People keep telling you it’s all snuggles and baby giggles, but deep down you know it’s going to involve a lot of nappies, sleepless nights, and wondering when you last had a shower. But try not to worry about that side of things, because the better prepared you are for it, the easier it will be (although it’s never a walk in the park in those early days), and to help you with that, here are a few things that will certainly save your sanity when baby comes along.

1. The Mighty Moses Basket

Forget fancy cribs that require an engineering degree to assemble. A good old Moses basket is the perfect spot for your baby to snooze (when they actually decide to sleep, of course). Lightweight, portable, and undeniably cute, it lets you keep the baby close without sacrificing your back. Plus, it makes you look like you’ve got this whole parenting thing down when visitors drop by. Pro tip: pick one with a comfy mattress—after all, your sleep depends on theirs.

2. A Changing Station (Because You’ll Be Using It Every 5 Minutes)

Newborns are like little poop machines, and having a designated changing station is a game-changer. Stock it with nappies, wipes, creams, and maybe a little hand sanitiser for yourself (because sometimes, well… let’s not get into it). If space is tight, grab a portable caddy you can lug around the house. Bonus: it’ll stop you from scrambling to find a nappy while holding a wriggly baby mid-change.

3. Bottles, Bottles, and More Bottles

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or somewhere in between, having a stash of bottles is essential. Get ones that are easy to clean because no one has the time (or the energy) to scrub tiny crevices at 3 a.m. Throw in a steriliser, and you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard, churning out pristine bottles faster than a conveyor belt.

4. A Bouncer or Swing (AKA: The Ultimate Distractor)

There will come a time when you desperately need two hands—whether it’s for making a cup of tea or googling “Why is my baby crying again?” Enter the bouncer or swing. Pop your little one in, let the gentle rocking motion work its magic, and enjoy a few precious moments of semi-freedom. Trust me, this thing will be your lifeline.

5. A Sling or Baby Carrier

Want to keep your baby close and still have the ability to answer emails, hoover the living room, or, you know, eat? A sling or baby carrier is the answer. It’s like a cuddle on the go, and babies love the closeness. Bonus: you’ll feel like some sort of superhero multitasking with a baby strapped to your chest.

6. A Stockpile of Snacks (For You, Not the Baby)

Let’s not forget the most important person here: YOU. Parenting is hungry work, and you’re going to need fuel. Keep snacks within arm’s reach at all times—granola bars, nuts, or even a cheeky stash of chocolate. No judgement here.

Parenting is chaos, but you know what? You’ve got this!