Having a basket or bag all ready with the things you will need immediately when your new baby is born will make life easier for you once you are home with the new arrival. Before the baby is due, see if you can get a wicker basket or a bag and put in it nappies and nappy bag, baby wipes, clothes and perhaps a soft towel to wrap the baby in. Then you will have these things to hand when you are home on your own and finding it all rather new. Having this already organised will make it easier for you to manage.

Some other preparations you can make are to have the cot or crib already made up and in a safe place in your bedroom and the baby’s bath ready for use. With all your preparations, make sure that you think of safety for your baby. It is a good idea to have everything ready a few weeks in advance as you may know the due date, but your baby may have other ideas. You will find that life is easier to manage if you have all the organising done before the baby is born, rather than once you arrive home with the new baby. You will probably receive many of the things you need through baby gifts from friends and family.