Bringing Baby Home: What to Prepare in the First Week
The first week at home with your newborn is often described as a blur—exciting, emotional, and a little overwhelming. Between feeding, nappy changes, and trying to catch some sleep, it can feel like you’re juggling more than you ever imagined.
With the right preparation, you can ease this transition and focus more on bonding with your baby instead of worrying about what you might be missing.
For a bigger picture of preparation, see our main guide: Newborn Essentials Checklist for First-Time Mums: Peace of Mind through Preparation.
What to Prepare Before Bringing Baby Home
1. A Safe Sleep Space
Make sure your baby’s crib or bassinet is set up with cot sheets and no loose bedding. Instead of blankets, use a breathable sleepsack to keep your baby comfortable and safe through the night.
2. A Stock of Sleepsuits and Kimonos
Having enough zip sleepsuits (5–7 is ideal) means you won’t be stuck doing endless laundry. Add in a few kimono tops for easy dressing during the day, especially when visitors come round to meet your baby.
3. Nappy and Changing Supplies
Keep nappies, wipes, and creams close by. Many mums find it useful to set up more than one changing station in the house—one near the baby’s sleep area and another in the living room.
4. Feeding Prep
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, have your supplies ready: nursing pads, bottles, steriliser, burp cloth alternatives like bamboo swaddles, and plenty of water and snacks for mum.
5. A Support Kit for Mum
Don’t forget yourself. Stock up on maternity pads, a comfortable robe, and quick snacks. Taking care of your own recovery ensures you’ll have more energy to care for your baby.
6. Visitors and Boundaries
In the first week, everyone will want to meet your baby. Plan ahead: decide how many visitors you’re comfortable with and set gentle boundaries so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
7. Ready-Made Gift Bundles
If you’d rather not piece everything together yourself, consider a Botanical Wonder Gift Bundle or a Classic Gift Bundle. Each includes thoughtfully chosen essentials crafted from bamboo, offering comfort and practicality in one beautifully packaged set. These bundles also make wonderful presents for family and friends who want to help you prepare for the baby's first week at home.
Why Preparation Makes a Difference
The first week with your newborn is about finding your rhythm as a family. By having the essentials ready, you’ll spend less time scrambling for last-minute items and more time creating calm, bonding moments.
And if you’d like to balance practicality with thoughtful gestures, read our main feature: Gifts New Mums Actually Want: Balancing Heartfelt Gestures with Practical Help.
Follow Us for More Newborn Tips
Get more guides and practical inspiration for your first weeks of parenthood:
FAQ
What should I prepare at home for a newborn?
Focus on essentials like a safe sleep space, zip sleepsuits, nappies, feeding supplies, and items for your own recovery.
How many clothes should a newborn have for the first week?
About 5–7 zip sleepsuits and a few extras like kimonos are enough, as newborns need frequent outfit changes.
How can I make the first week with my newborn easier?
Prepare ahead of time, set up multiple nappy-changing areas, and accept help from family or friends where you can.