4 Life Changes to Make Before Bringing Home Your Baby

Welcoming a baby into your life is incredibly exciting, but there’s so much responsibility involved. There are a number of changes you’ll need to make so you can be sure you have what you need and things run smoothly. Here are some of the things you’ll need to do over the course of your pregnancy so you’re ready for your new arrival. 

Home

One of the most important things to consider when you have a baby is that you’ll need to provide them with a safe and suitable home. Depending on where you live now, once you find out you’re expecting you might decide that you want to move house. Something with enough space, enough bedrooms and some outdoor space will be your best bet for a family home. Of course, not everyone is in a fortunate position to be able to pack up and move, and if you can’t do that there’s no need to fret. You can work with what you have, and make your home the best it can be to welcome home your baby. Start by decluttering and removing things you no longer need. Deep cleaning and redecorating will make any home look and feel more spacious, and consider efficient storage solutions. This includes everything from a toy chest in the living room to a place to store baby bottles in the kitchen. Work on transforming a spare room into the perfect nursery over the course of the months. Even though babies shouldn’t sleep in their own room until they’re at least six months old, it’s always worth having this space finished if possible. It gives you somewhere to store their clothes and other items you’ll need as they grow which can prevent the rest of your home from becoming overly cluttered. If you’re living in accommodation that isn’t suitable for a baby, it’s important to request a move from your local authorities- or start looking to purchase a new home or rent privately. 

Car

Another big change you’ll need to consider when you first have a baby is your car. Your vehicle will need to be safe and spacious enough to hold your pram, and practical for things like family grocery shopping. Importantly, it will need to safely fit a child car seat in the back since this is a legal requirement. If you currently own something like a sports car or vintage car then you’ll likely need to consider trading this in for a more practical model. Alternatively, keep it as a hobby car- you could always search ‘classic car restoration near me’ and build it up over time for fun, but then use your more practical vehicle as your daily driver so you get the best of both worlds. It’s good to maintain hobbies when you become a parent, and while you might have less time than you’re used to, it’s the sort of thing you could keep coming back to whenever you do get a free few hours. When you’re searching for a family car, consider the size, safety features and fuel economy as some of the most important features. 

Finances

Managing money becomes more important than ever when you have a baby. You of course need to make sure your bills are paid and you have a roof over your head, you need to ensure you can afford the things that your baby needs from clothes to toys and other equipment. Since we’re in the middle of a cost of living crisis, most people are struggling financially at the moment so be sure to plan and prep. Get all of the help you’re entitled to, budget carefully and work out how you will afford things. It’s possible to get hold of many baby items free or cheaply, check out online listings on places like Facebook marketplace or ask family and friends. Many people keep baby items in their attic once their children have outgrown them so they can pass them along to loved ones, so chances are you’ll be offered plenty of help if you have a good support network. 

Health and lifestyle

Once you find out you’re pregnant, chances are you’ll make changes to your health for the better. This means stopping drinking and smoking, eating better, drinking more water and trying to get enough rest. Continue this once your baby is born so you can set them up for a healthy lifestyle and enjoy good health with your family. Consider your mental health too, getting outside regularly and attending parent and baby groups are a great way to break up your days and speak to others who understand what you’re going through.