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Pregnancy

      Preparing your house for your baby’s arrival

      Pregnant woman nursery

      The nesting instinct

      If you haven’t already had the urge to ‘nest’ you probably will soon. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly have an overwhelming desire to spring clean your home, or even to redecorate it from top to bottom! But don’t forget you don’t want to be going up and down ladders or shifting furniture so delegate the heavy-duty and physical tasks to someone else.

      The most important thing to do is make sure your home is ready for when you return home with your baby. Everything else can wait if it has to.

      Get the basics in place

      In reality you don’t need to do too much around the home to make it safe for your newborn baby. After all it’s going to be quite a while before they’re crawling around! Focus on having the basics in place - clothes for the baby, nappies, feeding equipment, blankets and a cot or moses basket. And make sure the baby’s room is organised. That way when you do come home with the baby you can focus on recuperating, relaxing and bonding with your new arrival. You can find out about what things you need to buy in advance here.

      Prepare some meals

      Your freezer will be a life-saver once your baby comes. Make sure it’s well stocked with tasty, home-cooked food while you have the chance. Prepare some casseroles or some other nutritious, filling meals that you can easily defrost, heat and eat. You’ll thank yourself for it after a busy day looking after your newborn!

      Don’t forget the car seat!

      Most hospitals won’t discharge your baby if you don’t have a car seat. So make sure you buy one in advance – and that both you and your partner know how to fit it.

      Coming home from hospital

      Remember to relax! Leave the housework to your partner. In the meantime, grab as much rest as you can and enjoy getting to know your new baby!

      Any more questions?

      Our specialist baby advisors and experienced mums are here to talk and ready to help whenever you need them. You can call us or reach us on Live Chat 8.30am-5.30pm Monday-Friday.

      Join the C&G baby club today

      Join the C&G baby club today

      • Weekly emails with tips and advice for your stage
      • 1-to-1 support from our dedicated Careline team, 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
      Join us now

      More from pregnancy

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