How can I prepare my home before the arrival of my baby?

Preparing your home for your new baby is an exciting time for parents. Newborns don’t need too much other than love, milk and warmth, however there are some ‘essentials’ when it comes to getting your home ready for when your baby arrives.

Many parents use a checklist to help serve as a reminder for what they could need. If this is your first baby, expect to spend more time and money getting the essentials together.

Remember, you don’t need to buy everything new and you can save money by buying second hand, borrowing or recycling pre-used baby furniture and equipment.

Some things to consider are:

• where your baby is going to sleep.
• where and how you will feed your baby.
• buying bottles, feeding and sterilising equipment and formula if you’re not planning to breastfeed
• where you will bath, change your baby’s nappy and dress them
• storage and disposal of nappies
• buying or borrowing a pram

It can also be a good idea to make a list of emergency and support numbers in case you need them. The best time to do this is when you’re feeling calm and you can check with contacts that they’ll be available if you need them.

Before your baby arrives, you will also need to have a child car restraint (baby capsule) secured correctly in your car.

How do I prepare the nursery?

Cots and bassinets

Whether buying a cot or bassinette or using a second hand or used one, it’s important to make sure it is safe. When choosing a cot or bassinet:

• make sure it meets the guidelines for safety
• choose a clean, firm mattress that fits tightly against the cot or bassinette sides

Feeding station

You can create a comfortable feeding area with a:

• comfortable feeding chair
• lamp for night feeds
• footrest to support your legs and feet whilst you’re feeding

Changing area

Prepare a space for changing your baby’s nappy. Ideally:

• pick a change table which is the right height for you to prevent your back from hurting
• position items you’ll need close by
• focus on what’s practical and going to make your life easier

Storage solutions

Organise a storage space for your baby’s clothing. A chest of drawers, closet or wardrobe will help you to keep everything together.

What are the essential clothes and accessories for my newborn?

The amount of clothing needed for your baby depends on your laundry setup, where you live and the season your baby will be born. Like adults, babies need to be dressed according to the weather — dress them in less clothing in the warmer months and more layers when it’s cold.

Clothing

Some clothing options for your newborn include:

• jumpsuits — all-in-ones are a good idea (plan for frequent changes)
• nappies — decide if you want to use disposables or cloth
• wraps — muslin or cotton wraps for swaddling your baby
• sleeping bags with fitted neck and armholes are a good option for babies who are no longer being swaddled or wrapped
• weather-appropriate items such as singlets and bodysuits, beanies and socks — remember to always remove your baby’s head covering before they go to sleep

Accessories

• A baby bath is useful, otherwise you can use the kitchen sink or basin. Find a spot you can place the bath so you don’t need to bend over — avoid straining your back.
• Your baby also needs their own towel and a few washcloths.
• You will need enough cot sheets and baby blankets to have an extra while washing. Avoid using soft or fluffy blankets and make sure all blankets can be tucked in firmly.
• Toiletries such as a gentle baby bath wash, nappy wipes and some barrier cream for nappy changes will also be helpful.

What other baby items could be needed?

There are a lot of items available for babies. Consider some extra items in case you need them.

Personal care items for your baby:

• nail scissors
• baby hair brush
• saline nasal drops (in case your baby’s nose is blocked)

Other items to consider include:

• age-appropriate toys
• baby monitor
• dummies
• breast milk storage bags or containers
• nappy bag (for when you leave the house)

What are some essential items I might need?

There are many items that can help make life easier with a new baby. Ask your friends and family what they found useful and try to recycle what you already have.

Some essentials to help your feeding journey include:

• comfortable clothing with easy opening fronts to access your breasts if you’re planning to breastfeed
• a supply of breast pads which will help to absorb breast milk if you’re leaking
• maternity sanitary pads for postpartum bleeding to use in the first few weeks after having your baby
• comfortable underpants
• a large water bottle so you can monitor your fluid intake — this is especially important if you’re planning to breastfeed

Other things you may need include:

• a breast pump can be useful when you express breast milk — you may choose a manual or electric pump
• nipple cream can be soothing for tender nipples — available from pharmacies
• a breastfeeding pillow, or other large or long pillow — this can help position your baby during feeds

What else can I prepare before my baby arrives?

It can be helpful to prepare meals before your baby arrives. During your pregnancy, try to think about nutritious meals which can be cooked and frozen. Make sure you mark everything clearly and store correctly.

Another good tip is to practice online grocery ordering if you’ve not done this before. Having groceries delivered can be helpful in the early weeks and months of caring for a new baby.

Accept offers of food drops and meal preparation from caring family and friends. Most people are happy to help in any way they can and food is a nice way to connect with other people.

Resources and support

If you need more information about how to prepare your home for when your baby arrives speak with friends, family or your midwife or doctor.

Learn about Important things to talk about before you go home at The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria.

Visit Tresillian for a handy first baby checklist.

Read the Red Nose guide 10 Things Dads Can Do Now to Get Ready for Baby’s Arrival.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Visit Baby Coming You Ready — A culturally safe support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander parents-to-be and new parents.