While nine months may seem like a long time to prepare your home for a baby, we want you to be as ready as possible for the first few weeks of parenthood. Transforming your adult-like home to a baby-proofed sanctuary takes time, planning, and space for reorganization.
So whether you’re ready to start planning in advance or are only a few weeks away from bringing a child into your home, we’ve got the ultimate checklist for you.
Here are 14 things to help prepare your home for a baby.
If you’re an expectant parent, we don’t blame you for stumbling across this article. This checklist is one of the many tools you can use to guide yourself toward the journey of parenthood.
Let’s plan together...
If you’re planning to carry your child, you may want to consider a birthing class. You can never be too prepared for the physical and emotional labor of bringing a baby into the world. A class will teach you about the various breathing and pain relief techniques to help prepare your body for child birth.
It’s time to start decluttering and reorganizing because your home is about to become a hub for baby toys, baby gear, and…a baby! Take time to get rid of all the “stuff” you just don’t need anymore. You can sell things on Facebook Marketplace or donate to Goodwill, but don’t hold back.
HOT TIP: You should also start moving around furniture to make room for that the bigger baby gear, such as a swing or play pen. The more planning for adjustment, the better.
You don’t have to be an interior designer to create a beautiful space for you and your baby. Because you will likely spend just as much time as your child in this nursery, you will want it to be just as comfortable for you as well.
In terms of organizing your baby’s room, be sure to place the crib far enough away from any items that might pose a safety hazard, such as cords or blinds. You will also need things like a changing station, a comfy chair, and extra baskets and bins for things like books and toys.
As you plan for those first few weeks of parenthood, do a quick inventory of all the necessities in your household. Don’t be afraid to start hoarding toilet paper, paper towels, medication, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, pet food, etc. If you have the space to stock up, then definitely do so. This also includes necessities for your baby, such as diapers, onesies, burp cloths, cleaning ointments, baby wipes, baby formula...all of it.
Remember that one time you bumped your knee on the coffee table? Start thinking about all the places that could be potentially dangerous for your baby to bump into, chew on, grab ahold of, etc. Even though they won't be crawling or walking for quite some time, we recommend doing it now while you still have the energy to do so—because your baby is only going to get bigger, more mobile, and more curious as they get older.
If you’re not a meal prepper, it’s time to DM your favorite IG mom influencer and see how they do it. This will save you so much time and energy on shopping and cooking during those first few weeks as new parents. Simply cook some meals for you and your family in advance and freeze them for later use.
Yes, this is on our list of things to do when preparing your home for a newborn. You will need to prepare your fridge for excess breast milk, baby formula, and all those delicious premade meals your friends and family may bring over.
Before you welcome your child into your home, target all the germ hubs in your household. While most people think those are light switches and doorknobs, you’ll be surprised to know that kitchen sinks, dish rags, countertops, toothbrush holders—to name a few—are far worse, according to the National Sanitation Foundation International. Break out those sanitizing wipes and start cleaning.
Did you know that only 5% of babies are actually due on their due date? While pre-packing a hospital bag may seem like an easy task (which it is), you won’t want to put it off until the last minute.
HOT TIP: Bring the essentials, such as a bathrobe, socks, flip-flops or slippers, lip balm, body lotion, water spray, ear plugs, and even relaxing entertainment to pass the time.
You’ll want to wash all of the baby’s things before they come home. Remove any packagings, tags, or labels that could irritate sensitive skin and use detergent that’s free of dyes and perfumes.
Technically this isn’t a tip for your home, but getting your baby’s car seat installed is a huge step in preparing to have a baby. Be sure to test all the buckles and straps now so that you can secure your baby in it later without much hassle. And don’t throw away those car seat instructions—you may need them.
One of the best ways to get ready to have a baby is by choosing your baby’s healthcare provider. Give yourself plenty of time to find the right pediatrician so that you don’t have to worry about this at the last second. Keep in mind that your baby’s first appointment will be with them only a few days after birth.
If this is the first time you’re hearing this term, it’s because you need to take a babymoon. Take the opportunity to travel before bringing a child into your home and think of it as one last hurrah before the little one arrives.
Here at Daylight, we truly believe finding the right queer community to lean on and get support from as an LGBTQ+ parent will make the journey to parenthood so much better…and easier!
If you’re planning to welcome a child into your home within the next nine months, then you are ready to start preparing. You want to give yourself as much time as possible to have your home child-proofed, stocked up, and fully ready for your little one. Please feel free to reach out to our Family Building Coach Abdallah with any questions you may have.
