10 Tips to Ease You into Parenthood
Becoming a new parent is exhilarating and exhausting, but with some simple preparations and systems, it can be relatively stress-free too
Jo Simmons
13 November 2015
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Having a baby is one of life’s great events. Most mums and dads find caring for a newborn an all-consuming, fascinating and occasionally overwhelming experience. It’s a time when the normal balance of work and domestic life tends to go off the scale, as you learn to care for your tiny offspring.
With that in mind, it’s worthwhile putting some things in place on the home front before baby arrives, and then sticking to a few simple set-ups once he or she is here. Read on for some suggestions that should prevent domestic pressures from eating into time with your tiny tot.
With that in mind, it’s worthwhile putting some things in place on the home front before baby arrives, and then sticking to a few simple set-ups once he or she is here. Read on for some suggestions that should prevent domestic pressures from eating into time with your tiny tot.
1. Only worry about essentials
When you’re expecting a baby, it’s natural to want to create the most beautiful nursery for him or her. But remember that when they’re very young, babies actually don’t need a lot of stuff. Having somewhere for them to sleep and a place to change nappies is important, but murals and mobiles can wait.
So don’t put pressure on yourself to have the nursery totally finished by your due date. Instead, let it grow and develop as your child does. This will also give you a chance to add some of their personality into the space.
Check out 10 gender-neutral nursery ideas
When you’re expecting a baby, it’s natural to want to create the most beautiful nursery for him or her. But remember that when they’re very young, babies actually don’t need a lot of stuff. Having somewhere for them to sleep and a place to change nappies is important, but murals and mobiles can wait.
So don’t put pressure on yourself to have the nursery totally finished by your due date. Instead, let it grow and develop as your child does. This will also give you a chance to add some of their personality into the space.
Check out 10 gender-neutral nursery ideas
2. Make your bedroom a sanctuary
The kitchen and living rooms are the spaces that most guests see when they visit, so they tend to be the rooms we focus on tidying and fixing up. But when you have a new baby, it’s the private rooms in your home that will bring you the most comfort, and it’s important to give them some thought.
After a few days in hospital following the birth, nothing will feel as good as your own bed. Why not treat yourself to some additional cushions or new bedlinen to make it extra restful? And add small touches, such as a carafe of water, or a vase of fresh flowers to soothe yourself even more.
The kitchen and living rooms are the spaces that most guests see when they visit, so they tend to be the rooms we focus on tidying and fixing up. But when you have a new baby, it’s the private rooms in your home that will bring you the most comfort, and it’s important to give them some thought.
After a few days in hospital following the birth, nothing will feel as good as your own bed. Why not treat yourself to some additional cushions or new bedlinen to make it extra restful? And add small touches, such as a carafe of water, or a vase of fresh flowers to soothe yourself even more.
3. Turn your bathroom into a day spa
This is another private space that can become a bit of a sanctuary once a new baby arrives. Sometimes, a relaxing soak might be just the thing to restore you, or perhaps an invigorating shower is all you need to start the day. Stock up on bathing treats and fluffy new towels, so the experience is that much more special.
This is another private space that can become a bit of a sanctuary once a new baby arrives. Sometimes, a relaxing soak might be just the thing to restore you, or perhaps an invigorating shower is all you need to start the day. Stock up on bathing treats and fluffy new towels, so the experience is that much more special.
4. Ease off on DIY
There is nothing like the impending arrival of a new baby to make soon-to-be parents feel they have to take on all those home jobs they’ve been avoiding. While a deadline can be helpful, some people find themselves knee-deep in DIY when the first contractions strike, which is no fun at all.
So remember that there will be time for working on the house again once the baby comes. Maybe not right away, but eventually.
Why you shouldn’t feel obliged to DIY
There is nothing like the impending arrival of a new baby to make soon-to-be parents feel they have to take on all those home jobs they’ve been avoiding. While a deadline can be helpful, some people find themselves knee-deep in DIY when the first contractions strike, which is no fun at all.
So remember that there will be time for working on the house again once the baby comes. Maybe not right away, but eventually.
