When you have the impending arrival of a newborn on your mind, it’s natural to feel stressed and anxious about what might lie ahead. To cope with such feelings, utilize strategies to be as organized as possible. 
Think about ways to get your home ready for a baby, so you’re not trying to deal with the challenges of being a new parent at the same time as getting your house in order. Here are some tips for success you can follow over the coming months.
Consider Safety
Start by looking at your home with fresh eyes, from a safety perspective. Your baby may not be able to move around independently for months, but most new parents find that their bub is crawling and getting into things before they know it. It’s essential to prepare now by getting rid of or locking away potential hazards, rather than trying to do so once you have a newborn to cope with.
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Store cleaning products, chemicals, medication, and related items out of sight and out of reach, preferably in locked cupboards. Also, baby-proof things with the plastic attachments that make it next to impossible for little ones to open doors or drawers by themselves.
It pays to move heavy objects such as statues, trophies, vases, etc. away from the tops of tables or low shelves. This way, your child won’t accidentally pull something weighty down onto themselves as they start learning to stand up.
Also, lock guns away safely and keep ammunition out of firearms and stowed in a separate spot for extra security. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors too, if you don’t already have them, or check those in your property if you do. Plus, purchase and correctly install a car seat to bring your baby home and transport them safely at other times.
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Declutter and Organize
Once you have a newborn at home, you’ll probably be amazed by how quickly all the associated baby “stuff” adds up in your house. To avoid getting overwhelmed and stressed by rooms and storage spaces bursting at the seams, take the time to declutter before bub arrives.
Once you’ve completed this job, file papers and finish any administration jobs you’ve been putting off, such as making a will, getting insurance, or completing your taxes for the year. Doing this in advance will save you plenty of worrying when you’re sleep-deprived and struggling to concentrate.
Clean
While you’ll need to keep cleaning once you have your newborn at home, it’s wise to do a big spring clean before the birth. Enlist the help of your partner, older children, parents, or other close family members or friends to help you do a thorough, deep scrub of all the areas of your home, inside and out.
This way, you can bring your little one home from the hospital knowing they’re coming into a spotless environment. Also, once you do this big job, it’s easier to maintain your house from then on.
Set Up a Nursery
Setting up the nursery for your baby is one of the most fun jobs you can work on before they arrive. Even if you don’t have a spare bedroom to turn into a dedicated zone for them, at least partition off a quiet area somewhere. You want to increase the chances they sleep well, particularly in those challenging first few months.
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Choose a safe crib for them that adheres to all the current safety standards, and a comfortable, hypoallergenic mattress. It also pays to invest in a quality, organic waterproof pad protector to keep the mattress safe from moisture. Purchase soft bedding made from natural, breathable materials, too.
Be sure to fit-out the nursery with the essentials you’ll need as a mother. For example, new moms require a comfortable chair or glider to rock and nurse their baby in. You also need a changing table at an adequate height that doesn’t leave you bending over too much when taking care of your bub’s “ones or twos.” Add in a lamp with soft lighting to see by in the middle of the night without disturbing your little one’s rest, plus some soothing décor to finish the space. 
Stock Up
To make life easier on yourself when you have a newborn, stock up on relevant food, toiletry, and baby essentials before bub is born. For instance, you’ll need a good supply of diapers, wipes, and burp cloths, plus pre-made meals you can freeze, and lots of pantry staples.
Ensure you have plenty of laundry detergent and other cleaning materials, too. Whatever you can do now to save yourself trips to the store later will be a blessing.
Bringing a baby into the world is a joyous and momentous occasion. However, it’s also full of ups and downs. Be kind to yourself by handling as much preparation as you can in advance.
