mother holding newborn infant wearing matching floral prints

How to Prepare for a Baby: Tips & Essentials

By: Brooke Hamilton

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Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

Welcoming your little one into the world is a life-changing experience, so it’s only natural for you to be thinking about how to prepare for baby’s arrival.


With the advice for new parents below, you can further ease your mind and focus on what matters most—your growing family.


In this article, we’ll walk you through various things to do before the baby arrives so that you can feel confident and ready for your little one’s delivery day.

Preparing for a Baby: Where to Begin

To start, let’s take a look at the steps you can take to begin to prepare for your little one:

Newborn laying on bed wrapped in floral print swaddle wearing matching headband

Setting Up Your Budget

One of the first and most important steps in preparing for a baby is setting up your budget. Babies come with quite a few needs, and you may not know how to fit them all into your existing financial plans. Creating a clear budget ahead of time will help you prioritize and manage expenses and avoid unnecessary stress.


Begin by assessing your current financial situation—this includes reviewing your income, savings, and any upcoming changes (like maternity or paternity leave). From there, divide your budget into categories, including essentials like:


  • Healthcare

  • Baby gear (car seat, stroller, etc.)

  • Clothing

  • Nursery setup


It’s also helpful to account for ongoing costs like diapers, wipes, and formula (if applicable), which can add up quickly.


When it comes to planning a budget for baby clothing, think quality over quantity. Our clothing is made from buttery-soft viscose from bamboo fabric that’s 4x stretchier than cotton, so your little one can wear it for longer than others.

Choosing a Pediatrician

Your pediatrician will be your trusted partner in ensuring your baby's development and health, so it’s essential to take the time to find the right fit. Start by asking for recommendations from a friend, family member, or your obstetrician.


Research local pediatricians and schedule interviews to meet potential doctors in person. During these meetings, ask about their approach to child care, availability, office policies, and how they handle emergencies or after-hours concerns.

mother holding infant wearing matching outfits

Baby Essentials Checklist

Whether you're setting up the nursery, picking out clothes, or gathering everyday baby gear, here’s an overview of some baby essentials you’ll want to have on hand before your little one arrives:

Must-Have Nursery Items

Creating a comfortable, safe, and functional nursery is an important step to take when preparing to bring a newborn baby home. Here are a few key items you’ll need: 1


  • Crib and mattress – A safe, sturdy crib is a must-have on your baby checklist. Look for one that meets current safety standards and comes with an appropriate mattress. Invest in a firm mattress with a well-fitted crib sheet to ensure your baby sleeps soundly and safely.


  • Changing table or dresser – A changing table or dresser with a changing pad on top makes diaper changes easier and more efficient. Look for one with plenty of storage to keep diapers, wipes, and other essentials within arm’s reach.


  • Baby monitor – A baby monitor will help you keep an eye (and ear) on your little one while they’re in the nursery. Some advanced baby monitors can even track elements like your baby’s breathing and your nursery’s temperature.


  • Nightlight – A soft nightlight can be a lifesaver for middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, creating a soothing atmosphere that promotes sleep.


And remember—babies can accumulate a lot of stuff! You may want to invest in storage bins, baskets, or shelves to help organize clothing, toys, and other baby gear.

Clothing Essentials for Newborns

When it comes to clothing, newborns need a few key essentials to keep them comfortable and cozy during those first few weeks:


  • One-pieces and bodysuits – One-pieces and bodysuits are the foundation of any newborn’s wardrobe because they’re cozy and perfect for layering. Look for soft, breathable bodysuits with easy snaps at the bottom and one-pieces with 2-way zippers for quick diaper changes. Posh Peanut offers a variety of adorable options in vibrant prints and buttery-soft fabrics.


  • Swaddle blankets – Swaddling mimics the secure, cozy feeling of the womb, helping your baby feel more at ease. That’s why soft, breathable swaddle blankets are an everyday baby essential for both daytime naps and nighttime sleep. Plus, they also make a great stroller blanket or nursing cover!


  • Sleep bags – Once your newborn has transitioned from swaddles, consider sleep bags . Sleep bags, or wearable blankets, are an essential alternative to traditional blankets, offering comfort and warmth while ensuring your baby’s safety.


  • Socks and booties – Keep your baby’s feet snug and toasty with socks or booties. Choose ones that stay on well and are gentle on your baby’s skin. Alternatively, a one-piece with footies will keep your baby’s feet cozy.

Baby Gear for Everyday Use

Once your new baby arrives, you’ll need some essential baby gear. These items include:


  • Car seat – A high-quality infant car seat is non-negotiable when traveling with your baby. Choose one that’s easy to install, fits your vehicle, and meets all current safety standards. Many parents even opt for a car seat that can double as a stroller seat for added convenience.


