How to Prepare for a Baby
Preparing for a baby is one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences there is. It’s also one of the most overwhelming. There’s the practical side: the nursery, the gear, the never-ending lists, and then there’s the emotional side: the anticipation, the uncertainty, the realization that life is about to look completely different.
I’ve found that getting ready for a baby isn’t only about organizing what the baby will need. It’s also about preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and even financially for the transition ahead. So today, I want to share a guide on how to prepare for a baby that goes beyond the surface, helping you feel grounded and ready for what’s to come.
How to Prepare for a Baby
When people think about preparing for a baby, they often focus on the shopping lists. But the process runs much deeper. Understanding what to prepare for a baby can help set expectations, reduce stress, and make those first few weeks feel a little more manageable.
Everyone’s circumstances are different (whether you’re carrying your baby yourself, adopting, or growing your family through surrogacy) but the need to prepare thoughtfully is universal. Below are the main areas I recommend focusing on as you approach your due date.
What To Prepare For A Baby
Comfortable Clothing
One of the simplest ways to make those early weeks easier is to have plenty of comfortable clothing ready for both you and the baby. The laundry piles up fast and never ends! For your newborn, think soft cotton onesies (organic cotton and other all-natural materials are especially great!), zip-up sleepers, velcro or zip-up swaddles, and cozy hats and socks for winter babies. For yourself, focus on easy, breathable, natural fabrics, nursing-friendly tops if you plan to breastfeed, and maybe a few pieces that make you feel human even when you’re functioning at zombie level. Comfort goes a long way in helping you settle into a new rhythm.
Diapers and Wipes
It’s amazing how quickly babies go through diapers and wipes (and diaper creams, too)! Stock up in advance, and keep a small changing station on every floor or in every main room of your home. It’s a simple step that saves you from running around when you’re running on no sleep.
Car Seat
Installing your car seat well in advance of your baby’s estimated due date is always a good idea. Make sure it’s properly fitted and meets current safety standards. Doing this early means one less thing to stress about when your baby arrives.
Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, using formula or some combination of all 3, get familiar with your setup beforehand. Have your bottles washed, your pump parts organized, and your feeding area comfortable and functional. It’s a small but significant form of preparation that gives you a sense of control during a time when so much can feel new.
How To Prepare For Having A Baby
Preparing for your baby’s arrival is one part, but preparing yourself to be a new parent is another. Below are the areas I’ve found most valuable to think through ahead of time:
How to Financially Prepare for a Baby
Review Your Budget
Go over your current expenses and identify what will change once your baby is home — healthcare, childcare, baby supplies, and even everyday costs like food and transportation are all subject to change once your little one arrives. Knowing this in advance helps you feel more in control.
Build a Savings Cushion
Even small savings add up. Try to set aside something for emergencies. If your parental leave isn’t paid, plan for that gap now.
Plan for the Long Term
Once your baby arrives, time moves quickly. Thinking ahead about things like college funds, childcare and insurance may feel premature now, but laying the groundwork early can make future decisions much easier.
How to Mentally Prepare for a Baby
Learn the Basics
I’ve always found that knowledge brings calm. Consider taking a class for expecting parents, sign up for infant CPR, read books about infant care and parenting, or talk to other parents about what to expect.
Set Realistic Expectations
Becoming a parent doesn’t look the same for any one parent, and is a uniquely defining experience that no one can quite prepare you for. There will be chaos and exhaustion alongside joy and wonder. Preparing your mindset for imperfection (along with lack of productivity and overwhelm!) helps you approach those first weeks with more grace.
Talk to Friends and Family
Having open conversations with friends and family who have newly become parents is invaluable. Their experiences might help you anticipate what’s ahead, and remind you that you’re not alone. It may also be helpful to have conversations with those people you plan to lean on for support in the early days of parenting, or your “village”; being clear about expectations and boundaries before baby’s arrival will help keep everyone on the same page.
How to Emotionally Prepare for a Baby
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s completely normal to feel excited one moment and anxious the next. Allow yourself to feel both. Big life transitions always come with mixed emotions.
Build a Support Network
Before your baby arrives, think about will be in your support network, or that village we touched on above. Who can you call when you have a question about your baby’s care, or need to vent about how tired you are? Is there someone who can cover for you when you need a break or even a quick nap? Look for ways to build community as a new parent if that is something that will feel supportive for you!
Strengthen Communication
If you’re sharing this experience with a partner, talk through how you’ll handle challenges — from nighttime feedings to finances. These conversations set expectations and help reduce friction later.
How to Physically Prepare for a Baby
Rest Up!
As simple as it sounds, getting enough rest before your baby’s arrival makes a difference. The more rested you are going into birth, recovery and early parenthood, the more prepared you’ll be to meet the moment with full energy and presence.
Eat Well
Focus on balanced, nourishing meals. Cooking and freezing a few dishes in advance is one of the most practical gifts you can give yourself. When the baby arrives, you’ll be grateful for every pre-made dinner that you don’t have to order in or prepare yourself.
Move Gently
If you’re able, light activity such as walking, yoga or stretching can help you feel stronger and reduce tension. Check with your doctor, but even small amounts of movement can boost your energy and mood.
How to Prepare Your Home
Baby Proofing
Before the chaos begins, you may wish to take a few hours to start baby proofing (though you won’t need to do this until your baby is at least a few months old). Cover electrical outlets, secure heavy furniture, and create a safe sleeping environment with a firm mattress and fitted sheet in the baby’s crib.
Create a Calm Space
Think about what makes you feel relaxed (think soft lighting, uncluttered surfaces, cozy textures) and bring that energy into your nursery or feeding area. You’ll spend a lot of time there, and it should feel peaceful for both you and baby.
Organize and Simplify
Clearing clutter makes room not only for new baby gear but also for calm. Keep the essentials close and everything else tucked away. The less you have to search for, the more space you have for rest and connection.
How to Prepare Your Heart
Every parent’s journey looks a little different. For some, that journey includes surrogacy, which can bring its own kind of beauty and complexity. If you’re exploring that path, you might find this post helpful: what are the benefits of surrogacy.
However you plan to become a parent, take a moment to prepare your heart. This season will stretch you, teach you, and fill your life with moments that feel both challenging and extraordinary. Preparing for a baby isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. It’s about taking practical steps, asking for help, and giving yourself grace.
As your baby’s arrival date approaches, remember that the goal isn’t to have everything figured out. It’s to feel ready enough: ready to adapt, ready to learn, and ready to love in ways you haven’t even imagined before. Sure, you can plan, organize, and baby-proof to your heart’s content, but at the end of the day, your baby won’t remember how perfect your nursery looked. They will remember the calm, the warmth, and the love that surrounded them from the moment they arrived.