp cloths, nipple cream, water bottles, extra onesies, and snacks (yes, for mom!) is something you’ll be so thankful for—especially during those early postpartum weeks. It’s easily moved between rooms and can be repurposed as baby grows.

My favorite pick:

• IKEA RÅSKOG Cart – loved by moms, easily styled to suit your nursery’s tone

5. Heirloom Wall Art or Keepsake Display

While not essential in a practical sense, a piece of heirloom-quality wall art—like your newborn portraits or a keepsake frame with baby’s birth stats—adds a sentimental, meaningful touch. It turns the nursery into a space that tells your family’s story and brings joy every time you walk in.

My Favorite Picks:

• Personalized Birth Announcement Frame
• Scalloped Peg Rack

Designing your nursery should be equal parts practical and personal. These top 5 nursery items go beyond necessity—they offer intention, style, and lasting memories. From treasured keepsakes to tiny details that bring comfort, this space becomes more than a room… it becomes part of your legacy.

Cleveland Newborn Photographer

Brittany Serowski Photography is a Cleveland Maternity, Newborn, & Family photographer, dedicated to offering a joyful, seamless portrait experience for mothers who cherish timeless moments and want to preserve their family’s legacy with grace. Specializing in light-filled, tender portraits, I proudly serve families across Cleveland and its surrounding communities—Bay Village, Rocky River, Westlake, Avon Lake, Shaker Heights, Chagrin Falls, and beyond.

Every motherhood session includes a personalized, pre-session consultation to help you feel confident and prepared. From style assistance to a curated guide designed to help you make the most of your session, I’ll ensure that your experience is both stress-free and enjoyable. Sessions take place at my exclusive, handpicked locations, where natural beauty compliments your family’s story. I’ll deliver your beautifully edited, high-resolution portraits through an online gallery. Easy to access and share with loved ones.

Looking for the perfect family photographer to document your loved ones? I would be honored to create portraits that you will treasure for years to come. Let’s start a conversation about bringing your vision to life!

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Top 5 Nursery Items | Cleveland Newborn Photographer | Brittany Serowski Photography