Why you shouldn’t feel obliged to DIY
5. Keep comforts handy
While looking after a newborn child during the day, you might be drawn to your favourite TV series, film, book or magazine for some downtime while they nap, or perhaps to keep you entertained while you’re breastfeeding.
Make the experience all the more enjoyable by keeping a few key pieces within easy reach. This includes the TV remote, your favourite reading treats, mobile phone, some comfortable cushions and throws, a glass of water and perhaps even some light snacks.
While looking after a newborn child during the day, you might be drawn to your favourite TV series, film, book or magazine for some downtime while they nap, or perhaps to keep you entertained while you’re breastfeeding.
Make the experience all the more enjoyable by keeping a few key pieces within easy reach. This includes the TV remote, your favourite reading treats, mobile phone, some comfortable cushions and throws, a glass of water and perhaps even some light snacks.
6. Grab extra vases
Guests will inevitably bring a whole host of gifts when visiting you and your child for the first time, with flowers being a favourite choice. Save yourself the hassle of scrabbling around in the back of cupboards and invest in a few new vases to leave somewhere accessible. This way, you can display your blooms easily and beautifully.
Guests will inevitably bring a whole host of gifts when visiting you and your child for the first time, with flowers being a favourite choice. Save yourself the hassle of scrabbling around in the back of cupboards and invest in a few new vases to leave somewhere accessible. This way, you can display your blooms easily and beautifully.
7. Stock up on homemade meals
During the weeks before the baby is due, get into the habit of cooking extra at mealtimes and freezing into portions. Once the baby has arrived, a secret stash of homemade meals can be a welcome break from cooking.
How to slow your life down
During the weeks before the baby is due, get into the habit of cooking extra at mealtimes and freezing into portions. Once the baby has arrived, a secret stash of homemade meals can be a welcome break from cooking.
How to slow your life down
8. Make guests feel at home
New babies attract a lot of visitors, and having guests should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Minimise the stress of entertaining by creating an easily accessible drinks station. This will encourage friends and family to make their own tea and coffee when they visit. Kit it out with the kettle, tea bags, mugs and some biscuits for good measure.
New babies attract a lot of visitors, and having guests should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Minimise the stress of entertaining by creating an easily accessible drinks station. This will encourage friends and family to make their own tea and coffee when they visit. Kit it out with the kettle, tea bags, mugs and some biscuits for good measure.
9. Accept offers of help
Guests who are prepared to muck in around the house while you are getting to know your new baby are invaluable. Whether they unload the dishwasher, put away some laundry or do a full house clean, their help can be a lifesaver during the first few weeks of parenthood. If they are happy to bring lunch too, so much the better!
Guests who are prepared to muck in around the house while you are getting to know your new baby are invaluable. Whether they unload the dishwasher, put away some laundry or do a full house clean, their help can be a lifesaver during the first few weeks of parenthood. If they are happy to bring lunch too, so much the better!
10. Prepare for more clutter
While a new baby takes up minimal space, the equipment for all of its needs can take up more room than expected. So work out where you’re going to store a pram, car seat (when it’s not in the car) and baby sling. Alternatively, do as most new parents do – stash them all in the hall and just accept the chaos for a little while. Remember, in a couple of years, they’ll all be swapped for tiny little shoes and jackets to sit alongside your own.
TELL US
Do you have any tips for staying calm and relaxed with a new baby? Add them to the Comments below.
MORE
Want a Big Family? No Problem! We’ll Help You Make Room for Everyone
Softly, Softly: Turning Down the Volume at Home
Give Yourself More Free Time With the Help of Habits
While a new baby takes up minimal space, the equipment for all of its needs can take up more room than expected. So work out where you’re going to store a pram, car seat (when it’s not in the car) and baby sling. Alternatively, do as most new parents do – stash them all in the hall and just accept the chaos for a little while. Remember, in a couple of years, they’ll all be swapped for tiny little shoes and jackets to sit alongside your own.
TELL US
Do you have any tips for staying calm and relaxed with a new baby? Add them to the Comments below.
MORE
Want a Big Family? No Problem! We’ll Help You Make Room for Everyone
Softly, Softly: Turning Down the Volume at Home
Give Yourself More Free Time With the Help of Habits
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