The weeks before a new baby arrives are a whirlwind of excitement and preparation. While you're sorting tiny clothes and assembling flat-pack furniture, don't forget to prepare your home itself. This room-by-room checklist covers safety, cleaning, and organisation — everything you need to feel ready and relaxed when your baby comes home.
When to Start: Trimester Timeline
2nd Trimester
Plan and purchase. Research products, order furniture, begin decluttering rooms.
3rd Trimester
Install and baby-proof. Set up nursery, fit safety gates, install socket covers.
36+ Weeks
Deep clean and final checks. Wash baby clothes, sterilise bottles, clean carpets.
The Nursery
Cot meets current British Standard BS EN 716 — check the label
Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly with no gaps (follow Lullaby Trust guidelines)
No pillows, bumpers, or loose bedding until 12 months minimum
Room temperature monitor — ideally kept between 16–20°C
Furniture anchored to walls (bookcase, wardrobe, chest of drawers)
Blind cords eliminated or secured (consider cordless blinds)
Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector tested and working
Nightlight with warm tone (avoid blue light which disrupts sleep)
Wash all new baby clothes, muslins, and bedding before use
Vacuum and mop the room thoroughly, including under the cot
The Kitchen
Install cupboard locks on all low-level cupboards (especially under the sink)
Move cleaning products and chemicals to high, locked storage
Fit an oven door guard and hob guard
Ensure kettle cables can't be pulled from the worktop edge
Install a stair gate at the kitchen entrance (if open plan)
Check fridge temperature is 3–5°C for safe bottle and food storage
Deep clean inside cupboards where baby bottles and food will be stored
Consider a countertop steriliser station with accessible plug socket
The Bathroom
Non-slip bath mat inside the bath and on the floor beside it
Set hot water thermostat to max 48°C to prevent scalding
Lock medicines, razors, and cleaning products in a high cabinet
Toilet lock if you have a curious toddler (or plan ahead for crawling)
Remove any glass items (bottles, jars) from reachable shelves
Deep clean tiles, grouting, and around the toilet base
Living Room & Hallways
Corner protectors on coffee tables and sharp furniture edges
Socket covers on all unused sockets (or buy shuttered sockets)
Secure bookshelves and TV to the wall with anti-tip straps
Move houseplants out of reach — some are toxic to babies
Check for small objects (coins, batteries, pen caps) at floor level
Fit stair gates at top and bottom of stairs
Ensure radiators have covers or guards if they get very hot
Deep clean carpets and rugs where baby will play on the floor
Garden & Outdoor Areas
Check fencing for gaps a crawler could squeeze through
Cover or fence off any ponds, water features, or drains
Remove or fence off toxic plants (foxglove, laburnum, lily of the valley)
Lock sheds and garages containing tools, chemicals, or sharp objects
Check outdoor surfaces for trip hazards (uneven paving, loose gravel)
Products to Avoid During Pregnancy
The NHS advises pregnant women to avoid or minimise exposure to:
- • Bleach and chlorine-based products — use in well-ventilated areas only
- • Aerosol sprays — fine particles can be inhaled; use pump sprays instead
- • Oven cleaners — contain strong chemicals; ask someone else to do this task
- • Paint fumes — use low-VOC paints and keep windows open
Pro Tip: Book a Pre-Baby Deep Clean
Many of our Hertfordshire clients book a professional deep clean at 36–37 weeks. We handle the heavy-duty cleaning (ovens, bathrooms, carpets, windows) so you can focus on the exciting preparations. It's one of the most popular gifts grandparents-to-be give — consider adding it to your baby shower wish list!
Need Help Preparing Your Home?
Our deep cleaning service and housekeeping service are perfect for expectant families. We use eco-friendly, baby-safe products and can work around your schedule. Let us handle the scrubbing while you enjoy the nesting.