Welcoming a new baby into your home is a thrilling and life-changing experience. While there's plenty of excitement surrounding the arrival of your little one, preparing your home to accommodate their needs and mass number of THINGS can feel overwhelming. With a bit of planning and organization, you can create a functional and comfortable environment for your new family member. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your house ready before your bundle of joy arrives.
1. Declutter and Simplify
Before you bring in all the new baby gear, take some time to declutter your home. Babies may be small, but the amount of stuff they require can be surprisingly extensive. Start by going through each room and identifying items you no longer need, use, or love. Donate or sell what you can, and responsibly dispose of the rest.
A simplified space will make it easier to accommodate baby essentials and will also reduce stress. A decluttered home is a more calming environment, which is crucial for both you and the baby.
2. Create a Functional Nursery
Designing the nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a baby! Think about functionality as much as aesthetics. Here are some key elements to consider:
Crib and Sleeping Area: Ensure the crib meets current safety standards and that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. For safety purposes, avoid using loose bedding, pillows, or toys inside the crib.
Changing Station: Set up a changing station that is easily accessible and stocked with diapers, wipes, creams, and a change of clothes. Use multi-compartment bins or drawer dividers to organize all items. Consider placing a diaper pail nearby to easily toss those dirty diapers in. There will be a lot of them!
Storage Solutions: Utilize storage bins and baskets to organize baby toys and gear in an aesthetic manner. If you have the space, we love to store toys in bins within a cubby bookcase. Use drawer dividers or linen cubes to organize baby clothes and pj’s in a dresser. Label storage areas to make it easier to find things in a hurry.
Comfort and Safety: Install blackout curtains for nap time, a baby monitor for peace of mind, and anchor furniture to the walls to prevent tipping as your child grows and becomes more mobile.
3. Prepare the Bathroom and Kitchen
Babies require a lot of cleaning, from bathing to bottle washing, so it's essential to have these areas organized:
Bathroom: Create a designated area for baby bath supplies such as gentle soaps, shampoos, towels, and a baby tub. Use an easy-to-clean storage bin to store all bath accessories. Store the bin under the sink or in the bathroom linen closet when not in use.
Kitchen: If you plan to bottle-feed, dedicate a section of your kitchen to bottle sterilization, drying, and storage. We love this space-saving drying rack as it takes up minimal space on the counter and can easily be tucked out of the way. Install drawer dividers under the cabinet where bottles are stored to organize bottle accessories.
4. Organize Baby’s Closet and Drawers
Since babies grow quickly, you’ll likely receive clothing in a variety of sizes, so it’s helpful to organize by size and season. Keep everyday items like onesies, footie pajamas, and burp clothes within easy reach, ideally in drawers using drawer dividers or linen cubes. Store more formal clothes like dresses, button-downs, and outerwear in the closet on slim velvet hangers. The velvet material will keep those adorable, tiny outfits from slipping off the hangers!
We always recommend setting up a storage bin in the closet for clothes your baby outgrows. This will keep closets from becoming overwhelmed and will make it easier to manage the rapid growth and clothing changes.
5. Set Up a Feeding Station
Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, setting up a designated feeding station or cart is a great way to stay organized. Keep essentials like burp cloths, water bottles, snacks for mom, pacifiers, and swaddles. If you’re breastfeeding, consider having a breastfeeding pillow and nipple cream within reach.
6. Stock Up on Essentials
Now is the time to stock up on baby essentials. Make a list of items you’ll need, such as diapers, wipes, formula, and baby toiletries. Having a well-stocked supply of these essentials will save you from unnecessary trips to the store during those first few weeks. Organize your supplies using bins, drawer organizer inserts and/or adjustable drawer dividers.
7. Prepare Your Home for Visitors
In the early days, you may have family and friends who want to visit and help. Prepare a guest area with fresh linens, towels, and toiletries. Having a designated “help yourself” space will make it easier to accommodate guests who may want to lend a helping hand.
8. Organize Medical Information and Emergency Contacts
Have a folder or digital file that contains important medical information, such as your pediatrician’s contact details, emergency numbers, and any necessary medical records. Being prepared for any emergency will provide peace of mind.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Baby-Proof Your Home
Safety is paramount when preparing for a new baby. Here are some baby-proofing basics:
Install Safety Gates: Place safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs and in doorways to restrict access to unsafe areas.
Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to protect little fingers from electrical shocks.
Secure Furniture and Appliances: Anchor heavy furniture and appliances to the walls to prevent them from tipping over.
Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install safety locks on cabinets and drawers, especially those containing hazardous materials like cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp objects.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for a baby takes thoughtful planning and organization, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By decluttering, organizing key areas, and ensuring safety, you can create a welcoming, functional environment that caters to your baby’s needs and makes your life easier. Remember, the goal is to create a space that allows you to focus on what truly matters: bonding with your new baby and enjoying the early days of parenthood.
If you need help organizing your home before your little one arrives, our professional organizing services are here to help. Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation and let us help you prepare your home for your new baby!
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