There are some items that immediatly come to mind when one thinks of preparing the nursery, but others may go unnoticed untill you are in the middle of a midnight crisis with a crying baby and sleep deprived parents.  I have tried to put together a list of things to consider when stockng your nursery which may make the eary days run smoother and things stay uncluttered throughout the first year and beyond.

• Crib - place away from drafty vents and windows
• Firm Matress
• Waterproof matress cover
• 2 waterproof pads or "sheet-savers"
• 2-3 sheets
• mobile
• crib toy/mirror
• teething guards for crib rails
• consider a swaddle or sleep sac for a better night's sleep
• using pacifiers? Once your child outgrows crip bumpers these little necessities fall right through the crib rails. Breathable crib "bumpers" may solve this problem for you while not giving your child something to climb on!
• Changing Table (can use top of dresser) - keep supplies organized so they can be found quickly and easily by anyone changing the baby and in the middle of the night! Set up in a location where a dim light (from the hall or closet, for example) will shine on your work area when you don't want to completely wake up baby.
• contoured pad (helps keep baby from rolling) with safety strap
• 2 pad covers
• waterproof pads (to save you from having to change the whole cover) (boppy sells a cover that includes this pad)
• supply caddy
• diaper cream (Balmex skin protectant really helps makes dirty changes clean up faster especially the first (meconium) ones!)
• nasal apsirator
• saline drops
• lotion
• hand sanitizer
• lysol spray (for smelly changes and cleanup)
• nail clippers/file
• brush/comb
• toys to distract wiggly baby
• pacifier
• cotton balls
• safety q-tips
• cloth diaper/burp cloth
• stain stick/spray
• a penlight would be helpful when you can't tell if the diaper is dirty, but you don't want to turn on bright lights. This sounds silly, but you'd be surprised.
• diaper caddy
• wipes warmer (keeps baby from waking fully during midnight changes)
• note pad/pen
• somthing to keep baby's attention like mobile or poster on ceiling
• something to keep baby's hands busy (older baby)
• extra wipes
• Diaper Pail (Diaper Champ, Diaper Genie) Place next to changing table
• Hamper- place next to changing table. One that is tall or has a lid will help to avoid your toddler from removing/playing in the dirty clothes (out of sight our of mind).
• Trash Can - near changing table is helpful
• Dresser or chest of Drawers
• drawer organizers to corral small onsies, hats ect.
• non-tip straps to attach it to wall
• scented baby drawer liners
• Closet Organizer
• over door/closet rod shoe organizer w/ clear pockets for socks, baby shoes, paci's ect.
• double rod converter since clothes will be short or fill extra space below clothes with plastic storage drawers for toys, clothes yet to be grown into, ect.
• box to transition outgrown outfits/toys into storage
• Rocker - with padded arms and a footstool
• boppy or other nursing pillow
• locate near basket or night stand for creams, books, water, bottle warmer, ect for mom/dad and bedtime story books for baby
• adult size blanket for you during mid night feedings
• Dim Lamp
• Clock - choose one you can read at night if you will be timing feedings.
• Night Light
• Music Box/CD Player
• Toy Box or baskets (under crib baskets or drawer is nice until matress is set to lowest setting)
• Bookshelf - easily accessible to toddlers
• anti tip brackets
• lots of great board books!
• facing the colorful bookcovers out rather than the spines attracts young readers!
• Room darkening window shade with valance
• window safety lock
• avoid long curtains for toddlers
• Child Size table and chair(s) (older baby)
• Area Rug (non slip backing) for rooms with hard floor

Of course there are many other items that you may want in your nursery, but these are some of the essentials.  Making sure the room is one that you enjoy being in, is calming, safe, and well organized will make the many hours you spend there pleasant for you and your baby.