Holding a new baby home is one of the grand miracles of life that you are ever likely to encounter in your lifetime. While the wait is exciting it is quite expected to feel somewhat overwhelmed as you plan and get ready for the new member of the family. It is therefore encouraged to plan in advance so as to facilitate your transition and ensure that everything is set for your new born baby. 

Let’s take a look at how to plan a baby's arrival at home.

Baby’s Arrival at Home

Here are a few tips on preparing for a baby's arrival at home. 

Set Up the Nursery

One of the main concerns that should be addressed first is to choose the environment where your baby will be sleeping and spending time.

• Choose the Right Crib: The crib must be safe, free from paint that can be ingested as well as provide a firm mattress and fitted sheets. Do not use blankets in the crib and do not allow the baby to use any pillow or stuffed toys in the crib.

• Organise the Changing Area: When packing, ensure that diapers, wipes, creams and additional clothes are easily accessible as this is a frequently use area. It is recommended to use a diaper pail which has a lid on it to help curb the smell.

• Create a Feeding Area: Regardless of the feeding technique that you are planning to use, choose a comfortable area with a chair, sufficient soft pillows, and a side table where you can place the feeding bottles, burp clothes among other items.

• Consider Lighting: Dimmable sources of light are perfect to use when changing a baby in the middle of the night and during feedings. In this case, it is advisable to use a small night light that emits sufficient light in the room to help soothe the baby without fully waking him or her up.

Stock Up on Essentials

Providing for all your baby needs right from the start will help in easing your first days at home with your baby.

• Diapers and Wipes: You should however purchase diapers of all sizes as babies grow so fast. Also, it is advised to have as many wipes as possible and some diaper rash cream.

• Clothing: Buy a set of onesies, sleepers and swaddles. Rather select the clothes made of loose, soft and light fabrics so that you feel light and comfortable in your dressing. Do not forget about hats and socks for your baby to dress her up properly in order to be warm.

• Feeding Supplies: If it’s still light and you are breastfeeding you should ensure that you are ready with nursing bras, pads and a breast pump. When bottle-feeding, you will need bottles, nipples, formula if you are not breast milk and a steriliser.

• Bathing and Grooming: Bring baby friendly shampoo, body wash as well as a baby towel for the bathing session. A baby bathtub and washcloths will also be needed in order to make bathing a less difficult task. You shouldn’t leave home without essential items such as a baby brush, a nail clipper and even a digital thermometer.

Baby-Proof Your Home

Transporting a newborn baby home can be very risky and thus the following are the Dos and Don’ts of transporting a newborn baby home. As the child will not be moving around, though, it is never too early to start baby proofing.

• Secure Furniture: This is the technique of securing all the large and cumbersome bookcases, dressers among others to the wall to avoid toppling over. Make sure that the crib does not stand in front of a window, any cord or blind.

• Install Safety Gates: If there are stairs at home make sure that you have put safety gates at the top and the bottom to avoid falls.

• Check for Hazards: Take off small projects, anything that a baby might try to swallow and sharp objects from places where the baby will be. Electric sockets should be covered and the cords need to be placed where children cannot reach them.

• Monitor the Temperature: Maintain a comfortable home environment for your baby, it means regulating the temperature in your home. There is always a baby monitor with an option to have temperature sensors to help you with that.

Prepare for Postpartum Care

It is very crucial to ensure that you also pamper yourself after giving birth because being a mother of the newborn baby is a very demanding role. At least have a postpartum care station and it contains all that you will need for postpartum recovery.

• Comfort Items: Maternity pads, comfortable underwear and a peri bottle for postnatal use are some of the things needed. It may be useful to have a support pillow for feeding and comfortable sitting as well.

• Healthy Snacks and Hydration: Have snacks and a water bottle nearby and easily accessible so you’re well nourished for late-night feedings.

• Emotional Support: Once the emotions after giving birth are identified, it is even more likely that they will be overwhelming. Always ensure you have someone you can turn to in times of stress be it your spouse, parents or friends and never shy to call for assistance.

Organise Your Household

Organising a household refers to the preparation of organising one’s household in order to reduce the amount of stress before the coming of the baby.

• Meal Prep: If you are too tired to cook, make sure you have cooked and frozen meals which are healthy so that you don’t have to eat junk food. As you do your shopping also make sure that you have enough take and prepare foods since cooking may be a challenge for a while.

• Household Chores: It is advised that in the first weeks after moving one should hire personnel to clean or at least ask friends and family to assist with cleaning.

• Create a Budget: Now is the time to check your current financial situation and plan all the costs related to having a baby. Instances that you should consider putting on your monthly budget include diapers, formula, and childcare.

When planning for your baby's arrival at home, multiple things need to be prepared. It is not just about shopping for your baby's belongings. It’s about getting your life back together in the right order as you welcome this new addition you will be able to enjoy every single moment with your newborn. The important thing to note is that it is normal to seek for assistance and it’s perfectly fine to manage things step by step while beginning this amazing journey of becoming a parent.