With a new little one due to arrive sometime at the beginning of April, I know and understand that it is never to early to start thinking about how to prepare for the new baby.  With both Bear and Lion, I began thinking from the time I received that first positive pregnancy test about names, bedrooms and all the essentials that I would need in order to give them a good start in life.

So, I was thinking, why not chronicle my thoughts now, so that when time draws near for Baby #3 to arrive, I will not be running around trying to remember all the things that need to be done!  And what better place to write it all down than here, for any other expecting mom reader to get some great ideas herself?

All right then!  Without further adieu, here is my top 10 tips for prepping a nursery.

1.  Have a clear path to the dresser - In our house, we do a lot of room sharing.  This means that the toy room is also the bedroom which also houses the dresser!  And with children as young as I have, there are toys everywhere!  So, keep a clear path so you don’t trip.

2.  Make your choice early on either cloth or disposable diapers - This one is a hard one for me.  I made the switch to cloth with Bear when she was almost two, and ended up going back because the system didn’t suit me.  I am currently trying to choose what we will do with Baby #3, and at the moment we are thinking maybe a mix.  Either way, the sooner you make the choice, the more money it will save you in the long run.

3.  Every diaper is not the same – This goes along with the last tip.  Find the diaper that works for your child.  What worked for Bear didn’t work for Lion.  And, if I may make suggestion, check out Seventh Generations Free & Clear diapers.  They do not use the same harmful chemicals as other diapers do and are free of chlorine, latex, fragrances and petroleum-based lotions, which is better for baby and our environment.

4.  If there is a rash, check the diaper wipes – My sister in law was dealing with some raw bottom on my niece when she was first born.  She realized very quickly that some wipes can cause some weird reactions.  She had to change brands in order to find one that would keep her baby’s bottom fresh.  Here is another place to check out Seventh Generation and their Free & Clear wipes, which are soft like cloth wipes!  Without those harsh chemicals, they are sure to keep that bottom from being red!

5.  Hand sanitizer is your friend – As we head into cold and flu season, don’t be afraid to give people a squirt when they head towards your baby.  Or you could have a hand washing station set up in your home.  That or just tell them no touching!

6.  Have a good place to keep diaper changing supplies – This is vital.  With both kiddos, I had specific places I kept diapers in different rooms.  That way, no matter where I was, I had a place to change baby when needed.  They make really cute baskets for this too!

7.  Make sure the crib and other gear is safe – Be sure to check out the web for safety recalls.  This being said, don’t use big brother or sister’s hand me down crib if it has a drop side.  These have been outlawed!

8.  When it comes to baby bottom cream, buy a brand you can trust – Not that the generic brands are bad, but I can tell you from personal experience that is better just to pay more.  I mean, if the cream doesn’t stay put, it isn’t protecting the bottom!

9.  Have your own organization system – And then work your system!  If you have certain drawers for onesies, keep them there.  And if your system doesn’t work, find one that does!  It will save you a headache later.

10.  What is a tip you would add?  Please share it with me in the comments!  I need all the help I can get with this pregnancy brain of mine!

Dislaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.