10 tips and hacks to prepare your home for a new baby

Bringing a new baby into the world is not an easy job. The worry and anxiety over planning everything with ultimate perfection can be really overwhelming.

The task of preparing your home for a new baby might seem overwhelming and confusing.

But don't worry, we’re here to the rescue!

Let's walk through this preparation journey towards solid steps and way less stress.

It's funny how the closer you get to your due date the more it’s both joyful and stressful, and that’s why, before we get to the “baby” part, we need to talk about you!

It is beneficial to take some time for yourself, to relax and pamper yourself. The great loving sacrifices you offer can be a bit scary or draining. Your own well-being is crucial and worthy

A deep clean is essential before your baby's arrival. Cleaning every room and every corner will keep the dust and such harmful elements away from your baby.

Here are some useful tips for an easy, yet efficient deep cleaning:

Divide your house into clear rooms and clear chores.

For example, you could name all the rooms in your house and then make a list of things to do in each of them: organize, hoover, build IKEA furniture, etc.

The task in hand: Focus on one task before jumping into another one.

Using chemical-free cleaning products, or made at home ones, will help protect your baby from the powerful chemical substances in cleaning products.

Use the best you can find, but remember, no need to beat yourself up with guilt if you couldn't find or afford some. Doing your best is enough!

Check out this great multipack of natural cleaning products from Alkimi.

No deep cleaning is done without facing the ugly monster “the clutter”.

I know, it's a nightmare of a task, but it’s worth the effort.

It's about time to declutter everything, literally everything in the house, even if it has nothing to do with the baby's stuff.

The kitchen, the living room, the garage, even your wardrobe!

No pressure if you're tight on time, but tackle what you can. Having an organised home without clutter everywhere will help you a lot. How, you ask? First of all, there will be fewer things to clean and tidy.

It's much easier to keep the house clean from the inside out when it is consistently being decluttered.

This will also give you more space that you will definitely appreciate when you have to fill every room with what you will need for the baby.

We usually prepare for everything and forget the need to be comfortable. Before expecting a baby, if it’s you first, you might have preferred beauty over comfort.

Now is the time to prepare your home, especially the rooms you'll use the most, which will probably be the living room and the bedroom (yes, even with the almost zero sleep time you'll get. Ironic huh?).

Prepare your rooms to fulfil your needs. A comfortable place to lie down, a station in every room with everything you will frequently reach out for. Believe me, by doing so, you’ll be the best friend of future you.

When it comes to the baby's nursery, I really think that less is more. Keep it minimal and organised.

This will make cleaning the room way easier, which will be a constant chore on your list.

It will also allow you to customise it to your baby's own personality as he/she grows up.

And let's be honest here, this would be super cute!

Making a specific corner or shelf for the baby’s stuff will come in handy. This will help you stay organized for longer.

You can designate a shelf and/or a drawer,or more, in the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, and your bedroom will help you find what you want quickly and in an efficient way.

Also, preparing an extra going-out bag with all you need when you’re out and about with your baby will be super helpful in emergencies.

Nappy bags are super efficient and practical. They are a great option to stay organized and ready for any surprises.

If you are, like me, totally in love with planning, then you're in for a treat!

That’s your chance to sit down, write different schedules and plans on how you would like to plan your days after your delivery and during the baby's first months.

Remember, most likely you will not be able to stick to a certain schedule, but this will help you figure out what is most important for you and will help with giving you the chance to find time for yourself.

These schedules will act as guidelines or ideas to build on while you’re overwhelmed with the cuteness, happiness, and also exhaustion of having a new baby.

I don't mean to confuse you, but when it comes to the baby's essentials, plan for more. More items and for a longer period of time.

Stocking up on more of what you will consistently use will help you feel less worried.

Planning to stock more nappies, extra clothes, baby powder.. etc. will allow you to avoid the stress of running out or urgent shopping trips.

Whether it's just your husband, your parents and in-laws, or your children if that's not your first, it is important to sit down and talk about having a new baby and how this will change some aspects of your lives.

Putting these changes on the table with practical solutions and maybe even code words for help when someone is very stressed or upset will help the siblings, and even you, to find support and safety in the midst of such a big change.

Please do not hesitate to ask for help. Your family and friends are there for you. You can talk to them, get to know who can help and how they might offer that help.

Some might help with babysitting, others might help with some chores when needed, like shopping, cooking or cleaning. Know your circle of supporters and delegate!

Asking for personal tips on every detail about the baby's safety is very important as well, as it will provide a broader perspective.

Whether it's your previous experiences, or of those around you, get to know their hacks and struggles. Reflecting on previous personal or general challenges of new moms will help you obtain a new perspective.

It will also show you that every child is different, so keep these challenges or hacks in mind but leave room for flexibility.

It’s a tiring long journey, but most worthy and fruitful.

And remember, every superhero deserves a uniform and motto, yours shouldn’t be decided by anyone but you.