Transitioning from having plenty of space in your home and moving around freely without worrying about hazards that could hurt a child to making space for a baby, not just in their nursery, but throughout the house. And also ensuring that everything’s safe for the baby. As exciting as it is, it can also be overwhelming. That’s what preparing your home for a baby looks like.
I want to share practical tips for parents to make your home comfortable and welcoming.
1. Choosing Co-sleeping in the bedroom over the nursery
There’s no pressure to finish the nursery before the baby is born, especially if you know you’ll co-sleep with your baby for the first couple of months. Unless you’re like me and know you’ll co-sleep but still want your nursery done before the baby arrives. I would rather be overprepared than underprepared, and if that’s you, too, that’s completely okay.
If you’re skipping the nursery completely or don’t have the space for it, making space in your bedroom is more common than you would think. Having the essentials to keep that baby comfortable and safe is more than enough.
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Bedroom Essentials
Here are some essentials that you’re going to need for the baby if you choose to co-sleep in your bedroom:
- Bedside bassinet or mini crib
- A warm, low night light
- Diaper Caddy with diapers and wipes, as well as diaper cream, a burp cloth or two, and an extra onesie
- Nursing pillows or supportive cushions
- A water bottle and a small snack for you
- White noise machine
- Extra linen nearby
2. Creating a cozy, functional Nursery
Creating a nursery is probably the most exciting part before you welcome your new baby. As soon as you find out the baby’s gender, Pinterest will probably be your go-to app. See my latest post on creating a nursery from scratch.
You can do as little or as much as you want for your nursery. A lot of people tend to go overboard with decor, and that’s completely okay. That doesn’t mean you have to, either. Whatever you choose to do, whatever you’re able to do, I guarantee you it’s enough.
The most important part is having the essentials, not a long list of things that TikTok tells you you need. Preparing your home for a baby doesn’t take as much as the internet says. Keep that in mind as you plan for your baby’s arrival.
If you have the time and money, absolutely do and get whatever gets you excited.
Essentials that you’ll need for the nursery:
- Crib
- Changing station
- Storage for diapers and clothes
- Soft lighting
- A rocking chair
- Small side table
- White noise
3. Organize your daily life
I started getting my house in order months before my baby’s arrival. I went through every room, organized every corner, and then created a system to keep my house in order even after the baby was born.
Now, there’s no such thing as keeping your house completely spotless, especially with a baby and sleep deprivation; you’re going to have days when things feel chaotic. But you can absolutely prepare your home before your baby arrives, and it will help tremendously once they’re here.
Getting organized before your baby’s born
- Deep clean your house – you only need to do this once
- Weekly light cleaning throughout the house
- Do laundry at least once a week
- Organize your laundry after wash day (don’t leave it to pile up)
- Keep your linen and towel closet organized
- Stock up on basics for the baby: diapers, wipes, burp cloths, formula/breastfeeding supplies
- Create “mini stations” around the house for convenience (diaper caddy, bedside supplies)
- Meal prep or freeze meals for the early weeks
4. Prepare your mind and heart
I’m the type of person who likes to prepare in advance, so I’m not completely caught off guard or unprepared when the time comes. Preparing your home for a baby also means practicing self-care and mental preparation before the baby arrives.
Set up a peaceful corner for yourself. Pick the feeling before the spot: a part of your house that makes you feel grounded and rested, safe enough to exhale. Keep it visually quiet; your brain is already doing a lot. Get a soft throw, a dim lamp, and a calming scent, maybe a background sound too. This tells your body that you’re allowed to slow down now.
Accept help from friends and family. This might be easier said than done, but you’ll need a village right now. Also, remember that your house doesn’t have to be perfect.
5. Make your home welcoming
Welcoming your newborn home might feel new, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Keep your daily routines simple and flexible. Don’t overwork yourself trying to juggle everything at once. Slow down and take in every special moment of becoming a mom. Remember to spend time in your peaceful corner, and make time for family bonding, too. Take it one day at a time, that’s how you reach milestones and get to the other side, not by rushing or forcing, simply by doing what you can in the moment.
You don’t need the perfect home; love, preparation, and small, practical steps matter most. This is the start of a new chapter, as new and uncertain as it feels, you’re going to be just fine, take a deep breath, and ask for help when you need it.
What are some of your nesting tips or experiences?
