Get your home set for your baby's arrival with our essential nesting tips
Feeling the urge to get everything in order ahead of your baby’s arrival? You’re not alone. In fact, ‘nesting’ – the process of preparing your home before giving birth – is thought to be driven by a biological urge shared by all mammals. Yep, really.
Many parents find some prep and decluttering helps them feel calmer about their baby's impending arrival. Just be cautious not to overexert yourself or cause any additional anxiety.
Your nursery doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’ – things can still be bought once your baby has been born and your little one won’t be judging the cleanliness levels in their new home!
Here are some suggestions for stress-free prepping...
Invest in the big things
There are some big-ticket items you’ll need from the get-go, best purchased in advance so you can spread the cost and research the best options for your family.
First things first, you'll need a car seat and/or a pram to bring your baby home from the hospital. For safe sleeping, a Moses basket or cot is another essential.
Pop your car seat in your vehicle and set up your pram and crib ahead of time, too. Instruction manuals and newborns are not a good mix!
Other useful investments for the first few months include:
Changing table and changing mat
Changing bag
Baby monitor
Breast pump, if expressing
Bottles and a steriliser, if expressing or formula feeding
Wondering how many items of clothing you'll require for baby? It can be easy to get carried away, and it is dependent on the season, but according to celebrity maternity concierge Tiffany Norris (@mummyconciergeHQ), a good rule of thumb is 7 sleepsuits, 7 short-sleeved vests, 3 cardigans, 2 hats and 7 bibs (and one special occasion outfit if you so desire!).
Sort the smaller kit
When you’re so focused on ticking off the big buys, it can be easy to forget some of the important extras required for life with a newborn.
If you’re concerned about the costs adding up, it can be a good idea to stock up gradually, adding one or two things to your weekly ASDA shop including:
Dummies, if using
Breast pads
Nipple balm, if breastfeeding
Nappies
Nappy sacks
Nappy cream
Wipes or cotton wool
Big knickers
Maternity pads
A soft comforter toy
Baby towels
Waterproof mattress cover and sheets for the crib
Muslin cloths
First aid kit
You might also like to prepare a 'feeding and changing' caddy that can easily be carried around your home. Stock it with wipes, nappies, nappy cream, nappy bags and a phone charger.
While your waters might not gush out all-of-a-sudden Hollywood-style, no one wants to be rushing around packing up overnight bags when they’re in labour.
Together with your partner, get your hospital bags sorted several weeks in advance so you both know what’s inside and where things are.
Along with clothes for you both, toiletries and nappy changing and feeding kit, Tiffany advises bringing:
An extension lead or extra-long phone charger since hospital plug sockets can be in awkward places
Soft loo roll because scratchy hospital tissue can be uncomfortable after birth
An eye mask to help you nod off in a bright or noisy hospital ward
A dark-coloured dressing gown to feel comfortable without worrying about stains from you or your baby!
For more info on packing your hospital bag, see here.
Organise the nursery
Do you have the space for your baby to have their own room? While it’s recommended that they sleep in your room for the first six months at least, it can be wise to get their nursery organised during your pregnancy, allowing for extra storage and dressing, feeding and playing with your baby later on. Plus, designing a nursery will be even trickier once your baby is actually here!
Want to add a personal touch without splashing the cash? Wall stickers, prints and some cosy, calming lighting can totally transform a room. Get sorted with some nifty wardrobe dividers and storage boxes, too.
Batch cooking is one of the savviest ways to spend your last few days before baby’s arrival. Once your little one is here, finding the time to cook healthy and nutritious meals can be tricky but it’s so important to ensure you’re properly fuelled.
ASDA has thousands of fast and faff-free recipe ideas or fill your freezer with some speedy and delicious ready meals.
Declutter and clean
You'll want to make space for all the gear required for a teeny person, as well as changing your home to reflect your impending lifestyle change. Cocktail shakers and shot glasses, we’re looking at you!
Get organised with some smart storage solutions and give your house a deep clean, if you can, since you're unlikely to get the chance soon! Don’t forget to wash your baby’s clothes in non-bio detergent and fabric conditioner. There really is nothing more exciting than seeing a teeny wardrobe hanging out to dry!
Finally, remember to take some time out to rest and enjoy one-to-one quality time with your partner. The final countdown can feel like a lot of waiting and anticipating, but there is also so much magic to be had just before your little one makes their arrival.
