15 Essential Things to Do Before Your First Baby Arrives: A Must-Read Checklist for Expecting Mums

Preparing for your baby’s arrival is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences you’ll ever go through. As an expecting mum, there’s so much to think about, from setting up the nursery to making sure you have all the essentials ready. With a baby on the way, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, but a little planning can help you feel more confident and prepared when the big day arrives.

As a maternity and newborn photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing those precious early moments for many new families. I know how quickly the whirlwind of sleepless nights and newborn snuggles can pass by, which is why it’s worth making the most of this special time before your little one arrives.

In this guide, I’ll share 15 essential things to do before your baby arrives, from practical preparations like packing your hospital bag to meaningful ways to savour these last few weeks before your life changes forever. Whether you’re a first-time mum or adding to your family, this checklist will help you feel organised, calm, and ready to welcome your baby into the world.

1. Create a Birth Plan That Works for You

A birth plan helps communicate your preferences for labour and delivery to your midwife and hospital team. As an expecting mum, it’s worth considering whether you want a natural birth, pain relief options (such as gas and air or an epidural), or alternative methods like a water birth. You can also include details about your preferences for delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin contact, and your feeding choices. While flexibility is key (births can be unpredictable), having a clear plan ensures your wishes are known.

2. Set Up and Organise the Nursery

Preparing a safe, comfortable, and practical nursery is an exciting milestone when you have a baby on the way. Choose a cot that meets current UK safety standards and consider investing in a changing table, comfortable chair for night feeds, and plenty of storage for clothes, muslins, and nappies. Add blackout blinds and a nightlight to help create a soothing sleep environment. Washing and organising baby clothes in advance ensures everything is ready when your little one arrives.

3. Review Your Finances and Maternity Benefits

Before your baby arrives, it’s important to review your finances and understand your maternity entitlements. In the UK, you may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance, depending on your employment status. It’s also worth exploring whether you qualify for Child Benefit or Universal Credit. Create a budget that factors in baby essentials, increased grocery costs, and potential childcare expenses. Setting up a small savings pot for unexpected costs can offer extra peace of mind. Visit Turn2us, a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.

4. Pack Your Hospital Bag with Essentials

As your due date approaches, having your hospital bag packed and ready is a must. Expecting mums should include essentials for both themselves and their baby. For you: comfortable nightwear, a dressing gown, maternity pads, breast pads, and toiletries. For your baby: nappies, cotton wool, baby grows, vests, and a going-home outfit. Don’t forget important documents like your maternity notes and birth plan. It’s also helpful to pack snacks, a phone charger, and lip balm for comfort during labour.

5. Stock Up on Baby and Household Essentials

Before your baby arrives, stock up on essential items to avoid last-minute stress. Ensure you have a good supply of nappies, wipes, muslins, and gentle baby toiletries. It’s also worth buying everyday household items, such as toilet roll, washing detergent, and non-perishable groceries, to reduce the need for frequent trips to the shops in the early days. Having a well-stocked home allows you to focus on bonding with your newborn without worrying about running errands. For a comprehensive guide on baby essentials, First Time Mums UK provides expert recommendations to help you prepare effectively.

6. Learn About Newborn Sleep and Feeding

Understanding newborn sleep patterns and feeding routines is vital for new parents. In the UK, the NHS recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months. Learn about safe swaddling techniques and how to spot hunger cues. If you’re planning to breastfeed, consider attending a local breastfeeding support group or consulting with a lactation expert. For bottle-feeding mums, sterilising and preparing bottles in advance will save you time and stress.

7. Attend Antenatal Classes

Antenatal classes, such as those offered by the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) or local hospitals, are invaluable for first-time parents. These classes cover essential topics, including the stages of labour, pain management options, and postnatal care. They also provide practical advice on feeding, bathing, and soothing your newborn. Attending classes not only helps you feel more confident but also gives you the opportunity to meet other expecting mums and build a support network.

