Preparing Your Home For The New Arrival: A Guide For New Parent

 This is an affiliated post. All opinions expressed are in agreement with my own.

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time for any family, but it can also be a bit daunting. There are so many things to do in preparation for the little one's arrival! This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to get your home ready for your new arrival. 

*That being said, if you are bringing a newborn home from the hospital, they will not be mobile for quite some time. If you can’t get all of these suggestions done before baby is born, you still have time!

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1) Start By Setting Up The Nursery.

This can be one of the most fun parts of preparing for your new arrival! Choose a theme, paint the walls, and set up the furniture. Don't forget to babyproof the room so that your little one can explore safely.

If you're not sure where to start, take a look at some inspiration online, in magazines, or read through buying guides, such as a baby furniture buying guide. There are endless possibilities when it comes to designing a nursery, so have fun with it!

Once you've got the nursery set up, it's time to start thinking about supplies. You'll need everything from diapers and wipes to bottles and formula (if you're not breastfeeding). It can be helpful to make a list of everything you need so that you don't forget anything. You can also ask friends or family members who have already had children for advice on what to buy.

If you're not sure how much of each item you'll need, err on the side of caution and buy more rather than less. It's better to have too much than not enough! Once you've got all of the supplies you need, it's time to start thinking about your own needs as a new parent.

*With my oldest, we rarely used a changing table. We would just change him on the floor in whichever room we were in. With my last two babies, I used the changing table all the time. It was easier on my back to have baby higher up. Some families never use a crib and make do with a pack & play. Each family is unique.

2) Prepare For Your Own Needs.

Once the baby is here, you'll be exhausted. You won't want to leave the house for anything, so make sure you have everything you need before the baby comes; stock up on groceries, toiletries, and any other essentials. If you're breastfeeding, get a good nursing pillow (I never had one and would just use whatever pillow was nearby). If you're formula-feeding, have plenty of bottles and formula on hand. Have a stash of snacks and drinks for yourself, too - you'll need your energy!

And don't forget about your partner! They'll be just as exhausted as you are, so make sure they have everything they need too.

Once the baby is here, your life will change dramatically. You won't be able to just drop everything and go out whenever you want. You'll need to plan your outings carefully and ensure you have everything you need before leaving the house. It's a good idea to get into this habit now, so start planning ahead and being more organized.

It's also essential to find some time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes a day. Once the baby arrives, you won't have much time for anything else. So make sure you schedule some time for yourself - even if it's just reading a book or taking a bath.

3) Prepare The House.

With a newborn, you will want to make sure the house is tidy to limit the amount of allergens. Before the baby starts crawling around, you'll want to make sure your home is safe for them. This means doing things like installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, covering electrical outlets, and putting locks on cabinets. You can find a complete list of things you need to do to babyproof your home online. Additionally, you should make sure any poisonous plants are out of reach and that no small objects are lying around that the baby could choke on.

When preparing your house for the new arrival, don't only concentrate on babyproofing. You should also ensure that your little one has a comfortable place to play and toys that will stimulate their development. It's a good idea to create a space in your living room or bedroom that's just for the baby. This can be as simple as setting up a playmat or putting together a small activity center.

If you have pets, it's important to prepare them for the new arrival as well. Introduce them to the baby's things gradually and make sure they understand that the baby is not a toy. It's also a good idea to keep them out of the nursery so that the baby has a calm place to sleep.

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4) Make The Outdoors Safe.

Spending time outdoors with your baby is an excellent way to bond, so make sure your yard is safe and inviting.

Assuming you will be spending time in your backyard with your new baby, making sure the space is safe is essential. Check the fencing around your property and ensure there are no gaps that a toddler or crawling baby could squeeze through. If you have a pool, install a child-proof fence around it. Remove any poisonous plants from your garden. Creating a safe and welcoming outdoor space will encourage you to spend time outdoors with your little one – an activity that can be very beneficial for bonding and development purposes.

Additionally, if you have a deck or patio, make sure it is in good repair and that there are no loose boards or nails. Inspect your outdoor furniture to ensure it is stable and free of sharp edges. Check for ant hills or signs of other insects that pose a risk to your little one.

5) Prepare The Family.

Of course, preparing your home for a new baby is not just about the physical space and material things. It's also about getting everyone in the family on board with the big change. This can be incredibly challenging if you have other children at home who are used to being the center of attention. Talk to your kids about the new baby and what it will mean for them in terms of changes to their routine and more sharing of mom and dad's time. Try to involve them as much as possible in preparations like painting the nursery or picking out clothes and toys, so they feel like they're a part of this exciting time too. We had our older children each choose a gift for the new baby to help them feel more involved.

In conclusion, there is a lot to think about when preparing your home for a new baby. But with a bit of planning and preparation, you can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. Remember, you don’t have to do all of this at once, or by the time baby is born. By following the tips in this guide, you can create a safe and inviting space for your new arrival, making life with a baby much more manageable.