Preparing Your Home for Baby: Practical Tips for Expectant Parents

Preparing home for a new baby is an exciting time for parents. While a newborn baby needs love, milk, and warmth, there are some “must-haves” when preparing your home for your baby’s arrival. 

Many parents use checklists to remind themselves what’s essential. If this is your first child, expect to spend more time and money getting the essentials. 

You don’t need to buy everything new and you can easily save money by buying second-hand, renting or recycling previously used children’s furniture and supplies. Things to consider include:

Where your baby will sleep 

Where and how you will feed your baby 

If you do not plan to breastfeed, please purchase bottles, feeding equipment, sterile equipment, and formula. Be prepared to agree to give the formula to the hospital if necessary. 

Places to bathe, change and change babies’ diapers 

Storage and disposal of diapers. 

Create an emergency list and helpline numbers if necessary. The best time to do this is when you are calm and can check your contacts and view your contacts whenever needed. 

How to Create a Nursery: 

Your baby needs a place other than your arms to sleep. According to rednose.org.au’s safe sleep recommendations, the safest place for babies aged 6 to 12 months is their own safe space – a room with their parent or caring adult. 

Most parents choose to install a bassinet or bassinet in their home for at least a few months until their baby develops regular eating and sleeping patterns.

Make sure there is space for your baby to change diapers. Ideally, you want a changing table that’s at the right height for you and doesn’t require you to bend over. Having the essentials on hand and focusing on the practical makes life easier.Provides storage space for baby clothes. Chests, closets, and cabinets will help you keep everything together. 

You should also ensure that the child seat is properly secured in the car before your child arrives. 

Clothes and accessories your newborn needs: 

How many clothes you need for your baby will depend on your washing and drying facilities. Another factor is where you live and what season your baby will be born. Just like adults, children should dress appropriately for the weather. Wear less clothing during warmer months and more layers during colder months. 

Jumpsuit – An all-in-one favourite. Allow frequent changes. 

Diapers – Decide whether to use disposable or cloth diapers. 

Swaddling – Wrapping your baby in muslin or cotton will help reassure him, “dampen” his startle response, and allow him to sleep on his back. 

Sleeping bags are a good option for babies who have stopped moving or wiggling. Make sure the sleeping bag you use has a strong neck, comfortable armholes, and no hood. 

When it’s cold, wear singlets, bodysuits, hats, and socks. Always remember to remove the head cover before your baby goes to sleep. 

A baby bath is convenient, but otherwise you can use the kitchen sink or basin. Take the time to think about where you’ll sit in the shower so you don’t bend over and strain your lower back. 

Baby towels and washcloths. 

fitted sheets and 1-2 baby blankets. Avoid using soft blankets; instead, use blankets that have a firm grip.

Bath amenities – baby bath wash, diaper wipes, barrier cream for changing diapers.

What You Should Have Ask your friends and family what they think would be really helpful. Aim to recycle what you already have. 

If you plan to breastfeed, wear comfortable clothes that are open in the front to allow easy access to your breasts. Keep breast pads on hand to help absorb breast milk if your breast milk leaks. Two nursing pillows help keep your baby in the right feeding position. 

A breast pump may be useful for expressing milk. When you’re pregnant, research manual and electric pumps to see what’s available to you. 

Keep a stock of sanitary napkins for maternity use. You’ll need dozens of them in the first week after your baby is born. 

Comfortable Pants. You should not expect to return to your pre-pregnancy weight or height for at least 12 months after giving birth. 6 Nipple creams available in pharmacies can be very soothing to tender breasts. 

Carry at least a 1 litre water bottle with you so that you can monitor your fluid intake. This is especially important if you plan to breastfeed. 

Food preparation: 

During pregnancy, try to think of nutritious meals that you can prepare and store. Please mark everything clearly and store it properly. 

If you’ve never ordered groceries online before, practice. Grocery delivery can be helpful during the first few weeks and months of caring for a newborn. 

Accept all offers of food drops and meal preparation from caring family members and friends. Most people are happy to help in any way they can. Food is a great way to share connections with others.

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