8. Prioritise Self-Care and Rest

Pregnancy is physically and emotionally demanding, so prioritising self-care is essential. With a baby on the way, now is the time to indulge in activities that make you feel relaxed. Book a prenatal massage, enjoy a gentle swim, or have your hair done. Rest whenever possible, as disrupted sleep is inevitable once your baby arrives. Taking time for yourself will help you feel more refreshed and better prepared for the demands of new motherhood.

9. Batch Cook and Freeze Nutritious Meals

Preparing and freezing home-cooked meals before your baby arrives will be a game-changer during the exhausting newborn phase. Cook large batches of easy-to-reheat dishes, such as lasagne, soups, and stews. Freeze them in portion-sized containers for quick and convenient meals. Having healthy, ready-to-eat food on hand will save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on caring for your baby.

10. Install and Check the Car Seat

If you’re driving home from the hospital, fitting a car seat is a legal requirement in the UK. Ensure your car seat meets current EU safety standards (R129/i-Size) and is correctly installed. Many retailers, such as Halfords, offer free car seat fitting services. Practice securing the seat and strapping in a baby-sized doll or teddy to get used to the process. This will help you feel confident and prepared when the big day arrives.

11. Set Up a Safe Sleep Space

Your baby will need a safe place to sleep from day one. If you plan on room-sharing, prepare a Moses basket, crib, or co-sleeper near your bed. Follow NHS guidelines by keeping the sleep area clear of soft toys, loose bedding, or cot bumpers. Ensure the mattress is firm and flat, and tuck blankets in securely. Familiarising yourself with safe sleep practices will give you peace of mind during those precious early weeks. The Lullaby Trust offers guidelines on creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

12. Babyproof Key Areas of Your Home

While your newborn won’t be mobile immediately, it’s still worth babyproofing key areas of your home. Install plug socket covers, secure furniture to the wall, and fit cupboard locks to keep cleaning products out of reach. Place corner protectors on sharp edges and stair gates on staircases. Taking these precautions early will make your home safer as your baby grows and starts exploring.

13. Confirm Parental Leave Plans

If you’re employed, confirm your maternity or shared parental leave plans with your employer. Ensure you’ve submitted any necessary paperwork and understand your return-to-work policies. Self-employed mums should review their Maternity Allowance entitlements. Planning ahead will allow you to focus fully on your baby during your leave without worrying about work-related admin.

14. Register with a GP and Find a Health Visitor

If you’ve recently moved or haven’t done so yet, make sure you’re registered with a local GP surgery. After your baby arrives, you’ll be assigned a health visitor who will provide support with feeding, sleeping, and your baby’s overall development. Building a good relationship with your GP and health visitor ensures you have access to ongoing medical support and guidance.

15. Capture Pre-Baby Memories

Finally, make time to capture special memories before your baby arrives. Whether you book a professional maternity photoshoot, take bump photos at home, or enjoy a final pre-baby date night with your partner, these moments are worth treasuring. Once your little one is here, you’ll be grateful to have beautiful memories of this special time.

Welcoming a baby into the world is a life-changing experience, and while nothing can fully prepare you for the whirlwind of emotions and sleepless nights, taking these 15 steps will help you feel more organised and confident when the time comes. As an expecting mum, giving yourself the space to prepare—both practically and emotionally—will allow you to fully embrace those precious first moments with your newborn.

And when your little one finally arrives, don’t forget to savour every cuddle, smile, and yawn—they grow far too quickly!

Thank you for reading my blog! I’m Rachel, a maternity and newborn photographer based in Wiltshire, UK. I specialise in capturing the beautiful journey of parenthood, from bump to baby and beyond. My cosy studio is a welcoming space where I create timeless memories for families, preserving those precious moments you’ll cherish forever. If you’d like to learn more about my services or book a session, feel free to visit my Newborn Photography Page. I’d love to help you capture your special moments!