Baby on Board? Here’s How to Prepare Your Home

May 1, 2025

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting milestones, and bringing a newborn into a first home makes it even more special. But before the tiny socks and cuddly toys take over every room, a bit of smart planning and a few key upgrades can make a world of difference. It's all about creating a space that's safe, comfortable, and ready for all those precious firsts.

Babyproofing the Basics

When it comes to preparing for a baby, safety is the golden rule. It's surprising just how many everyday objects suddenly look like hazards through the eyes of a new parent.

Corner Protectors and Edge Guards: Sharp table edges and countertops are accidents waiting to happen once crawling begins. Softening these edges gives peace of mind.
Plug Socket Covers: Tiny fingers are curious by nature. Fitting covers on all accessible sockets is a simple but crucial step.
Cupboard and Drawer Locks: Babies have a knack for finding exactly what they shouldn't. Secure cupboards and drawers, especially those housing cleaning supplies or sharp objects.
Baby Gates: Install sturdy gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and consider using them to block access to kitchens or home offices.

The Flooring Upgrade

Babies spend a lot of time on the floor, whether it’s tummy time, crawling, or their first wobbly steps. Flooring that's soft, warm, and easy to clean makes life easier and safer.

Carpeted Areas: Plush carpets can cushion falls, but they can also trap allergens. If installing carpet, choose hypoallergenic materials and commit to regular deep cleaning.
Engineered Wood or LVT: Smooth surfaces are easier to keep hygienic. Pair hard flooring with soft rugs that have non-slip backings to create cosy play areas without sacrificing cleanliness.

Painting & Decorating

Freshening up the walls isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about health too.

Low-VOC Paints: Many paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which aren’t ideal for babies. Opting for low-VOC or VOC-free paints makes the nursery a safer space.
Neutral and Soothing Colours: Soft pastels and neutral shades can create a calming atmosphere, which is a blessing during those 3 a.m. rocking sessions.

Setting Up a Safe Sleep Space

Creating a perfect nursery is part of the fun, but safety should always be the priority.

The Cot: Choose a cot that meets the latest safety standards. It should have a firm mattress that fits snugly, with no gaps, and be free of fluffy bedding, pillows, or bumpers.
Room Temperature: Babies can’t regulate their body temperature very well. Investing in a good room thermometer and keeping the nursery between 16–20°C can help keep little ones safe and comfortable.
Baby Monitor: A reliable baby monitor is essential, whether it’s a basic audio model or a fancy one with video, temperature sensors, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Tidy Home, Tidy Mind

Babies may be small, but they come with a surprising amount of stuff. Think clever storage to keep clutter at bay.

Built-In Storage: Utilising vertical space with shelves and built-in wardrobes keeps the floor clear for playtime.
Multi-Functional Furniture: Ottomans with hidden compartments, cots with under-bed drawers, and changing tables that transform into dressers are real lifesavers.
Toy Baskets and Bins: Easy-access baskets encourage older babies and toddlers to start tidying up after themselves, which is a skill worth teaching early!

Kitchen & Feeding Set-Up

Feeding a baby, whether breast or bottle, requires a bit of kitchen reorganisation.

Steriliser Station: Set up a dedicated space for bottle sterilising equipment and feeding supplies.
Safe Storage: Ensure cleaning products and sharp tools are stored well out of reach.
High Chair Readiness: Although it’ll be a few months before a high chair is needed, making space for one early can avoid last-minute scrambles.

Bathroom Adjustments

Bath time can be a highlight of the day, if the bathroom is ready for it.

Non-Slip Mats: Install a non-slip mat both inside and outside the bath.
Baby Bath Support: These make the process safer and easier for newborns.
Temperature Control: A bath thermometer ensures water is just right; around 37°C is ideal.

A Home That Grows With the Baby

The final piece of advice? Think long-term. Babies grow at lightning speed, and today’s adorable nursery could be a bustling toddler's bedroom before there’s time to blink.

Choosing adaptable furniture, planning extra storage, and keeping spaces flexible will save time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road. Preparing a home for a baby isn't just about baby-proofing; it's about creating a sanctuary where memories can be made, milestones celebrated, and chaos embraced.

A little forward planning goes a long way towards a home that's as ready for a new arrival as its excited parents are.