Bringing a new baby home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Preparing your house for a baby involves more than just decorating a nursery. It means creating a safe, functional, and comfortable space for your growing family.
Whether you are a first-time parent or adding another little one to your household, these easy-to-follow tips will help you get your home baby-ready with minimal stress.
Start with Decluttering as you prepare for baby
One of the best first steps in preparing your house for a baby is to declutter. Babies may be small, but their gear and supplies can quickly take up significant space.
Go room by room and evaluate what you can donate, sell, or toss. Focus on clearing out areas where you will store baby items, such as closets, cabinets, and storage bins. Decluttering now will save you time and energy once the baby arrives.
Prioritize decluttering the spaces you will use the most, such as the nursery, living room, and kitchen. Create labeled bins for items you are keeping, donating, and discarding to stay organized.
Set Up a Functional Nursery
Designing the nursery is one of the most enjoyable parts of preparing for a baby. To ensure the space is both beautiful and practical, consider the following:
Crib Placement: Position the crib away from windows, cords, and wall decorations that could fall. Opt for a firm mattress and fitted sheets for safe sleep.
Storage Solutions: Invest in furniture that doubles as storage, such as a changing table with drawers or a crib with built-in compartments. Use bins and baskets to organize clothes, diapers, and toys. Add a lazy Susan in the nursery closet to organize baby shoes efficiently.
Comfortable Seating: Add a rocking chair or glider for late-night feedings. Place it near a small side table where you can keep essentials like burp cloths and water bottles.
Do not forget to baby-proof the nursery by securing heavy furniture to the walls and covering electrical outlets. You can also install acrylic or white floating shelves to display baby books, picture frames, and other decorative accessories.
Create a Baby Care Station in Key Areas
Having designated baby care stations in multiple rooms will make your life much easier. Stock these stations with essentials such as diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and a change of clothes. A portable caddy or storage bin works well to keep everything organized and within reach.
Key areas to consider include the living room, bedroom, and bathroom. This way, you will not have to run to the nursery every time you need something.
Baby-proof Your Home
Safety is a top priority when preparing your house for a baby. Even though newborns are not mobile, it is never too early to baby-proof. Conduct a thorough sweep of each room to identify and address potential hazards.
Secure Furniture: Anchor bookshelves, dressers, and televisions to prevent tipping.
Cabinet Locks: Install baby-proof locks on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, especially those storing cleaning supplies or other hazardous items. Pay particular attention to securely fastening the baby-proof lock on cabinets under the kitchen sink.
Corner Guards and Outlet Covers: Use corner guards on furniture with sharp edges and cover electrical sockets to prevent little fingers from exploring.
Organize the Kitchen
Your kitchen will play a significant role in your baby’s early days, especially if you are bottle-feeding or preparing baby food. Make it functional by creating a dedicated space for baby items.
Use a cabinet or drawer for storing baby-safe utensils, plates, and bowls. If space allows, dedicate a pantry shelf to baby supplies, such as formula, baby food, and snacks. A lazy Susan is an excellent accessory for organizing bottles, pacifiers, or baby snacks. Add a drying rack for bottles, nipples, and pump parts to keep them clean and easily accessible.
Stock Up on Essentials
Being well-stocked with baby essentials will save you from last-minute shopping trips. Some key items to have on hand include diapers in various sizes, wipes and diaper creams, onesies, sleepers, and swaddle blankets.
You will also want to make sure you have bottles, nipples, and a bottle brush along with a thermometer, baby nail clippers, and infant medications. Make sure to wash clothes, linens, and other items in a baby-safe detergent before use.
Plan for Laundry
Babies generate a surprising amount of laundry, from spit-up-covered onesies to soiled burp cloths. Setting up an efficient laundry system will help you stay on top of the workload.
Most baby clothing is delicate and should be air-dried. Use an expandable drying rack for this purpose. If space is tight, consider mounting a drying rack behind the bathroom door. Install hooks near the drying rack for baby towels and bathrobes.
Prepare for Overnight Feeds
Middle-of-the-night feedings are a reality for most new parents. To make these sessions as smooth as possible, create a feeding station near your bed. Include:
Bottles or a breast pump
Burp cloths and bibs
Water bottle and snacks for yourself
Keep a dim light or nightlight nearby to avoid waking the baby completely.
Set Up a Soothing Environment
Creating a calm and soothing environment is beneficial for both you and your baby. Invest in blackout curtains to help your baby nap during the day. A white noise machine or soft music can also promote better sleep. Use soft, warm lighting to create a cozy atmosphere, especially during nighttime routines.
Involve Older Siblings and Pets
If you have older children or pets, helping them adjust to the new baby is essential. For siblings, involve them in preparing the nursery or picking out baby clothes. Discuss what to expect when the baby comes home and emphasize their role as a big brother or sister.
For pets, gradually introduce them to baby sounds and scents. Consider setting up gates or boundaries if you want to keep certain areas off-limits.
Take Care of Yourself
Preparing your house for a baby is important, but so is taking care of yourself. Set up a space where you can relax and recharge, even if it is just a cozy chair with a good book. Stock up on healthy snacks and meals for those early days when cooking might feel like an impossible task.
You might also consider asking for help from family or friends to lighten the load. They can assist with tasks like cleaning, meal prep, or running errands.
Final Touches Before Baby Arrives
As your due date approaches, do a final walk-through of your home to ensure everything is in place. Wash bottles, organize the diaper bag, and stock the car with essentials like an installed car seat, extra diapers, and a change of clothes.
Check off your to-do list and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are ready to welcome your little one into a safe, organized, and loving home.
Preparing your house for a baby is an exciting journey that requires a mix of planning and flexibility. Follow these tips and you will create a space that is baby-friendly, functional, and enjoyable for your entire family. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Focus on what matters most: creating a loving and supportive environment for your new baby.
If you are looking for some new baby essentials, be sure to check out our shop where we share our must-have nursery and kid items.