Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s biggest transitions, and one of the best ways to ease into it is by preparing your home for a baby well in advance. From organizing the nursery to stocking up on daily-use items, the steps you take before your baby arrives can set the tone for smoother, calmer first weeks.
At Chikaro, we understand how overwhelming those final weeks of pregnancy can be. In Nigerian homes, where extended family often plays a big role, preparation goes beyond just buying items, it’s about creating a safe, warm, and functional space that accommodates both baby and family life. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide to help you feel confident about preparing your home for a baby, with tips that blend Nigerian realities and global best practices.
Why Preparing Your Home for a Baby Matters
For many first-time mums, pregnancy is filled with excitement, anticipation, and a bit of anxiety. And once you hit the third trimester, the countdown begins. At this stage, the last thing you want is to run around the market or online shops at 38 weeks looking for diapers or mosquito nets. Preparing your home for a baby gives you peace of mind, ensures your essentials are ready, and reduces stress when your baby finally arrives.
In Nigerian culture, family and friends often visit to celebrate a new baby. Having your home organized allows you to welcome them joyfully without scrambling. Plus, with frequent power cuts, unpredictable water supply, and traffic delays, the more proactive you are about preparing your home for a baby, the better.
Create a Comfortable Sleeping Space
According to Norton Children’s, one of the first things to focus on when preparing your home for a baby is their sleep setup. Sleep is vital for newborn growth, and as a new mum, you’ll also rest better when you know your little one is safe and comfortable.
Must-Have Items
- Baby cot or bassinet with a firm mattress (choose one that fits your space, whether it’s a small Lagos apartment or a larger family house).
- Fitted cot sheets (2–3 minimum so you can swap quickly after late-night messes).
- Baby mosquito net – essential in Nigeria where mosquitoes are a reality.
- Soft night lamp for late-night feeds, so you don’t shock your baby with bright overhead lights.
Pro Tips
- Place the cot in your bedroom for the first few months. This not only makes night feeds easier but also keeps your baby safe and close.
- Avoid stuffed toys and loose blankets in the cot, they increase suffocation risks. Instead, use swaddles or wearable blankets.
- If space is tight, a portable bassinet can serve you well during those early months.
When preparing your home for a baby, never underestimate the importance of a peaceful sleep space—it affects both baby’s health and your sanity.
Set Up a Feeding Station
Feeding will take up much of your time, especially in the first six months. Whether you’re breastfeeding exclusively, using formula, or doing a combination, preparing your home for a baby means designating a comfortable spot for this activity.
Essentials
- Nursing chair or comfy seat with back support (a simple armchair with cushions works).
- Nursing pillow to protect your back and arms.
- Feeding bottles and steriliser if using formula.
- Bottle rack or drying station to keep things hygienic.
- Burp cloths, bibs, and feeding wipes always within reach.
Nigerian Context
- If you’re in a hot region, keep a water bottle nearby for yourself—you’ll get thirsty often.
- Consider blackout curtains in your feeding area to make daytime feeds calmer.
- For breastfeeding mums, have a small basket with breast pads, nipple cream, and snacks handy.
Preparing your home for a baby isn’t just about baby’s comfort—it’s about yours too.
Stock Up on Diapering Supplies
Changing diapers will become a 24/7 routine, so planning ahead makes life smoother. When preparing your home for a baby, think beyond diapers—consider convenience, hygiene, and storage.
Essentials
- Diapers (both newborn and size 1 – you don’t know how fast your baby will grow).
- Baby wipes and cotton wool (cotton wool is often recommended by Nigerian pediatricians in the first weeks).
- Changing mat or table.
- Diaper rash cream to prevent irritation.
- Disposable diaper bags or a covered bin to manage smells.
Pro Tips
- Create two diaper baskets: one in your bedroom, another in the living room. You won’t want to walk to the nursery every single time.
- In hot Nigerian weather, change diapers often to prevent rashes.
- If you prefer cloth nappies, stock up on liners and ensure you have a reliable washing/drying routine.
Preparing your home for a baby includes organizing diapering supplies in advance so you’re not caught off guard at 2 a.m.
Organize Baby Clothing & Laundry
Babies go through several outfit changes daily—spit-ups, poop accidents, and sweat in hot weather make this unavoidable. Preparing your home for a baby should include an organized clothing and laundry system.
Essentials
- 6–8 onesies and sleepsuits.
- Caps, mittens, and socks.
- Soft receiving blankets for swaddling or covering.
- Laundry basket just for baby’s items.
- Mild baby detergent to protect sensitive skin.
Nigerian Tip
Wash all clothes before baby wears them. In local markets, clothes may carry dust or chemicals from storage. Sun-dry them well to kill germs naturally.
An organized clothing setup is key when preparing your home for a baby, especially when you’re too tired to dig through piles at midnight.
Prepare for Bath Time
Bathing your baby is both practical and bonding. Preparing your home for a baby includes setting up a safe, convenient bath corner.
Essentials
- Baby bathtub or sponge bath mat.
- Baby towel and washcloths.
- Mild baby soap, shampoo, and lotion.
- Bath thermometer (optional, but helpful).
- Bath rack or stand if you don’t want to bend over.
Nigerian Tip
- Use lukewarm water—our weather is usually warm enough.
- Keep everything within arm’s reach before you start.
- Many Nigerian mums also keep shea butter handy for moisturizing baby skin naturally.
By preparing your home for a baby with a dedicated bath setup, you’ll make bath times smoother and stress-free.
Basic Baby Health & Grooming Kit
No home is complete without a baby health kit. When preparing your home for a baby, include small but essential items to keep your baby safe and well-groomed.
Essentials
- Digital thermometer.
- Baby nail clippers or scissors.
- Nasal aspirator for blocked noses.
- Cotton buds.
- Health records folder for hospital visits.
These little tools make a big difference, and being ready shows you’ve taken preparing your home for a baby seriously.
Baby-Proofing Basics (for Later)
Though your newborn won’t crawl for months, thinking ahead is part of preparing your home for a baby.
Consider Adding:
- Cabinet and drawer locks.
- Baby gates if you have stairs.
- Corner protectors on furniture.
- Plug covers.
Baby-proofing early means fewer worries later, especially in busy Nigerian households.
Final Touches to Make Life Easier
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a huge difference. Preparing your home for a baby means also preparing for your own comfort.
Add-Ons
- Waterproof mat for your bed if you co-sleep.
- Soft music or white noise machine to soothe your baby.
- Storage bins and organizers for baby’s many small items.
- Mama corner stocked with snacks, water, and phone chargers.
- Postpartum care kit: maternity pads, breast pads, nipple cream, nursing bras.
By considering yourself in the process of preparing your home for a baby, you’ll recover faster and enjoy motherhood more.
Why Preparing Ahead Matters
Preparing your home for a baby isn’t just about buying baby gear, it’s about peace of mind, reduced stress, and more time to bond with your newborn. The earlier you prepare, the better equipped you’ll be to handle those unpredictable first weeks.
At Chikaro, we offer a curated selection of baby essentials designed with Nigerian families in mind—from mosquito-net cots to stylish diaper bags. We believe that preparing your home for a baby should feel joyful, not overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood is a journey, and the way you begin sets the tone. By preparing your home for a baby step by step, you’ll create a space that is safe, organized, and welcoming. Remember, you don’t have to do everything in one day – start early, plan smartly, and adjust as your needs grow.
At Chikaro, we walk with you through every stage, helping you turn preparation into peace of mind.