  • Stroller – A stroller is essential for trips out and about. Whether you’re going for a walk or running errands, having a stroller that suits your lifestyle will make outings more manageable. Look for one that’s lightweight, easy to fold, and has a comfortable seat for your baby.


  • Diaper bag – Well-organized diaper bags will help you keep all your baby essentials in one place when you’re on the go. Look for one that offers multiple compartments for diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks, and extra clothes. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll want to make sure you have space for a few additional items, like nursing pads, a nursing cover, and a comfortable nursing pillow.

Preparing Your Home for a Baby

Preparing your home for a new baby is all about creating a safe, comfortable, and organized space that will support both you and your little one during those first precious months. Here's how to get started:

newborn wrapped in swaddle wearing headband laying on patoo blanket

Babyproofing Basics

Your little one will be mobile before you know it! Focus on babyproofing those high-traffic areas first, like the living room and kitchen. Start by:


  • Securing furniture – Anchor heavy furniture like dressers, bookshelves, and TVs to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.


  • Covering electrical outlets – Use outlet covers or safety plugs to prevent little fingers from exploring electrical outlets.


  • Installing safety gates – If you have stairs, make sure to install baby gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls.


  • Cabinet locks - Use child safety locks on kitchen cabinets or any cupboards you don’t want your little one to get into.


Pro tip: Soft corner protectors on sharp furniture edges help minimize the risk of injury when your baby begins to crawl, stand, and walk.

Organizing for Convenience

Organization is key to keeping all your baby items accessible and ensuring your days (and nights) run smoothly. Start by organizing the areas where you’ll be spending most of your time:


  • Nursery organization – Keep baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and clothes within easy reach using bins, baskets, or drawers.


  • Changing station setup – Whether you have a dedicated changing table or a portable setup, make sure it’s stocked with diapers, creams, wipes, and extra clothes to make diaper changes quicker and easier. You may want to consider setting up more than one changing station in your home.


  • Laundry and storage – Newborns go through several outfit changes a day, so having an efficient laundry system in place can help prevent overwhelm. Place laundry baskets in easily accessible areas and consider developing a schedule for washing, drying, and folding.

mother holding infant wearing robe with matching bows print

Final Preparations Before Baby Arrives

As your due date approaches, you’ll want to focus on final preparations. Here are our last three essentials to tackle before baby arrives:


  • Packing your hospital bag – Packing your hospital bag ahead of time ensures you’re ready to go when labor begins. Include items like comfortable clothes, toiletries, maternity bras, and a going-home outfit for your baby. Don’t forget phone chargers, snacks, and anything that will help keep any expectant parent relaxed during the hospital stay. See more recommendations in our hospital bag checklist for moms.


  • Creating a birth plan – While labor can be unpredictable, having a birth plan helps communicate your preferences to your healthcare team. Outline your wishes for things like pain management, who will be present during labor, and any special requests for baby’s first moments (like delayed cord clamping or immediate skin-to-skin contact).2


  • Preparing for postpartum recovery – Stock up on essentials like maternity pads, comfortable clothing, nursing bras, and pain relief. Arrange for support from family or a postpartum doula to help with household tasks and self-care as you heal and adjust to life with your newborn.

Prepare for Your Little One With Posh Peanut

Knowing how to prepare for a baby can make all the difference in reducing worry and ensuring a smooth transition into parenthood. Following a thoughtful checklist, babyproofing your home, and preparing key items like your hospital bag and birth plan can help you feel more confident when the big day arrives.


And when it comes to keeping your newborn comfortable and stylish, you can rely on Posh Peanut. Our clothing and baby accessories are thoughtfully designed with viscose from bamboo fabric that’s stretchy, breathable, and as soft as your baby’s skin. Whether you’re searching for swaddles, bodysuits, two-piece outfits, or anything in between, you can ensure an adorable and well-stocked wardrobe for your little one. Shop our collection today.

Sources: 

1 The Bump. Your Checklist for the Perfect Nursery

https://www.thebump.com/a/creating-a-nursery


2 American Pregnancy Association. Creating Your Birth Plan.

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/birth-plan


Milk Snob. A Complete Guide to Sleep Sacks for Babies and Toddlers: Usage, Transition Tips, and Sizing by Age.

https://milksnob.com/blogs/news/a-complete-guide-to-sleep-sacks-for-babies-and-toddlers-usage-transition-tips-and-sizing-by-age#:~:text=They%20provide%20a%20secure%20layer,safer%20option%20for%20younger%20babies