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When it comes to furnishing your nursery, Target is the complete package. With everything imaginable to kit out your little one’s first bedroom — from bedding to diaper pails to toys to formula — it’s a solid one-stop shop for all things baby.
Target has even created their own brand, Cloud Island, a collection of gear that’s safe, affordable, durable, and allows parents to mix and match their baby essentials for a streamlined aesthetic.
With so much to choose from and a ton of decisions to make, baby shopping can get a little overwhelming. So, let’s start small — here are a few solid must-haves for your nursery, available at Target.
As a parent, safety and efficiency come first. It’s a big help to have a changing table that also stores essentials like diapers or clean onesies. And a crib that graduates to a toddler bed or a nursing armchair that adapts as part of a home office can save you a buck or two in the long run.
Additionally, we based our criteria on experience with our own kids and rave customer reviews and ratings.
Price guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Delta Children Skylar 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Price: $$$
This crib is a highly rated pick among Target’s baby registry favorites. The Skylar 4-in-1 comes in four colors to adapt to any decor and has three adjustable mattress heights so you can lower the sleep surface when baby starts to stand up.
With the addition of extra rails (sold separately), this crib can take your little one from infancy into elementary school because it converts into a toddler bed, a day bed, and a full-sized bed. Reviewers say it’s quick and easy to assemble, sturdy, and has the quality of a much more expensive item.
Delta Children Emerson 3-Drawer Dresser With Changing Top
Price: $$$
Another registry fave, this changing table doubles as a dresser, making it perfect for both smaller spaces and long-term use — after your little one is potty-trained, simply remove the changing table top.
The Emerson dresser is a timeless design that comes in three finishes to match your aesthetic. You will need to purchase the additional changing table pad and changing pad cover separately.
Parents like that it was sturdy and easy to assemble, but a few mention an unpleasant off-gassing smell when first removed from the box. One parent suggests it might be worthwhile to let this sit outside before putting baby’s clothes in the drawers.
DaVinci Olive Glider and Ottoman
Price: $$$
When it comes to late night feedings, you’ll want the best seat in the house. Cushy and comfy, this glider’s gentle back and forth swivel base rocks baby into relaxation.
The DaVinci Olive Glider comes with an ottoman to kick up your feet and is cute enough to use in a guest room when baby is bigger. Most reviewers have only great things to say about this glider, but a few mention that it’s on the narrow side.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
Price: $$$
This video monitor from Infant Optics has rave reviews from parents for its video quality and high-tech yet easy-to-use features. With remote camera pan/tilt capabilities, a digital zoom feature, and infrared night vision, you can keep an eye on your babe, Mission Impossible-style.
Unlike many video monitors, this product doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi to stream video. And while most of the positive reviews speak highly of the product itself, a lot of folks say it’s Infant Optics’ customer service that really shines. Of course, your hope is to not need customer service, but it’s nice to know they’re helpful if you do.
Cloud Island Musical and White Noise Crib Mobile
Price: $
As soon as your little one enters the world, they’re starting to explore their senses. And while putting sensory objects in a crib with a newborn is a no-no, mobiles — like this crib musical from Cloud Island — are a great way for baby to look at shapes and listen to music while lying on their back.
Perks of this particular mobile include the gender-neutral animal theme, five different music and white noise settings, volume control (not to be overlooked!), and a 30-minute auto shutoff feature. Parents say it’s easy to install and appreciate that it fits sturdily on the side of the crib.
Baby Einstein 5-in-1 World of Discovery Learning Gym
Price: $$
Pediatricians recommend tummy time as an important daily routine to strengthen arms and shoulders so baby can crawl, prevent flat spots on the back of the head, and improve motor skills. Lots of babies resist tummy time, though, so having a mat with bright colors and toys to entertain them can make it easier.
This one from Baby Einstein has rave reviews from parents, saying their little ones love the toys that come with it. But a few warn that it’s best used for tummy time and is too small for the suggested “ball pit” function. Another mom says it’s best used on carpet as the mat itself is rather thin.
Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Soother Owl
Price: $
This cute little owl projects a starry night sky onto any surface, has a dimmable nightlight, and plays eight soothing melodies or nature sounds for bedtime.
Most parents say their babies love the sounds and starry projection, with comments like “My kiddo sleeps sooo much better with this. If he does wake up in the middle of the night he stares at the stars on the ceiling and drifts right back off.”
Worth noting: A few parents reported inconsistent sound quality, so it might be wise to test yours right out of the box.
Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
Price: $$
Boasting an airtight lid, a child-safety lock, and a sleek design, this baby is a solid option when it comes to diaper pails. One mom says, “I have a sensitive sense of smell and I was very surprised that it truly traps in any and all odor.”
Yes, it’s on the pricier side for a diaper pail. But when you consider that it doesn’t require the purchase of special bags (other diaper pails often do), you’re most likely saving money in the long run.