What is Nesting? How to Prepare for Your Baby

One of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is preparing your home for the arrival of your little one. This process is often referred to as "nesting". Nesting is an instinctive urge that many expecting parents experience, driving them to clean, organise, and set up their homes for their baby’s arrival. While it’s a natural part of the journey, it’s important to strike a balance between thoughtful preparation and overdoing it.

In this helpful guide, hear from the team at Gaia Baby about nesting, how to avoid overdoing it and how to take care of yourself or your partner during the nesting stage.

What is Nesting? 

Nesting is the urge to prepare your environment in anticipation of your baby’s arrival. It can look like organising baby clothes, setting up a nursery, deep-cleaning the house, and stocking up on baby essentials. While this instinct can be incredibly helpful in getting things ready for the big day, it’s important to keep in mind that not everything needs to be perfect.

A healthy approach to nesting focuses on creating a space that is safe, functional, and comfortable—without causing unnecessary stress. It’s easy to go overboard and feel like you need every gadget and product available, but this can quickly become overwhelming. Trying to do too much can cause unnecessary anxiety about whether or not you’re prepared.

Why Do Parents Feel the Need to Over-Prepare?

There’s a common belief that to be the best parent, you must have everything your baby might ever need. The truth is, that babies don’t need much beyond a safe place to sleep, food, and love. Many new parents feel pressure to over-prepare, partly because of the vast amount of advice and marketing aimed at them. Social media and advertisements often push the idea that you need all the latest and greatest products to be prepared when in reality, many of these items are unnecessary. This pressure can leave you feeling anxious or inadequate if your nursery doesn’t look like a magazine spread.

How to Start: Less is More

When it comes to setting up your nursery, it’s helpful to focus on the basics. Baby needs a place to sleep, a place to store their clothes, and a space to change nappies. A simple setup could include:

1. Convertible Cot

A safe, comfortable sleeping space is a top priority. Choosing a convertible option, like the Gaia Baby Mini Cot, is a great way to get the most out of your purchase.

The Serena Mini Cot is the ideal bedside cot that can be used from birth up to 2 years old. Made from 100% natural wood and compact in size, the Serena Mini Cot easily converts from a newborn bed (0-6 months) to a baby cot (6 months to 2 years). The cot is perfect to keep the baby in the room with you for longer and it is supplied with lockable swivel wheels, so it can be easily moved from room to room. When the time is right, you can extend the Serena Mini Cot with the Serena Cot Bed Extension Kit (sold separately) up to 5 years and get access to a full-size Cot Bed, Toddler Bed and First Bed for your child.

2. Dresser

A dresser with deep drawers can serve as both storage and a changing station. The Gaia Baby Hera Dresser, for example, has ample space to store all your baby’s clothing and essentials, and its surface can easily double as a changing table. As your child grows, it continues to serve as a stylish and functional piece of furniture for years to come as it also fits adult-size clothing.

How to Avoid Overbuying for Baby

It can be tempting to fill your cart with baby gear, but it’s often better to focus on quality over quantity. Here are a few tips to help you stick to the essentials: 

Buy Better, Buy Less

Instead of purchasing lots of items that will only last a short time, choose products that grow with your child. Opt for durable, high-quality materials like solid wood for items such as cots and dressers. Furniture made from solid wood, like the Gaia Baby Hera Cot Bed and Hera Dresser, not only last longer but are also more environmentally friendly and can be passed down or repurposed. Investing in convertible furniture means you can buy it once and use it for many years and generations, saving both space and money in the long run.

Think Beyond the First Year

Babies outgrow clothes, toys, and certain furniture quickly. Choose versatile items that adapt to your baby’s changing needs. A convertible cot bed is an excellent example, but the same principle can apply to other items as well, like high-quality strollers or car seats that grow with your child. Opting for products made with sustainable, quality materials ensures they can withstand everyday use and last beyond the infant stage.

Stick to the Basics

Avoid buying too many outfits, toys, or gadgets. Babies outgrow clothes rapidly, and you can always add more as needed. Focus on creating a functional space with essential, well-made pieces before adding extras. A solid wood dresser or a well-built convertible cot bed is more valuable than trendy items that might only be useful for a short period.

Setting Up a Nursery in a Small Space

If you’re working with a smaller space, don’t worry—babies need less room than you might think. A compact cot bed and a multifunctional dresser can fit comfortably into smaller areas while still giving you all the essentials.

Here are a few ways to make the most of your nursery space:

• Choose Dual-Purpose Furniture: A dresser that doubles as a changing station is a great way to save space. You can also get an over-cot changing station. 
• Opt for Vertical Storage: Use shelving or wall-mounted storage to maximise your space and keep essentials like nappies, wipes, and clothing within easy reach.
• Stay Organised: Use drawer organisers to keep baby clothes, burp cloths, and other small items tidy. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents clutter from taking over your limited space.

Taking Care of Yourself During Nesting

It’s easy to get caught up in the preparations, but don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. Preparing for a baby is exciting, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Here are a few tips to keep yourself grounded:

• Pace Yourself: You don’t have to do everything at once. Break down tasks into smaller steps and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Be sure to buy the bigger items like cot beds well before the due date so you have time for a relaxing assembly. Remember, your baby won’t care if everything isn’t perfect right away.
• Ask for Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your partner, family, or friends for help. Whether it’s putting together furniture or organising baby clothes, having a support system can take a lot of pressure off.
• Take Breaks: It’s okay to take breaks and rest, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard.

Final Thoughts

Nesting can be a beautiful part of preparing for your baby, but it’s important to remember that you don’t need to overdo it. By focusing on a simple, functional setup and choosing quality over quantity, you can create a welcoming space for your baby without unnecessary stress. Remember, the most important thing your baby needs is you—so take care of yourself as you get ready for this new chapter of life.

If you're ready to start nesting, explore the full Gaia Baby collection at Natural Baby Shower.