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Isometric floor plan of our living room and tatami playroom, with the baby gear in place

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What's in this room この部屋にあるもの

  • Baby cribBaby cribベビーベッド

    Cribs are huge and you only use them for so long, so we went compact and rental. If you are 145cm or taller, get the high type — you can change diapers without breaking your back. And returning a rental beats the hassle of reselling.

  • Baby gateBaby gateベビーゲート

    It locks itself behind you — no more wondering whether you closed it. Made by Iris Ohyama, a very reliable maker.

  • Play matPlay matジョイントマット

    For value for money, Nitori mats are the best in my book. Lose or damage a piece and you just pick up another 9-pack at the nearest store.

  • Picture book shelfPicture book shelf絵本棚

    Reviews are low because assembly is rough — but once built it is seriously durable, and far less likely to topple when your toddler hangs on it than its plastic counterparts. Toy storage underneath, too.

  • Diaper pailDiaper pailおむつゴミ箱

    You will change roughly 10 diapers a day. Lifting a lid every single time is a chore and not great hygienically — a pail you can just drop into is a lifesaver.

  • Baby monitorBaby monitorベビーモニター

    For naps in another room. Why we picked a no-Wi-Fi model, and where to mount it.

  • Highback sofaHighback sofaハイバックソファ

    The high back supports you to the neck — a lifesaver for nursing. Low arms play nicely with a nursing pillow.

  • Baby movement sensorBaby movement sensorベビーセンサー

    Sensor pads under the mattress watch for movement. The same one our maternity hospital used — we sleep easier.

  • Kids partitionKids partitionキッズパーティション

    Keeps the window zone off-limits for the baby. Bonus: one panel is a built-in toy board.

  • Diaper caddyDiaper caddyおむつストッカー

    Diapers, wipes, lotion and pet sheets (as changing pads) in one place — right next to the crib, where it matters. The lid keeps dust off the diapers.

  • Nursing pillowNursing pillow授乳クッション

    Our nursing companion. The bundled mini pillow is the sleeper hit — just right for propping up the baby’s head while breastfeeding.

  • Electric nasal aspiratorElectric nasal aspirator電動鼻吸い器

    In active duty at our house — and it will be until our daughter can blow her own nose. Strong suction without hurting the nasal cavity. Very effective.

  • Baby bouncerBaby bouncerバウンサー

    Ours is this cost-effective one. Being able to park the baby without holding them is priceless at mealtimes. Also, something about this position makes babies poop a lot — consider yourself warned.

  • Baby carrierBaby carrier抱っこ紐

    After looking at and trying on many, we settled on the BabyBjörn Harmony. Very secure, and even a very inflexible person like me can put it on quickly.

  • Thermo-hygrometerThermo-hygrometer温湿度計

    Good baby sleep starts at 20–24°C and 50–60% humidity. Read the numbers, not your gut.

  • Humidifying air purifierHumidifying air purifier加湿空気清浄機

    Keep the air as clean as you can for the baby. Daikin is the world’s largest air-conditioning maker by revenue and the domestic share leader in commercial AC — the brand professionals run. (I love their air conditioners, too.)