5 of 6

Write now Article Tools

The end of your pregnancy or the arrival of your adopted baby is approaching fast. You've begun to nest at this point and ponder what you really NEED to prepare your home for the arrival of the newborn on its way.

Relax, many of the items you see on TV or in your local baby store, while handy, are not essentials. Babies have a very small impact on your house when they are newborns. It will be several months before baby is even sitting up - much less crawling and getting into anything.

A Place To Sleep

Even a portable crib or a small bassinet will serve the babies sleeping needs for the first few weeks or months as baby becomes part of your household. Because babies wake to be fed every 2-3 hours for the first few weeks or months it is quite common for parents to keep a portable sleeping solution in their room until baby starts sleeping for longer periods of time - unless baby's room is already very near by. It is a good idea to clean/dust the room prior to baby's homecoming - just in case baby has any allergies - and because you are going to have your hands full once he/she arrives!

A Place To Change Diapers/Organize Supplies

Close to the crib should be a changing table or a sturdy/safe surface to put a changing mat on to change the baby. Within arms reach of this area keep all of your diapering supplies: diapers, wipes, rash ointment and a trash can or diaper pale. Lotions and powders are additional options to keep here, but not quite as necessary as the first four! The important factor is to never leave your baby unattended on a changing table or mat. Even at a very young age babies wiggle a lot and can roll right off in seconds. Many changing tables now come with a strap to assist with keeping infants in place, but they should not be relied upon too heavily.

A Comfortable Place to Feed Baby

You are going to spend a lot of time feeding the baby. Whether that means breastfeeding or bottle-feeding you need a space that you feel comfortable in to spend this frequent amount of time. I highly recommend some sort of rocking chair, but you can simulate the rocking motion even from a stationary seat. The rocking motion will help you to get your little one to fall back into a quiet sleep in the middle of the night (or day). Keep a supply of burp cloths near your feeding space. These don't need to be anything fancy, in fact, cloth diapers work well for this role.

A Clean Kitchen (With Refrigerator Space)

Even if you are breast-feeding there may be times that you need to store

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to prepare your home for a new baby?
We want to hear your view. Write now!