With a new baby on the way, there is much for you to think about. Not only do you need to consider the adjustments you will have to make in your usual schedule but you will need to prepare your home too! Just where are you supposed to start?
Well, where your home is concerned, here are some suggestions for your checklist.
#1: Check for any safety risks
We know your baby will be too young to crawl but it’s still important to deal with anything that could pose a danger to them. You need to plug up wall sockets, store away anything your baby might pop into their mouth, and install safety gates around your home. Check out our other childproofing tips for more ideas.
#2: Prepare a nursery
If your baby isn’t sleeping in your bedroom, now is the time to prepare a nursery for them. You need a crib, mattress, and bedding, for starters. You will need storage for their diapers, toys, and their outfits too. You might want to purchase a white noise machine to encourage your baby to sleep at night. And for their safety and your peace of mind, it’s also worth considering these baby breathing monitors from Babysense. You will need to consider all this, as well as the appropriate decor for your baby’s new sleeping space.
#3: Set up feeding stations
Your baby will be eating throughout the day in the beginning, so having feeding areas around your home will be useful. In theory, you only need one, but it might be handy to have a feeding station in the nursery, living room, and in your bedroom, as these are these are probably the areas where the two of you will be spending most of the time at home. As well as the bottle or breastfeeding products you will need, you might want to include jugs of water and snacks at each station as you will need to keep yourself hydrated and fed. Having a comfy chair to sit on at each station will help you too, as will a side table for your phone, books, and feeding essentials.
#4: De-clutter your home
If you think you don’t have enough space in your home now, know that you will have even less when your baby arrives. You will need storage downstairs for your baby’s toys, playmats, bouncy seats, diapers, lotions, etc., and you will need space in the kitchen for the items you need for feeding. You either need a bigger house OR you need to de-clutter. The latter option is usually the best option, so have a good clear out of things around the home, and perhaps purchase more storage to contain your baby’s items.
#5: Make room in your freezer
Finding time to cook will be difficult when your baby arrives so now is the time to make and freeze meals in preparation. Of course, you may have people that are willing to cook for you, so accept their help if they offer it. But just in case you could be left hungry, prepare a few meals so you can defrost and microwave them later.
Add these suggestions to your “to-do” list and your home will be one step closer to readiness for your baby’s arrival. We wish both you and your baby well as you enjoy your fully prepared home together!
