Having a baby will transform your life as you know it, as caring for a newborn impacts every aspect of your day and night, no matter what your schedule. Starting a family requires getting yourself and your home ready to welcome your babe and provide them with everything that they need to thrive.
Welcoming your newborn into their new home is the first step, and it can be very intimidating to try and cover all bases to ensure they can settle in. Luckily you needn’t stress for much longer, as there are a few key areas that you can focus your efforts to properly prepare your property for the arrival of a baby.
So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of today to get your home ready in no time at all!
If You Choose to Breastfeed
It’s more than likely that your doctor or midwife may recommend breastfeeding your baby for at least the first 6 months, if not the first year. Breastfeeding your baby not only provides them with the nutrition they need but also helps them to build a strong bond with their mother through skin-on-skin contact.
Breastfeeding isn’t always a simple process, as there can be a number of difficulties that nearly all new mothers face during their breastfeeding period, but there are also a number of different solutions that can support you in getting back on track. Making sure you have these will benefit both you and your baby, so it’s most definitely a worthwhile process to research the ins and outs of breastfeeding techniques and equipment.
In order to breastfeed your babe successfully, hold them facing your breasts, with the front of their body facing towards yours, stomach to stomach. Their head should be in line with the rest of their body, not twisted in any way, to make it easier for them to swallow. Touch your baby’s lips with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth, and if they don’t, try squeezing a little milk (or colostrum) onto their lips. You’ll know they’re latched on when their chin and nose touch your breast. Many new mothers have trouble releasing their milk, so investing in a breast pump (or renting one from the hospital if available) in preparation can be of real benefit. If you use a breast pump you will need some extra items such as baby bottles, breast milk bags, and more!
Hygiene & Cleanliness
You may be expecting nothing but sunshine and rainbows when you welcome your baby into their new home, but within a couple of hours, you’ll no doubt be greeted with a terrifying scent wafting from their diaper like nothing you’ve ever experienced before (don’t worry – you’ll get used to it!).
Jokes aside, keeping your little one clean and content is important, as their skin is so sensitive. The most essential investment that you can make to keep your baby clean is, other than a mountain of baby wipes, is a small baby bath. You won’t be able to wash your baby in a full-sized bath or shower as they won’t have the strength to lift up their head to stay above water. Bathing a newborn takes time and care, as you need to use the right-sized basin, a comfortable water temperature, and baby-safe shampoo that won’t cause irritation.
Your baby’s skin will be too soft for a regular sponge, so you may wish to purchase a few soft alternatives that can help you to keep them clean. You should bathe your newborn around twice weekly, utilizing baby wipes when changing to keep them clean and fresh in-between bathing.
Having a dedicated changing station prepared and ready inside your home will make your life so much easier, so it’s a good idea to get this set up before your newborn arrives. You’ll need a changing mat that’s cushioned to keep them comfortable, a good stash of both diapers and wipes, and a quality body cream that you can apply to their legs and bottom to avoid diaper rash and discomfort. Hanging up some toys above your changing station will distract your baby and keep them happy whilst you change them.
Sleeping Arrangements
Preparing your baby’s sleeping arrangements should be your next port of call, as they need a safe space to rest that’s free from risk, close to you to ensure they don’t get stressed or anxious
Cots and cribs come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s best to take a look around before your baby arrives to find the most suitable option – bear in mind safety, your budget, and then any aesthetic requirements last. Never buy a baby bed just because it ‘looks nice’ without checking out how secure it is, as you don’t want to put them in harm’s way for the sake of interior design. You can invest in a night light that emits a soft glow so that your baby can see you next to them if they wake up during the night, as this can stop them from crying out to see whether you’re still there.
I’ve touched on only three necessary topics to help prep you for when the baby comes home. There’s a lot more so stay tuned!
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