When you are expecting for the first time, you have many things on your mind, from mum’s health to the safety of your newborn. Excitement builds as you count the weeks until your due date and monitor the baby’s development with ultrasound scans. Everyone has a slightly different method of parenting, but the most important things that every parent needs to prepare for during the first months are the baby’s sleep, clothing, nutrition, and nappy changing. Check out the following tips to help prepare your home for a new baby.
Planning a space
The first thing you will have to decide is how to make space in your home for your baby without going over your budget. They will need their own bedroom eventually, but newborns can sleep in the same room as their parents in the early days. It is safer to keep them in the room with you for the first months or years. Lucas is 2 and still co-sleeps with me. In addition to the basic items listed below, you will need to make space in your home for accessories like a bouncer, swing, carrier, toys, and play equipment.
Sweet dreams for your baby
There are so many different sleep methods to consider. You might choose to have the baby sleep in a crib or co-sleep right next to you. There are benefits and drawbacks to any method, so you will have to research each method and decide what you prefer. Be aware of safety guidelines for soft objects like pillows and teddies. Measure your bedroom or the bedroom where your baby will sleep to see how furniture can be arranged to suit your needs.
When your baby sleeps, you will be able to sleep. Create a comfortable sleep environment to lull your baby to sleep more easily. Install window shutters to block out light at night to ensure a more restful sleep.
Changing station
Nappy changing is not a glamourous aspect of having a new baby, but it is necessary. The changing station is another setup that is selected to fit the family’s needs. If you choose a full-sized crib for your baby, it might come with an attached changing station. Otherwise, you will need to decide where to change your little one.
It is ideal to set up a changing station near where your baby sleeps because nappy changing is an around-the-clock job. Some parents who have small living quarters might want to purchase a changing pad and change the baby on their bed. Other parents have more than one place to change nappies set up around the house. Just make sure that you have nappies and supplies within reach so you can keep one hand on the baby. I had changing mats downstairs and upstairs. We also had an attachable changing table that went on top of the cot but we never used this.
Small storage for tiny clothes
Your tiny baby will grow quickly and will probably wear each outfit just a few times before they outgrow it. Plan a small storage dresser for their clothing. Keep it near where you change them for the occasions when they need a fresh change of clothes quickly.
In addition to buying clothing in a size that fits now, it’s always good to have a few outfits in a size or two larger. You will probably own a variety of baby clothing sizes before the baby arrives because you won’t know their size in advance. If you don’t have extra space in your wardrobe, keep these extra outfits in storage containers designed to fit under your bed or your baby’s crib.
Nursing and bottle supplies
Breastfeeding can be a sensitive subject for many mums. The best-laid plans to breastfeed might not work out as you expected, and that’s okay. If you plan to breastfeed, you might want to invest in a breast pump, which helps pump hindmilk after a feeding. Don’t be discouraged if you have challenges with supply. Some people keep infant milk formula on hand even if they breastfeed. It is a good idea to choose – or at least consider – nursing and bottle supplies now so you can make space in a cupboard.
Car seat for safety
A car seat is another essential item that you will need before your baby’s birth date. Check car seat reviews and current regulations to choose your baby’s car seat. The seat belt should latch snugly around the baby. You might have to remove their jacket or coat so they don’t slip around as a safety precaution.
There are loads of other baby items to purchase, but these are the primary items expectant parents should get in advance. I found it really helpful getting prepared before we had Lucas, there is enough to be thinking of with a newborn and it is a time you should treasure.