Getting your home ready for baby
You don't need a perfect nursery. Set up a safe place to sleep, a changing spot and a calm corner for feeding, and do a few safety checks while you have time.
A newborn needs much less space than you might think. For the first six months, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or bassinet in the same room as you, so a separate nursery can wait. What matters most is a safe place to sleep, somewhere to change diapers and a comfortable spot for feeding.
A safe place to sleep
Set up the crib or bassinet in your bedroom, away from windows, blind cords, heaters and direct sunlight.
Your baby should sleep on their back, in their own sleep space, for every sleep. The safe sleep article explains this in more detail.
A changing spot
You don't need a special changing table. A changing pad on the floor is the safest option, because your baby can't fall from it. Keep everything within arm's reach so you never need to step away. If your home has stairs, a small changing kit on each floor saves a lot of trips.
Never leave your baby alone on a changing table, bed or couch, even for a moment. Even very young babies can wriggle and fall.
A feeding corner
Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed or both, you'll spend many hours feeding. Choose a comfortable chair, or a spot on the couch with good back support, and keep a pillow for your arm, a drink of water, snacks and a phone charger within reach. A small lamp helps with night feeds without fully waking everyone.
Bath time
Newborns don't need a bath every day. A baby bath, a clean sink or a shallow bath all work. Run the water first and check it with your elbow or a bath thermometer: it should feel warm, not hot. Have a towel and clean clothes ready before you start.
Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a few seconds. If you need to answer the door or the phone, take your baby with you.
Safety checks worth doing now
If you have a dog or a cat, start getting them used to the changes now, and never leave a pet alone with your baby.
Getting the rest of the house ready
The weeks after birth are easier when daily life almost runs itself. Cook and freeze a few simple meals, stock up on household basics, and wash some baby clothes and bedding before the birth. Write a short list of jobs friends and family could help with, so you have an answer ready when they ask.
If you have older children, involve them in getting ready, like choosing a toy for the baby or helping set up the room. It can help them feel part of the change rather than left out.
Do one small job each week rather than everything at once. A safe place to sleep, a few clothes and some diapers are enough to welcome your baby home.
For information only — not medical advice. If something doesn't feel right, contact your midwife or doctor.
Sources
NHS — Your pregnancy and baby guide (nhs.uk/pregnancy)
ACOG — Patient FAQs (acog.org/womens-health/faqs)
WHO — Recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience
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