Ever wondered what you need to do to prepare your home for the arrival of your new one?
From setting up where your baby will sleep to setting up a few play stations and organizing all the little essentials, getting things in place early will help you avoid stress later. Plus, as you go through the process, you might even realize there are a few things you still need to buy!
In this blog post I’m going to share practical tips for preparing your home so that things will feel easy after your baby arrives (plus a few game-changing essentials I wish I had known about sooner!).
Prepare baby’s sleeping arrangement
Setting up a safe space where baby can sleep at night and during the day is very important. In the bedroom, they just need:
A bassinet or crib with a firm mattress – The next to me bassinet is a lifesaver for midnight feeds.
A few soft, fitted sheets – that are breathable and gentle on sensitive skin. You can also get silk sheets if you are concerned about preventing bald spots in baby.
A white noise machine – Babies love noise. It helps them fall asleep and stay asleep without being startled by abrupt sounds. This one is portable and rechargeable! We also love travelling with it. Speaking of travel, if you’re planning a trip with your baby, check out this popular post on must-have baby travel essentials.
Baby monitor – so you can keep an eye on your baby if you have to nip to somewhere else in the house.
You probably also need a secondary sleep space in the living room for daytime naps. This will mean you don’t always have to take your baby to the nursery or bedroom during nap times.
For this second sleep station, you don’t need to invest in an expensive second crib. A lightweight bassinet or travel crib work well for naps in the living room. You can often find very affordable options on Amazon. Alternatively, check out Facebook Marketplace or borrow one from a friend.
Set Up Multiple Stations for Convenience
Changing stations
Changing diapers is going to be part of everyday life with a newborn, and having more than one changing station makes things so much easier!
First, you should have a nursery station. This is your main setup with a changing table or dresser top and everything (wipes, nappy cream, moisturizer, nappies, nappy bag) neatly stored.
Then instead of always heading to the nursery for every diaper change, keep a second (or third!) mini station in the rooms where you spend the most time.
In the living Room – you can have a simple diaper caddy with wipes, diapers, nappy cream and a soft changing mat.
You can also have a similar caddy in your own bedroom.
This way, no matter where you are, diaper changes will be quick, easy, and stress-free.
Playing stations
The living room is where you probably spend most of your day, so this will likely be your baby’s go-to play spot.
Set up a soft play mat or rug to give your baby a comfortable surface for tummy time, rolling, and eventually crawling.
Babies also tend to enjoy looking up at dangling toys, so an activity gym is perfect to keep them entertained while strengthening their neck and tummy muscles.
You can also set up a bouncer/rocker. Bouncers/rockers tend to keep babies entertained or rocking for long enough so you get things done around the house.
Other than the living room, a small play setup in your bedroom or nursery will be beneficial. You don’t need a lot of toys here – just a portable basket with a few soft toys or teethers and a tummy time mat to keep your baby entertained while you’re getting ready for the day or winding down before bed.
Organise baby’s clothes
Organising your baby’s clothes is another important thing to do ahead of coming home with baby. There’s no right or wrong way to store them – just what works best for you.
First you can consider hanging some clothes – special outfits, dresses, and jackets. A great tip is to use use velvet baby hangers to keep them from slipping off.
Fold onesies, pajamas, and leggings so they fit perfectly in drawers or fabric storage bins for easy access.
These drawer dividers are a life saver when it comes to organising drawers, especially little socks, mittens, and hats. If you are short on drawer space, you should use this over the door shoe hanger with 48 pockets that can fit baby clothes.
Make a Cozy Feeding Spot (If you have the space for it)
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you’ll spend a ton of time sitting and feeding your baby. So it’s important to set up a comfy spot with some comfy pillows, a special nursing chair, and a little basket for snacks, nipple cream, and burp cloths.
While I didn’t have a special feeding chair, my health visitor showed me how to set up a pillow fortress for resting my back. It was the most comfortable arrangement ever-works on a bed or sofa. Please try it.
Declutter & Babyproof the Essentials
Your house doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect before the baby comes. But decluttering the key areas (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) will make life so much easier when you’re juggling a newborn.
1. Clear out a kitchen cabinet for baby bottles and pump parts. Bottle drying racks will help keep everything organised. Also, a microwave steriliser can double as a storage for bottles and breast pump parts.
2. Make space in the bathroom for baby bath stuff. Your baby’s bath, shampoo, towel and body wash need to have a place. If you’re not sure of what skincare products to buy check out this popular post.
3. Babyproof the basics – If you have older kids or pets, now’s the time to get these outlet covers and this furniture anchor kit. No need to overdo it just yet – babyproofing is a gradual process. Newborns aren’t mobile, so focus on the stuff they’ll use right away.
Stock Up on the Stuff You’ll Actually Use
Bringing a baby home is not the time to be making last-minute runs to the store. So it’s better to stock up on some home essentials before baby comes home.
1. Toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent – You’re about to do more laundry than ever before, so make sure you have a gentle, baby-safe detergent that won’t irritate their skin.
2.Snacks and hydrating drinks (for YOU!) – Because newborn life is unpredictable, and you won’t always have time to sit down for a full meal. Trust me, breastfeeding hunger is real, and having quick, grab-and-go snacks (like lactation or protein bars, or trail mix)will be a lifesaver.
3. Freezer meals & easy-to-make food – Some nights, cereal for dinner is totally acceptable – but having a few frozen meals or easy staples on hand will make life so much easier for the first few weeks when you’re still recovering and sleep deprived.
You’ll be so glad you prepped ahead.
Final Thoughts: A Home That Works for You & Your Baby
Preparing your home for a new baby doesn’t mean it has to be Pinterest-perfect or packed with every gadget on the market. It’s about setting up practical, cozy spaces that make life easier – whether it’s a well-stocked diaper station, a comfy play area, or a sleep spot that lets you rest without running back and forth.
