Preparing for an Autumn Baby:
8 Things to Do Before Your Baby Arrives
If you’re expecting an autumn baby, your due date probably feels as though it’s suddenly crept up.
One minute you’re sharing your exciting news with family and friends, and the next you’re making lists, washing tiny sleepsuits and wondering whether you’ve remembered everything before your baby arrives.
Preparing for a new baby can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first. The good news is that you don’t need every gadget on the market. A little planning now can make those first few weeks at home feel much calmer and a lot less stressful.
I’ve welcomed hundreds of families into my studio during those precious early weeks after their baby has arrived. One thing I’ve noticed is this: the parents who seem the most relaxed aren’t the ones with every baby gadget. They’re the ones who’ve organised a few simple things before their baby was born, giving themselves more time to enjoy those first cuddles and less time worrying about what’s left on the to-do list.
Many of the ideas below are things parents have shared with me over the years. The little tips they were so glad they did before their newborn arrived, or wished someone had told them sooner.
Here are eight simple things to do before your baby arrives that your future self will thank you for.
1. Create a 'new parent station'
Forget the picture-perfect nursery for a moment.
Think about where you’ll actually spend most of your day during those first few weeks. For many parents, it’s the sofa.
Keep a basket nearby with nappies, wipes, muslins, nappy cream, bottles if you’re using them, snacks, a large water bottle, a phone charger and the TV remote.
It sounds simple, but when you’ve finally settled your sleeping baby on your chest, the last thing you want is to realise everything you need is on the other side of the room.
Your future self will definitely appreciate it.
2. Prepare some easy meals for those early days
Those first few weeks are filled with so many beautiful moments, but they can also be tiring while you adjust to life with a newborn. Having a few simple meals ready to go can make those days feel much easier.
It doesn’t need to be anything complicated. Think comforting meals you know you’ll enjoy, like pasta bakes, soups, curries, chilli, breakfast burritos or slow cooker meals that can be portioned and frozen.
It’s also lovely when friends and family bring meals or treats to celebrate your new arrival, but having your own little supply ready means there’s one less thing to think about when you’re tired, hungry and settling into your new routine.
3. Wash some baby clothes...but not all of them
It’s tempting to wash every tiny outfit before your due date. The reality is that every baby is different.
Some never wear newborn sizes, while others spend weeks living in zip-up sleepsuits because they’re simply the easiest option.
Wash enough clothes for the first couple of weeks, leave the tags on the rest and keep your receipts just in case you need to exchange anything.
4. Make a list of the little jobs
When people ask, “What can I do to help?” most new parents instinctively reply, “We’re fine, thank you.”
Instead, make a note on your phone now of a few practical jobs someone could do for you.
Things like:
- Putting the bins out
- Picking up milk
- Walking the dog
- Hanging out the washing
- Collecting a prescription
- Bringing lunch
Friends and family usually want to help. Giving them something specific makes it much easier for everyone.
5. Think beyond your due date
If your baby is due in late September, October or November, the weather can change almost overnight.
Check your pram rain cover is ready, find your warm coat before you need it, and have a few cosy layers ready for your baby. These are the sorts of jobs that take minutes now but feel much harder when you’re running on very little sleep.
6. Book the things you'll remember
When you’re preparing for a new baby, there are so many practical things to organise, from nappies and changing supplies to clothes and hospital bags.
Alongside those essentials, it’s also worth making time for the experiences you’ll want to remember.
Whether it’s antenatal classes, a breastfeeding support group, baby massage or your newborn photography session, booking these before your baby arrives means one less thing to think about once your little one is here.
Newborn photography is usually best during the first couple of weeks, while babies are still wonderfully sleepy and naturally curled up. Booking during pregnancy means your photographer can reserve space around your due date, rather than you trying to find availability once your baby has arrived.
7. Make sure you're in the photos too
Your camera roll will soon be filled with tiny fingers, sleepy smiles and those adorable milk-drunk expressions but don’t forget to step into a few photographs yourself.
Not because you’ll feel perfectly put together.
Not because everything will look picture-perfect.
But because one day your child will want to see you.
They’ll want to see the way you looked at them, cuddled them and smiled at them when they were only days old. Those are often the photographs that become the most treasured.
8. Don't try to prepare for everything
It’s easy to spend hours reading birth stories, researching routines and buying products that promise to make life easier. The truth is, babies have a wonderful way of reminding us that not everything can be planned.
Instead of trying to prepare for every possible situation, prepare to be flexible. Some days you’ll feel like you’ve got everything under control, other days you’ll lose track of what day it is.
Both are completely normal.
One final thought...
There’s something rather lovely about bringing a baby home in autumn.
As the evenings grow darker and the temperatures begin to cool, there’s a natural excuse to slow down, stay cosy and spend uninterrupted time together as a new family.
The washing will still be there tomorrow.
The house doesn’t need to be spotless.
What you’ll remember are the tiny stretches after a nap, the warmth of your baby asleep on your chest, and the quiet moments that somehow become the memories you treasure most.
So prepare the practical things now, tick off the jobs you can.
Then, when your baby arrives, you can spend less time thinking about your to-do list and more time soaking up the little moments that make these early days so special.
Planning a newborn photography session?
If capturing these precious early days is on your wish list, it’s worth booking your newborn session while you’re still pregnant. Sessions are usually photographed within the first two weeks after your baby arrives, so reserving your due date in advance means one less thing to think about once your little one is here.
If you’d like to find out more about my newborn photography sessions in Suffolk, I’d love to hear from you.
