As expecting parents, you’ll find some parts of pregnancy exciting, others challenging, and occasionally find time for a bit of good old-fashioned terror (in my experience). But there are aspects of waiting for a little one that are enjoyable and relaxing, and preparing your home for pitter-pattering is one of those.
But while this is a happy and enjoyable time for both parents-to-be, it does require quite a bit of organisation. When your baby arrives for the first time you’ll be scrambling around enough changing nappies, heating bottles, or trying to cobble together a meal without having to suddenly baby-proof those cupboard doors, or fence off that cluster of cacti. So, here to help you out is a practical guide to preparing your home for a new baby.
Planning
The first step in any successful home project is planning. No plan is water-tight, but getting a sense of your space, budget, and needs is essential. Also, take into account how much time you have to complete your baby-prep — it’s easy to let time slip by, and before you know it a new person has invaded your home.
Create a realistic budget, allowing for some unforeseen expenses (there usually are some). You’ll need to spend some time assessing your space, as safety is paramount with a baby knocking around. It’s also the time to plan the nursery, or whichever space the baby will spend time sleeping and playing in — figure out your design concept and materials ahead of time.
Safety first
If there’s trouble to be found, a baby will find it, especially as they begin to explore their surroundings. A newborn will stay more or less where you put it, but now is the time to address any unsafe wiring, damp patches, etc. Prepare for a more mobile baby by installing power outlet covers so little fingers can’t poke around where the current is.
Babies (especially toddlers) love to trap their fingers in doors and drawers, so invest in some cabinet latches or other solutions as a pre-emptive measure. Also, if you have large, unsteady bookshelves, now is the time to get rid of them, or place them somewhere far out of the baby’s range.
Nursery
Your baby will spend most of their at-home time in the nursery, at least at first. It’s easy for new parents to go overboard decorating the room, but really, less is more. The idea is to create a comfortable, safe space that your baby will feel secure and relaxed in, so cluttering the place with too many toys, or plastering the walls with cartoon rabbits, etc can make it seem claustrophobic to a little one. Bear that in mind when you choose a colour scheme — save the hot pink feature wall for another room. Sometimes a simple keepsake to remind you of the physical and emotional journey of your pregnancy is a nice touch.
Furniture should be minimal but of high quality. You’ll need a crib, a dresser, and a changing table (these often come with storage or at least a shelf underneath), and you can get away with not much else if you’re pushed for space. If you’re blessed with space in abundance, you can create a zonal nursery, with safe places to crawl into and play.
Supplies
Newborn babies get through tons of stuff, and it’s always better to have more than you need, or late-night trips to the grocery store or pharmacy are on the cards. Here are some of the things you’re going to need:
- Nappies – A no-brainer, really. Make sure you have loads, and they’re newborn-sized.
- Wipes – You can find unscented, alcohol-free varieties, which shouldn’t irritate your baby’s backside.
- Onesies – Jumpsuits, baby-gros, whatever you call them, you’ll need a lot. Nappies leak, babies spit up or straight out spew, so be prepared for multiple clothes changes per day.
- Bottles and formula – If you’re not breastfeeding then make sure you have plenty of formula, not something good to run out of at night.
You’ll also need sheets and blankets for sleep time, and a wealth of muslin cloths to clean the inevitable tsunami of bodily fluid that will emerge from your baby at various points during the day.
Preparing yourself
We’ve discussed preparing for the baby’s wellbeing, but what about yours? If you’re a first-time parent you’ll have heard rumours that having a newborn is a tiring time. When the newborn arrives you won’t believe how tired a human can be. So stock up on sleep and rest before your bundle appears!
When you’re exhausted and pushed for time, cooking meals is a massive inconvenience, and constant take-out isn’t good for waistlines or general health. So preparing meals in advance and stocking your freezer will pay dividends. Even better, get friends or family to chip in with their signature dishes.
Getting ready for a baby can be stressful and enjoyable in equal measure. But you cannot over-prepare for the little one’s arrival, and you’ll thank yourself if your home is newborn-ready on B-Day.
